Sandra has been growing her own fava beans. They give her wonderful relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. We asked Sandra a series of questions about fave beans. Here are her answers:
1. How did you come to try fava beans as therapy for Parkinson’s disease?
I started searching books for possible natural treatments for Parkinson’s disease in January 2009. Came across a book “Green Pharmacy” by James A. Duke PhD. He spoke of favas for Parkinson’s disease & that started the ball rolling…lots of research and a search for seeds to plant. I am an organic gardener and am fascinated with herbs and natural medicine … so this was a new challenge for me.
2. Why are fava beans supposed to give relief from PD symptoms?
The whole aerial plant contains l-dopa. Especially, the immature green pods. Since it is a natural form of l-dopa, the body recognizes & utilizes it very efficiently. Part of this is because it is a whole food, not a synthetic, man made form … just God given.
3. How have fava beans helped you and your friend?
My friend takes a small amount of sinemet and a couple of beans at medication times. The favas are supplying most of her l-dopa. This seems to be giving her longer “on” times. Taking less sinemet seems to mean less withdrawal time from sinemet. She tries to take all of her sinemet before lunch time and then supplement in the afternoon with bean products dries bean chips/bean cookies/tincture, etc.
Personally, I am not on any pharmaceuticals for PD, and just taking a few drops of tincture when I feel PD symptoms coming on, is enough to let me get through the day symptom free.
4. Can everyone use fava beans?
No. Some people have a genetic condition called favism. People with favism have an deficiency that makes it very dangerous to use favas…consumption can be fatal. There is a simple blood test called a G6PD which detects if you have this condition and should not use fava beans. The test cost me $65. and was well worth it.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Vitamin C
(a.k.a, ascorbic acid; ascorbic is Latin for “without scurvy”)
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that promotes the growth and maintenance of bones, teeth, skin and red blood cells. It aids in the repair of tissues and the formation of collagen, plus it helps the body resist stress and infection. It increases the absorption of iron and calcium. Vitamin C is believed to prevent cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, fight allergies and asthma, aid symptoms of diabetes, prevent gallstones, prevent cancer, improve male fertility, prevent osteoporosis, and slow down the progress of Parkinson’s disease.
Natural Food Sources
Avocado, black currants, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, grapefruit, green pepper, guava, kale, lemon, lime, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pineapple, potato, rose hip, spinach, strawberry, tomato, watercress.
Recommended Daily Allowance
Men: 90 mg
Women: 75 mg
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that promotes the growth and maintenance of bones, teeth, skin and red blood cells. It aids in the repair of tissues and the formation of collagen, plus it helps the body resist stress and infection. It increases the absorption of iron and calcium. Vitamin C is believed to prevent cardiovascular disease, lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, fight allergies and asthma, aid symptoms of diabetes, prevent gallstones, prevent cancer, improve male fertility, prevent osteoporosis, and slow down the progress of Parkinson’s disease.
Natural Food Sources
Avocado, black currants, blueberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, grapefruit, green pepper, guava, kale, lemon, lime, mango, melon, orange, papaya, pineapple, potato, rose hip, spinach, strawberry, tomato, watercress.
Recommended Daily Allowance
Men: 90 mg
Women: 75 mg
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Monday, January 4, 2010
Coffee may have health benefits and may not pose health risks for many people
By Carolyn Butler
Of all the relationships in my life, by far the most on-again, off-again has been with coffee: From that initial, tentative dalliance in college to a serious commitment during my first real reporting job to breaking up altogether when I got pregnant, only to fail miserably at quitting my daily latte the second time I was expecting. More recently the relationship has turned into full-blown obsession and, ironically, I often fall asleep at night dreaming of the delicious, satisfying cup of joe that awaits, come morning.
While I love the mere ritual of drinking coffee, I have definitely come to rely on the caffeine to make me feel more alert, energetic and often just plain better, every single day. And yet because I don't like feeling dependent on anything, I occasionally wonder whether I should give it up for good, especially when I have a particularly jittery afternoon. Can something that tastes and feels this good not be bad for you?
Rest assured: Not only has current research shown that moderate coffee consumption isn't likely to hurt you, it may actually have significant health benefits. "Coffee is generally associated with a less health-conscious lifestyle -- people who don't sleep much, drink coffee, smoke, drink alcohol," explains Rob van Dam, an assistant professor in the departments of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that early studies failed to account for such issues and thus found a link between drinking coffee and such conditions as heart disease and cancer, a link that has contributed to java's lingering bad rep. "But as more studies have been conducted -- larger and better studies that controlled for healthy lifestyle issues -- the totality of efforts suggests that coffee is a good beverage choice."
Van Dam's research, for example, found no evidence that coffee consumption had any effect on mortality from any cause, including cardiovascular disease or cancer, even for people who drink up to six cups a day. He and his colleagues have also found that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. The latter is backed up by a study published this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine; it suggested that three to four cups of joe a day might reduce chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by roughly 25 percent.
And that's not all. Also this month, Harvard researchers unveiled new data suggesting that drinking coffee might lower men's chances of developing aggressive prostate cancer by up to 60 percent, with the highest benefits for those who down the most java.
Other studies have shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of a laundry list of ailments: stroke, Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, endometrial cancer, colon cancer and gallstones, for starters.
"The evidence is pretty clear," says Daniel Burnett, a preventive medicine and family physician in Bethesda, who notes that coffee intake can also improve mental performance and mood, decrease depressive symptoms and increase endurance and aerobic performance.
While caffeine is the star ingredient for sleep-deprived students, parents and worker bees, the fact is that in many of these studies, including the research on diabetes and prostate cancer, positive effects are similar for those who drink decaf as well.
"Most of the benefits associated with coffee are not attributed to caffeine," says van Dam, who explains that the beverage also contains antioxidants and quite a few vitamins and minerals. "We tend to focus on coffee as just a vehicle for caffeine, . . . but now we look in more detail, without bias, and see it also has hundreds of compounds that might have beneficial effects, similar to things we see in some vegetables, which makes all the [study results] seem more plausible."
Which is not to say the bean has no downside. Doctors cite risks such as miscarriage, fertility problems, anxiety and sleep issues, and warn that pregnant women and those with blood pressure problems, especially, should cut back or avoid it.
Others are more concerned about the potential for addiction. "My personal opinion on caffeine is that it's the most widely used psychoactive drug in world," says Daniel Evatt, a research fellow in the department of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He notes that many people become tolerant to immediate perks such as alertness and increased energy, and then go through withdrawal, with headaches, low energy and other symptoms, when they try to quit.
In addition, Evatt suggests that some longtime coffee drinkers may actually be immune to benefits and not know it: The tiredness they feel in the morning is really withdrawal-related, he says, and that single or double shot just helps them get back to normal functioning, without providing a real boost. "All these things tell us that this is a substance that people can become dependent on, in the way they become dependent on other drugs."
In particular, researchers worry about children and teenagers who gulp down coffee and such high-calorie cousins as frappuccinos, soda and especially the new wave of energy drinks. "They already have enough ups and downs with emotions as it is; when you add caffeine into the mix, it's a problem -- their bodies aren't as equipped to handle it," says Evatt, who expresses concern that energy drinks are regulated as supplements instead of soft drinks. As a result, there is no limit on how much caffeine they can contain, nor are they required to list stimulant content on their labels, even though it can be 300 milligrams or more in an eight-ounce can, compared with 80 to 100 mg or so in a cup of brewed coffee.
Given some of the downsides of caffeine, even coffee enthusiasts in the research field suggest that people monitor their consumption and recognize how they react to the stimulant, looking for troublesome signs including jitteriness, tremors and difficulty sleeping. (This is particularly important because studies have shown that different people metabolize caffeine in vastly different ways; that's why a Coke or cappuccino can leave one person bouncing off the walls while another can nap straight away.)
But those of us who tolerate our daily brew well can continue to happily caffeinate, within reason. "In terms of health risks, up to around six cups a day or so seems to be fine," says van Dam, noting that "cup" generally means eight to 10 ounces of black coffee -- not a venti mochaccino or the like, with added caffeine, sugar and calories. "I think coffee is on par with tea and water, and can be a healthy choice for most people."
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Of all the relationships in my life, by far the most on-again, off-again has been with coffee: From that initial, tentative dalliance in college to a serious commitment during my first real reporting job to breaking up altogether when I got pregnant, only to fail miserably at quitting my daily latte the second time I was expecting. More recently the relationship has turned into full-blown obsession and, ironically, I often fall asleep at night dreaming of the delicious, satisfying cup of joe that awaits, come morning.
While I love the mere ritual of drinking coffee, I have definitely come to rely on the caffeine to make me feel more alert, energetic and often just plain better, every single day. And yet because I don't like feeling dependent on anything, I occasionally wonder whether I should give it up for good, especially when I have a particularly jittery afternoon. Can something that tastes and feels this good not be bad for you?
Rest assured: Not only has current research shown that moderate coffee consumption isn't likely to hurt you, it may actually have significant health benefits. "Coffee is generally associated with a less health-conscious lifestyle -- people who don't sleep much, drink coffee, smoke, drink alcohol," explains Rob van Dam, an assistant professor in the departments of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health. He points out that early studies failed to account for such issues and thus found a link between drinking coffee and such conditions as heart disease and cancer, a link that has contributed to java's lingering bad rep. "But as more studies have been conducted -- larger and better studies that controlled for healthy lifestyle issues -- the totality of efforts suggests that coffee is a good beverage choice."
Van Dam's research, for example, found no evidence that coffee consumption had any effect on mortality from any cause, including cardiovascular disease or cancer, even for people who drink up to six cups a day. He and his colleagues have also found that drinking coffee is associated with a reduced risk of liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. The latter is backed up by a study published this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine; it suggested that three to four cups of joe a day might reduce chances of developing Type 2 diabetes by roughly 25 percent.
And that's not all. Also this month, Harvard researchers unveiled new data suggesting that drinking coffee might lower men's chances of developing aggressive prostate cancer by up to 60 percent, with the highest benefits for those who down the most java.
Other studies have shown that coffee consumption reduces the risk of a laundry list of ailments: stroke, Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, endometrial cancer, colon cancer and gallstones, for starters.
"The evidence is pretty clear," says Daniel Burnett, a preventive medicine and family physician in Bethesda, who notes that coffee intake can also improve mental performance and mood, decrease depressive symptoms and increase endurance and aerobic performance.
While caffeine is the star ingredient for sleep-deprived students, parents and worker bees, the fact is that in many of these studies, including the research on diabetes and prostate cancer, positive effects are similar for those who drink decaf as well.
"Most of the benefits associated with coffee are not attributed to caffeine," says van Dam, who explains that the beverage also contains antioxidants and quite a few vitamins and minerals. "We tend to focus on coffee as just a vehicle for caffeine, . . . but now we look in more detail, without bias, and see it also has hundreds of compounds that might have beneficial effects, similar to things we see in some vegetables, which makes all the [study results] seem more plausible."
Which is not to say the bean has no downside. Doctors cite risks such as miscarriage, fertility problems, anxiety and sleep issues, and warn that pregnant women and those with blood pressure problems, especially, should cut back or avoid it.
Others are more concerned about the potential for addiction. "My personal opinion on caffeine is that it's the most widely used psychoactive drug in world," says Daniel Evatt, a research fellow in the department of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He notes that many people become tolerant to immediate perks such as alertness and increased energy, and then go through withdrawal, with headaches, low energy and other symptoms, when they try to quit.
In addition, Evatt suggests that some longtime coffee drinkers may actually be immune to benefits and not know it: The tiredness they feel in the morning is really withdrawal-related, he says, and that single or double shot just helps them get back to normal functioning, without providing a real boost. "All these things tell us that this is a substance that people can become dependent on, in the way they become dependent on other drugs."
In particular, researchers worry about children and teenagers who gulp down coffee and such high-calorie cousins as frappuccinos, soda and especially the new wave of energy drinks. "They already have enough ups and downs with emotions as it is; when you add caffeine into the mix, it's a problem -- their bodies aren't as equipped to handle it," says Evatt, who expresses concern that energy drinks are regulated as supplements instead of soft drinks. As a result, there is no limit on how much caffeine they can contain, nor are they required to list stimulant content on their labels, even though it can be 300 milligrams or more in an eight-ounce can, compared with 80 to 100 mg or so in a cup of brewed coffee.
Given some of the downsides of caffeine, even coffee enthusiasts in the research field suggest that people monitor their consumption and recognize how they react to the stimulant, looking for troublesome signs including jitteriness, tremors and difficulty sleeping. (This is particularly important because studies have shown that different people metabolize caffeine in vastly different ways; that's why a Coke or cappuccino can leave one person bouncing off the walls while another can nap straight away.)
But those of us who tolerate our daily brew well can continue to happily caffeinate, within reason. "In terms of health risks, up to around six cups a day or so seems to be fine," says van Dam, noting that "cup" generally means eight to 10 ounces of black coffee -- not a venti mochaccino or the like, with added caffeine, sugar and calories. "I think coffee is on par with tea and water, and can be a healthy choice for most people."
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Sunday, December 27, 2009
New Book - Eat well, Stay well with Parkinson’s Disease
"Eat well, stay well with Parkinson's disease" was written by a registered dietitian with a broad base of experience counseling patients with Parkinson's. The manual provides easy to understand explanations and useful tips for managing a number of nutrition-related problems experienced by patients with Parkinson's. Complete with recipes, snack ideas and menus for the "7:1 ratio" eating plan, "Eat well, stay well" is destined to become the "nutrition bible" for patients with Parkinson's." -- Mary Harris, PhD, RD Associate Professor and Dietetic Program Director Colorado State University
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Detox Diets
It is very important to regularly cleanse the body by a fast of some kind, especially in this modern age, when so many people die of cancer and other degenerative disease. These diseases can be cured by different diets which are really types of cleansing diets to help the body eliminate the toxins which are causing the disease.
In the case of treating cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or even conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing diets are adapted to become maintenance diets. These diets give maximum nutrition to sustain the body and build the immune system so that it can stave off the disease. At the same time, the cleansing diet maximises the elimination process so that toxins are expelled quickly from the body. Enemas are an important part of the treatment if you have a serious disease like cancer. These are also very helpful if you undertake a simple cleansing diet such as one of these given below, especially if your body is in a toxic state and/or you have never folowed a cleansing diet before.
If don’t want to use an enema, you could visit a colonic clinic. They will rinse out the bowel for you. Colonic cleansing by a professional is not cheap, but it is well worth the money to have most of the poisons washed away. It really gives you a new lease on life. If you opt for this, then I recommend going to the clinic on the third day of your fast or cleansing diet.
If cleansing diets are new to you, then it is best that you do your chosen diet for just one day to begin with, especially if you are not going to use an enema. This is because you will be carrying poisons in the body which have been building up over a lifetime. The sudden release of these toxins from the liver and other organs, into the intestines and into the bloodstream, can make you feel sick, and this is why elimination is quickened by the use of an enema in treating disease or even when following a cleansing diet.
Three days is a fairly standard time for a cleansing diet, but you can build up to this by doing your cleanse in steps: Of course, if you have a serious disease, then you will need to follow a maintenance diet over a long period of time until you recover. Details of maintenance diets will follow this post on ‘Detox Diets’. Also look at my posts on ‘Ridding the Body of Cancer’ and ‘Preventing Cancer” for information regarding maintenance diets.
A DETOX DIET-TO START WITH: Follow the chosen method for one day to begin with. This will be, for instance, one day on the grape diet. Then eat fairly normally for two or three days, but omit dairy foods, sugar and wheat including bread. Then do two days in a row on the diet. Then two or three days again on the no-dairy, no-sugar, no-wheat diet. Then do three days at a stretch back on the cleansing diet.
There are numerous different ways in which you can cleanse the body of toxins. Here are a few easy-to-follow cleansing diets with which you can experiment. There are enough to choose from so that you may never get bored by following just one approach. See which one you might find easiest to tackle.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
In the case of treating cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or even conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, cleansing diets are adapted to become maintenance diets. These diets give maximum nutrition to sustain the body and build the immune system so that it can stave off the disease. At the same time, the cleansing diet maximises the elimination process so that toxins are expelled quickly from the body. Enemas are an important part of the treatment if you have a serious disease like cancer. These are also very helpful if you undertake a simple cleansing diet such as one of these given below, especially if your body is in a toxic state and/or you have never folowed a cleansing diet before.
If don’t want to use an enema, you could visit a colonic clinic. They will rinse out the bowel for you. Colonic cleansing by a professional is not cheap, but it is well worth the money to have most of the poisons washed away. It really gives you a new lease on life. If you opt for this, then I recommend going to the clinic on the third day of your fast or cleansing diet.
If cleansing diets are new to you, then it is best that you do your chosen diet for just one day to begin with, especially if you are not going to use an enema. This is because you will be carrying poisons in the body which have been building up over a lifetime. The sudden release of these toxins from the liver and other organs, into the intestines and into the bloodstream, can make you feel sick, and this is why elimination is quickened by the use of an enema in treating disease or even when following a cleansing diet.
Three days is a fairly standard time for a cleansing diet, but you can build up to this by doing your cleanse in steps: Of course, if you have a serious disease, then you will need to follow a maintenance diet over a long period of time until you recover. Details of maintenance diets will follow this post on ‘Detox Diets’. Also look at my posts on ‘Ridding the Body of Cancer’ and ‘Preventing Cancer” for information regarding maintenance diets.
A DETOX DIET-TO START WITH: Follow the chosen method for one day to begin with. This will be, for instance, one day on the grape diet. Then eat fairly normally for two or three days, but omit dairy foods, sugar and wheat including bread. Then do two days in a row on the diet. Then two or three days again on the no-dairy, no-sugar, no-wheat diet. Then do three days at a stretch back on the cleansing diet.
There are numerous different ways in which you can cleanse the body of toxins. Here are a few easy-to-follow cleansing diets with which you can experiment. There are enough to choose from so that you may never get bored by following just one approach. See which one you might find easiest to tackle.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Oral Antioxidant Supplements Improve Health and Prevent Disease
The cellular breakdown and oxidation of cells due to free radical damage can lead to many types of diseases, premature aging, and many other harmful health conditions. Protecting the human body, inside and out, with antioxidants like vitamin E is a pro-active way to combat future cellular damage.
How Vitamin E Helps
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals in the body that attack cells to cause tissue and cellular damage (Lifeclinic). For optimum benefits to the skin, vitamin E should be applied topically in a lotion or cream. It can absorb effectively into the skin and provide many anti-aging benefits. Internally, vitamin E works best as a supplement or found naturally in foods.
Lots of natural fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin E (Lifeclinic), including:
•wheat germ
•vegetable oil and margarine
•avocado
•whole grain products
•egg yolk
•nuts
•liver
•peanut butter
How Much is Enough
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it is stored in the fat tissues of the body for a period of several days to six months (Lifeclinic). Too much of a fat-soluble nutrient can become stored in the liver, leading to some health problems, so it's best to regulate how much vitamin E is being taken in. Mega-doses will lead to toxicity.
Only small amounts of vitamin E, like any vitamin, are required to get the job done. "Eating a normal diet of foods rich in (vitamin E) won't cause a problem" (Lifeclinic). Refrigerating fresh produce will help maintain high levels of vitamin E within; vitamin supplements should be stored at room temperature for best effectiveness.
Women need about eight milligrams per day and men need 10 milligrams per day included in their diet.
Benefits to the Body
When taken orally, vitamin E has been shown to increase and regulate the body's levels of vitamin A as well as boosting the immune system. It promotes good blood circulation and can prevent the formation of blood clots, especially in people with diabetes (Healthy Skin).
A daily vitamin E intake has been linked to the following benefits for the body (Healthy Skin):
•menstrual pain
•low sperm count
•inflammation of eye tissues
•cataracts
•restless leg syndrome
•relief from muscle cramps
•Alzheimer's disease
•Parkinson's disease
•rheumatoid arthritis
•asthma
•diabetes complication (possibly treating and preventing diabetes itself)
•cardiovascular disease
•prostate cancer
•breast cancer
Too little vitamin E, though rare, can lead to nausea and digestive tract problems, so it's best to make sure to maintain a healthy diet rich with fruits and vegetables each day.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
How Vitamin E Helps
Vitamin E neutralizes free radicals in the body that attack cells to cause tissue and cellular damage (Lifeclinic). For optimum benefits to the skin, vitamin E should be applied topically in a lotion or cream. It can absorb effectively into the skin and provide many anti-aging benefits. Internally, vitamin E works best as a supplement or found naturally in foods.
Lots of natural fruits and vegetables contain Vitamin E (Lifeclinic), including:
•wheat germ
•vegetable oil and margarine
•avocado
•whole grain products
•egg yolk
•nuts
•liver
•peanut butter
How Much is Enough
Vitamin E is fat-soluble, which means that it is stored in the fat tissues of the body for a period of several days to six months (Lifeclinic). Too much of a fat-soluble nutrient can become stored in the liver, leading to some health problems, so it's best to regulate how much vitamin E is being taken in. Mega-doses will lead to toxicity.
Only small amounts of vitamin E, like any vitamin, are required to get the job done. "Eating a normal diet of foods rich in (vitamin E) won't cause a problem" (Lifeclinic). Refrigerating fresh produce will help maintain high levels of vitamin E within; vitamin supplements should be stored at room temperature for best effectiveness.
Women need about eight milligrams per day and men need 10 milligrams per day included in their diet.
Benefits to the Body
When taken orally, vitamin E has been shown to increase and regulate the body's levels of vitamin A as well as boosting the immune system. It promotes good blood circulation and can prevent the formation of blood clots, especially in people with diabetes (Healthy Skin).
A daily vitamin E intake has been linked to the following benefits for the body (Healthy Skin):
•menstrual pain
•low sperm count
•inflammation of eye tissues
•cataracts
•restless leg syndrome
•relief from muscle cramps
•Alzheimer's disease
•Parkinson's disease
•rheumatoid arthritis
•asthma
•diabetes complication (possibly treating and preventing diabetes itself)
•cardiovascular disease
•prostate cancer
•breast cancer
Too little vitamin E, though rare, can lead to nausea and digestive tract problems, so it's best to make sure to maintain a healthy diet rich with fruits and vegetables each day.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
Monday, November 23, 2009
Vitamin D 3: Dynamo Defender of Disease
Vitamin D is a very complex substance. For more than half a century vitamin D was thought only to mineralize bones. But recent studies indicate that it does much more:
•Regulates calcium in all cells (especially brain cells)
•Protects the immune system
•Regulates cell growth and cell death
•Provides antioxidant and antiviral benefits
Since foods contain very little vitamin D, the body’s major source is from that manufactured in the deeper layers of the skin. Food, even fortified milk, is a poor source of vitamin D-3. This leaves sun exposure and vitamin D-3 supplements as the two most important sources. Many forms of commercial vitamin D supplements are not the active form.
When you buy vitamin D supplements, make sure they are vitamin D-3!
Vitamin D-3 and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is another neurodegenerative disease of aging that is strongly related to chronic brain inflammation, but different parts of the brain are involved than in Alzheimer’s disease.
This means that your best protection against developing neurodegenerative diseases is to take vitamin D-3 in higher doses than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) every day to attain maximum protection.
What Are Recommended Doses?
Recommended levels of supplemental vitamin D have recently been shown to be far too low at 200 to 400 IU a day. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that safety concerns with vitamin D toxicity are grossly exaggerated and that the daily dose should be 2,000 IU a day.
Recent reviews by health “experts” have revised the recommended doses for vitamin D from 400 IU to 2,000 IU a day, a dramatic five-fold increase. Daily doses of 10,000 IU or less have been shown to produce no complications. For daily maintenance in otherwise healthy people, 2,000 IU a day appears to be adequate. For those with autoimmune diseases, cancer or viral illnesses, higher doses may be needed — doses as high as 5,000 IU a day.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
•Regulates calcium in all cells (especially brain cells)
•Protects the immune system
•Regulates cell growth and cell death
•Provides antioxidant and antiviral benefits
Since foods contain very little vitamin D, the body’s major source is from that manufactured in the deeper layers of the skin. Food, even fortified milk, is a poor source of vitamin D-3. This leaves sun exposure and vitamin D-3 supplements as the two most important sources. Many forms of commercial vitamin D supplements are not the active form.
When you buy vitamin D supplements, make sure they are vitamin D-3!
Vitamin D-3 and Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is another neurodegenerative disease of aging that is strongly related to chronic brain inflammation, but different parts of the brain are involved than in Alzheimer’s disease.
This means that your best protection against developing neurodegenerative diseases is to take vitamin D-3 in higher doses than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) every day to attain maximum protection.
What Are Recommended Doses?
Recommended levels of supplemental vitamin D have recently been shown to be far too low at 200 to 400 IU a day. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that safety concerns with vitamin D toxicity are grossly exaggerated and that the daily dose should be 2,000 IU a day.
Recent reviews by health “experts” have revised the recommended doses for vitamin D from 400 IU to 2,000 IU a day, a dramatic five-fold increase. Daily doses of 10,000 IU or less have been shown to produce no complications. For daily maintenance in otherwise healthy people, 2,000 IU a day appears to be adequate. For those with autoimmune diseases, cancer or viral illnesses, higher doses may be needed — doses as high as 5,000 IU a day.
For more information go to www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org
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