Hooray! I just released my new book Language of Recovery.The book offers specific guidance about the words that facilitate recovery and those that impede it. It is a companion to Five Steps to Recovery.
I continue to be amazed at how we all have such crafty ways of sabotaging our best of intentions. I hope reading the book will be as helpful to you as writing has been to me.
Dr. Kristen Allott, a naturopath doctor and Acupuncturist from Dynamic Paths, specializes in non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety and depression relief as well as addictions and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Her passion is to empower persons to reclaim their health
What do you do when you wake up at 3 am and cannot sleep? What tools can you use to address anxiety, depression and fatigue? Listen to the show and discover all of Dr. Allott secrets for restoring balance and health the natural way.
Below is Dr. Kristen Allott’s handout for how to achieve anxiety and depression relief by optimizing your brain health. The handout provides excellent guidelines that make it possible to achieve depression relief and reduce anxiety by eating small amounts of protein throughout the day.
Below is Dr. Allott’s overview for how the right nutrition for anxiety and pain relief that offers welcome relief from depression.
Please consult with your doctor before changing your diet.
Healthy Protein Sources
Legumes Nuts
Firm Tofu 1/2 c 20 g Nuts 1/4 c 8 g
Tofu 1/2 c 10 g Seeds 2 T 3 g
Tempeh 1/2 c 16 g Nut butter 2 T 8 g
Lentils 1/2 c 9 g Seed butter 2 T 5 g
Refried beans 1/2 c 8 g Milk Products
Whole beans 1/2 c 7 g Cottage cheese (LF) 1/2 c 12 g
Gardenburger 1 patty 11 g High Protein Yogurt 1/2 c 8-9 g
Seed Grains Not Milk or cheese
Quinea 1/2 c 11 g Eggs
Barley 1/2 c 10 g Egg, whole 1 7 g
Dark rye flour 1/2 c 9 g
Millet 1/2 c 4 g
Oats 1/2 c 3 g Note: Egg yolks contain nutrients that
are excellent for mental health.
Brown rice 1/2 c 3 g
White rice 1/2 c 3 g
Dairy Substitutes Protein powder 1 T 9-15 g
Soy milk 1 c 6 g Yogurt (LF) 1 c 8-14 g
Soy cheese 1 oz 4-7 g Wild fish 3 oz 21 g
Soy yogurt 1 c 6 g
Chicken, Turkey, Beef, Pork 3 oz 21 g
Protein for Mental Health
Small frequent meals with protein help the brain synthesize dopamine and serotonin and stabilize blood glucose to help you feel better. Be sure to also eat vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
How much protein should I eat?
The quick calculation for your target protein intake is 8 grams of protein for every 20 lbs of body weight, or one-third of your caloric intake is protein. Most people feel better when they eat at least 20 grams in the morning, 20 grams in the afternoon and 20 grams in the evening. The maximum amount of protein per day is 120 grams.
Your Weight (lbs) Target Grams protein Acceptable Range Protein
100 40 36-45
120 48 43-54
140 56 50-63
160 64 57-72
180 72 64-81
200 80 71-90
Portion control
Here are some visual clues to help you keep servings to the proper size:
3 oz of any meat= a deck of playing cards
½ c cooked grain = a small fist
1 oz cheese = a thumb
1 oz nuts = a golf ball
1 T nut butter or nuts = a silver dollar or a walnut
Benefits of eating enough protein
Less fatigue, particularly in the afternoons
Better sleep
More energy
Hungry less often
Better and more stable moods
Higher metabolism from having more muscle mass
Lizard Brain Treat
1/4 cup of fruit juice
1/4 cup of nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts)
Use the Lizard Brain Treat for anxiety and depression relief when you are …
Anxious, irritated, or agitated.
Anticipating something that makes you anxious, irritated and/or agitated.
Not hungry after waking in the morning. Try having nuts and juice on your bed stand and consume the treat prior to getting out of bed
Hungry, having gone too long (more than 4 hours) without eating
Having 3 AM committee meeting: waking at 3 AM and being sure that sleep will not come for 2 hours.
Three Day of Ridiculous Amounts of Protein: Protein Every Three Hours
7 AM Breakfast: (14 grams of protein) within an hour of waking
Two eggs, 1 piece of toast, one apple or pear
10AM Snack: (6-7 grams of protein)
1/4 cup of nuts: almonds, peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts
Or 1/4 cup cottage cheese
Or 2 TBS of nut butter-peanut, almond, and/or cashew
12 to 1PM Lunch: (21 grams of protein) meat the size of a deck of cards
This can be a sandwich, wrap, salad, or soup.
Plus 1 cup of veggies or 1 cup of whole real grain-brown rice, quinoa, and bulgur
Be sure that there is a little veggie fat– avocado, nut oil and/or olive oil.
3 pm Snack: (6-7 grams of protein)
1/4 cup of nuts-almonds, peanuts, cashews, and hazelnuts
Or 1/4 cup cottage cheese
Or 2 TBS of nut butter-peanut, almond, and/or cashew
6 PM Dinner: (21 grams of protein) meat the size of a deck of cards
This can be a sandwich, wrap, salad, or soup.
Plus 1 cup of veggies or 1 cup of whole real grain-brown rice, quinoa, and/or bulgur
Be sure that there is a little veggie fat– avocado, nut oil and/or olive oil.
What follows is an email I received from Linda, a reader of the Parkinsons Recovery blog where I addressed the question – what is the key to recovery? My suggestion was quite simple. I suggested it was helpful to simply forget about the fact you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As you will read below. Linda found that suggestion helpful.
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Thank you so much for sharing your insights into the key to recovery. It will be very helpful, I am sure. In my case, and at this time in my life, and with the kind of PD condition that I have, what you are saying is what I believe to be true as well.
Just forgetting about this condition, not giving it power, being as positive, and getting on with my life works for me. And (touch wood) I am going into my 13th year, diagnosed in 1998 (some symptoms before that) of having symptoms of PD. I do realize that every PD case is different, and that my case may be quite simple compared to that of others. I can only report from where I am in this condition.
When I travel from BC to visit family and friends in Ontario, they ask me how I am doing with Parkinson’s. I just say I really do not give it much thought. And other than my most noticeable symptom, a tremor being obvious at times, some folks do not even ask.
A new couple who moved into my building six months ago, said that they heard that I hadPD and if it were true? Here again I could have built a real sympathetic case around this situation, because they looked so sad when they asked me. However, I said, yes, I do have symptoms of PD but I am OK. Putting a positive spin on my response helps me and also gives PD less power.
I just returned from my yearly visit to my neurologist at U of BC. He says that I am doing very well. He said to keep on doing whatever it is that I am doing, and did not prescribe any more drugs nor increase my dosages.
I take Axilect, the drug touted as “one that slows the progression of PD “. I also take 100 mg of Sinemet 5x a day, a surprisingly low dosage. So meds at this time are “helping” for sure.
My goal for the future, although a big one, is to heal myself of this condition. I have a good feeling about being successful in attaining this goal. I plan to follow the procedure or recipe of those who have been successful in doing so.
Until then, I will continue to be active, lead a healthy lifestyle, stay involved in life, keep a positive attitude and push faithfully forward to the day when I will experience complete recovery.
Thank you for passing on your very important message, about the Power and Results of being Positive, to your readers. It is the key to recovery.
One approach for reversing symptoms of Parkinsons is to provide boosts of dopamine whether through natural dopamine supplements or through prescription medications. Most people are familiar with prescription medications such as Sinemet that rely on this approach. Prescription medications work beautifully for some people. Others cannot tolerate the side effects. Fermented Papaya for Parkinsons is a natural option that works beautifully for Aunt Bean.
Aunt Bean explains in this video how fermented papaya is one among other natural dopamine supplements which has helped enormously with providing relief from the troubling symptoms of Parkinsons disease she has experienced.
Below Aunt Bean provides a detailed demonstrated of how she prepares the fermented papaya that offers her welcome relief from her own symptoms.
Why Fermented Papaya for Parkinsons Helps
Antioxidant Properties: Fermented papaya is rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, which have been shown to neutralize harmful free radicals. Since oxidative stress plays a role in the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in Parkinson’s disease, these antioxidants help protect brain cells from damage.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chronic inflammation in the brain is another key factor in Parkinson’s progression. The compounds found in fermented papaya have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and supporting brain health.
Enhancing Dopaminergic Function: Some studies find that fermented papaya helps improve dopamine levels or the function of dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is depleted in Parkinson’s disease.,
Gut Health: There’s growing recognition of the importance of gut health in neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. The fermentation process can increase the bioavailability of beneficial compounds and may support the gut microbiome, which has been linked to brain health through the gut-brain axis.
I have had micrographia for the past 2 yrs, tremors since Nov 2011, just diagnosed with Parkinson’s last month and am 43 years old. I work as a nurse and find myself extremely frustrated that I can not just write what I want with ease and quickness while on my job. I also drop my pen easily out of my hand. Unfortunately, the side that is affected is my dominant side. Any suggestions on recovery back to the “old” me as far as quickness and handwriting goes? I don’t see how I can keep in this profession if I can’t keep up with the pace. I’m extremely embarrassed by my symptoms because as I feel pressure from coworkers or patients to be quicker, my symptoms flare up. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Liz
I believe that our body is always communicating with us and attempting to convey a message we are not able to understand any other way. Clearly, your body is slowing you down with the challenge of Micrographia. The question for you to consider is why?
Why not have a conversation with your hand to see what is up. Ask your hand a series of questions about Micrographia and see what comes up.
Why are you forcing me to slow down?
What is up here? You worked so well for so long – and now this.
How about asking your body some even larger questions:
Am I doing the work that gives me inner pleasure?
Am I doing the nursing work that gives me joy and rewards beyond measure?
Am I doing in my life what I always dreamed of doing?
Is there another type of nursing that I should be doing?
Is there another type of work that I should be pursuing other than nursing?
I am just suggesting here that perhaps you are not doing the work that you need to be doing (which could mean a different type of nursing or even a different type of work entirely).In short why is Micrographia slowing you down?
I am well aware that this is not the response you probably expected, but if I have learned anything in the six years of continuous research on ways to reverse Parkinson’s symptoms, it is that the major role player in provoking symptoms is stress. Clearly – stress is smacking you in the face every minute of your work day. If you are doing what you love to do, stress dissolves like a snowball in the sunshine.
As for practical suggestions – the first is to use your intention to become mindful of each and every moment. It may take a few minutes to write the notes in the medical charts, but if you do this mindfully (without feeling as though you are being rushed by anyone – including yourself) stress will not pop out and your ability to write will be sustained. I am guessing that you are creating most of the stress here – not others.
The second suggestion I have for you to consider is to give your body time to heal. It sounds like you want an immediate fix to the problem. Give your body a little time to come back into balance. The fix will not be immediate.
The third suggestion is to consider diet as a solution. The problem you outline above may be created by a variety of factors – for example, the presence of tetanus infection or myelin sheaths (the fatty tissue that insulates the nerves) which have become emaciated. Such causes can be addressed through a healthy diet.
The fourth suggestion is to visit the Parkinsons Recovery Fava Bean website. Aunt Bean has invented some fascinating home made remedies for helping your body produce dopamine that you might find to be of interest. As a nurse, I am confident you are well aware of the prescription medicines that are available. As a researcher, I am not qualified to address which of these might be suitable to address your concerns,
May you be inspired with learning more about what your own body has to say about you current challenges. I can assure you that you can always trust your body to know what is best.
I’m afflicted w/ PD since 2006, I’m 46 years of age. I’ve searching for ways & means to heal myself of PD. I’m taking Sinemet & Requip right now but I’m still regressing. I’ve tried many traditional & alternative healing for PD but nothing works. A friend suggested using Opal or Amethyst crystals in healing my PD. Can opal or amethyst help in curing my PD.
Thanks!
Willy
Over the past six years of research I have marveled at the many and varied options that are helping people get relief from the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. I have not heard any specific reports on these two particular crystals, but to be sure, crystals emit healing frequencies. Why not experiment and see what helps?
I also note that you use the word “cure.” The people who are recovering are using a variety of approaches to control stress as well as release toxins, trauma and bacterial infections. The factors that cause neurological difficulties are truly multi-faceted. A wide variety of approaches are typically required to bring the body back into balance.
What helps one person may not necessarily help another. You have to figure out what is best for your own body. There is only one of you in the world.
Does anyone with Parkinsons experience enhanced symptoms when using a computer or a cell phone. I often experience enhanced tremor and I am wondering if it is purely stress related or something more insidious, especially given the increasing evidence of links to health problems from overuse of cell phones.
Maree
Response:
Yes indeed. I have heard many reports from individuals who can not even get near a computer due to heightened electromagnetic sensitivity. You are not alone!
How about it out there? Who else experiences enhanced tremors when using a computer?
In some of the research I have been doing I discovered that there is a connection between agent orange and Parkinsonism. When we were at the last symposium, I think that I asked the question whether any of the Parkinsons patients grew up on farms or came into contact with insecticides and pesticides. Now I would include the question to include if any of these folks served in southeast Asia between 1961 and 1967.
After living with this condition for over 11 years, I have learned:
a) Not to blame every health misstep on Parkinson’s. In fact, now I look at every other reason first.
b) Not to think I am deteriorating or the PD is getting “worse”. It just is what it is. I don’t believe in giving it too much power.
c) Not to believe everything a Dr tells me.
d) To follow my own path, when something feels good or right to me regardless of the opinion of others.
e) That laughter, singing and dancing are beneficial in the treatment of this condition.
f) To respect everyone’s right to do what they think is best for them. They are usually right.
g) To be positive (for the most part), there already are cures in the form of homeopathy, a stroke, I once heard of someone who had a back operation and as a side benefit, was cured of PD.
h) That being aware and proactive in my treatment is a must.
i) To be gracious in receiving. (This is a hard one to learn)
j) I dislike being called a “Parky”. I am a person. If you label me, you negate me. (that’s from Konrad Lorenz).
k) I don’t have a disease (the visual of which is something that’s eating away at me). I have a condition, as the Chinese Medicine Doctors put it.
Below is a replay of my interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with Master Mingtong Gu who discused qigong for Parkinsons and is the founder of The Chi Center located in Sonoma County, California. The center offers online and in-person courses, workshops, events and retreats in Wisdom Healing Qigong.
Master Mingtong Gu, founder of The Chi Center has helped his students in their Parkinson’s recovery and explains how the practice can help you. Master Gu trained in Wisdom Healing Qigong at the largest Qigong medicine-less hospital in China.
Qigong for Parkinsons
Wisdom Healing Qigong is the form of medical Qigong that matches ancient movements, meditation and sounds to fit modern medical conditions. Qigong for Parkinsons is very beneficial. It reconnects the mind and the body— helping the mind focus, the brain build neural connections, the body move, the heart find joy.
Neuroscience is now able to map the changes in the brain from a practice like Qigong. Master Gu offers online courses so that people of all ages with challenging health conditions can practice anywhere. He leads the only North American WHQ Retreats modeled on China’s successful program, offering 5-30 day intensive practice for chronic and acute conditions, including Parkinson’s. The Chi Center is located in Sonoma County CA. www.chicenter.com
Master Gu trained with Grandmasters in China and Tibet, including Grandmaster Ming Pang, the founder of Wisdom Healing Qigong. He is the author of the Pure Qi Online Courses and the books Wisdom Healing Qigong and Sound Healing Technologies. He was recognized by the 13th World Congress on Qigong and Traditional Chinese Medicine with Qigong Master of the Year award.
I use carbidopa/levodopa daily and have for about 4 years. I’ve tried with out the medication for about 2 weeks on two separate occasions recently. Unfortunately I was shocked at how difficult all movement was without it. But I’m concerned. Does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery? Any data on this?
Pat
The challenge with taking medication is that over time, a higher dosage is needed to achieve the same benefit. Eventually, increases in dosage have no added impact and begin making matters worse. It is not that the medications make the situation worse. It is just that they stop offering the benefit originally intended by you and your doctor.
As in your case, let me stress that users can celebrate symptom relief and are able to function again. It helps you feel better now. The trick is to begin exploring the cause of your symptoms and begin with therapies that address them. For example, if toxins are a cause, being a detox program in close consultation with your doctor.
My research reveals that it is not advisable to stop taking any prescription medication – to go “cold turkey.” The side effects of withdrawal can be troublesome.
If you decide to reduce the medication after consulting with your doctor it is critical to do so slowly and gradually. Compounding pharmacists are an ideal resource who can help you reduce the dosage very gradually so that the reduction does not trigger strong side effects.
A number of persons have reported that medications have helped them get back on their feet so that they could begin doing what is required to reverse the symptoms. Once other options are found that address the causes of your symptoms, many people find they do not need to take as much medication and some have been successful with weaning off of them completely. This of course is a slow process that needs to be pursued mindfully.
In the end, when it comes to the question of – does Carbidopa/Levodopa hamper recovery- it is a question of balance. There are a multitude of therapeutic options that are helping people reverse their symptoms. Once options in addition to the medication are identified and found to facilitate a reversal of symptoms, most people find it is possible to begin reducing their medication dosage very gradually in close consultation with their doctor and their compounding pharmacist.
Writing for my partner, H, 55, who was diagnosed with PD about 6 yrs ago. Went on Sinemet last Sept when his body went rigid. I “re-met” him in October and immediately began researching alternatives.
H asked me to move in last Jan to assist with his care. Since then, we have both turned our eating and exercise habits around 360*, his esp from the comfort of a steady diet of Coke, cookies and pizza to Dr. Wahl’s suggestions, tons of greens and veggies, no sugar/no wheat/little dairy.
Exercise has increased to nearly daily walks, up to 4 mi, though it requires all his concentration to keep his right foot from dragging.
Body work — foot holding and gentle massage, Bowen as best I can understand it from books (no local practitioner).
All of this seemed to have a positive effect on his symptoms, several weeks with many good tremor-free days, mood elevated and better sleep until a few days ago when his tremors became suddenly more violent and muscles knotted again. The massage gives him relief from the tremors for a few hours.
Is it possible that the 4 Sinemet he’s been taking daily might now be causing the same symptoms they were supposed to help?
Nancy
Response:
I extracted the following information on side effects for Sinemet, a Parkinson’s medication, from www.drugs.com which is quoted below. There is quite a bit more information on the website you may also want to study.
“Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Sinemet”
“Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry stools; blood in vomit; chest pain; confusion; depression; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes; muscle pain or unusual stiffness; new or increased involuntary movements; severe abdominal pain; severe light headedness or fainting; sore throat; thoughts of suicide; unexplained fever or sweating; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or painful movements or spasms of the face, eyelids, mouth, tongue, arms, hands, or legs; vision changes (blurred or double vision); yellowing of the skin or eyes.”
“Nervous system effects occur in as many as 50% of treated patients on long-term therapy and include involuntary movements and mental status changes most frequently. The types of involuntary movements due to levodopa have been characterized as choreiform, dystonic and dyskinetic. Fluctuations in motor function occur frequently and often increase as the duration of therapy increases.”
“This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.”
My reading of the above side effects suggests that the answer to your question is yes – it is possible that the medication might be causing the same symptoms they were developed to help. Of course we do not know whether this is happening in your partner’s case.
The reason the FDA is involved in regulating prescription medications is to insure that the side effects are well documented. As you will be able to see from a review of the side effects that are reported in the drugs.com website, the documentation on possible outcomes is exhaustive.
It is important to keep in mind that everyone’s body is different. There will be a wide variety of reactions to any medication – some good and some adverse. My research reveals that Sinemet does provide relief for some people, but for other people it can cause side effects that can be worse than the symptoms they were supposed to address. This is really not that different from using any prescription medication regardless of the reason for its use.
It would be a good idea at this point to get a follow-up consultation with your doctor who will be in a position to evaluate what is really happening here and possibly suggest alternative courses of treatment.
I have had “diagnosed” Parkinson’s for about 5 years. I have been on Sinemet for about one year. I have had trouble keeping weight on. In fact I have lost about 13 pounds, probably due to the fact that I have had little appetite since starting to use Sinemet.
Also, I often get “stomach aches” after eating and have to lie down. I can’t pinpoint any particular food that causes this distress. Have you come across this situation in your very many conversations with people who have Parkinson?
Thank you so much for your help.
Sydelle
Response:
Everyone responds differently to medications. Each body is uniquely configured. That is what makes each person so very special.
Sinemet is certainly at the top of the list in terms of preferred medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s and it has been shown to help many people. My research reveals it is not necessarily a good solution for everyone.
You ask if I have come across a situation similar to yours in my research. Yes, some people are unable to tolerate Sinemet. It would be very advisable to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing with your neurologist as soon as possible. They are the experts on prescription medications that can be taken to address the various symptoms of Parkinsons.
And, of course they are the individuals who are qualified and trained to help you solve this problem. Neurologists attended school for years to learn how to help people just like you who have experienced the side effects of medications.
Since the appetite and digestive issues began after starting the medication, my guess is that these symptoms are likely due to the medication. Your doctor could determine this for certain.
The FDA does a good job of identifying and publicizing all possible side effects from medications. Below is a short list of side effects from Sinemet which I extracted from a search on the internet. It is a good idea to do your own search as well:
Side effects of Sinemet May Be Reasons for Little Appetite Since Starting to Use Sinemet
Exacerbation of preexisting ulcer disease with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding has been reported.
Gastrointestinal side effects including nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse gastrointestinal effects of levodopa. Anorexia and, rarely, gastrointestinal hemorrhage have been reported.
As you can see – the symptoms you currently experience are contained in the listing of some possible side effects. Your doctor is the best resource to solve this problem.
My research has revealed that some people supplement their prescription medications with natural sources of dopamine. One such source is discussed on the fava bean website:
Aunt Bean describes in detail preparation of a fava bean tincture that makes it possible for a suppression of her Parkinsons symptoms. –
In summary, it appears as though your body is telling you that this particular treatment option may not be the best for your body. Discuss the problem with your doctor and explore other options with their assistance. If you decide to begin making a natural source of dopamine as Aunt Bean does, you will need to work very closely with your doctor. While fava beans and Mucuna are natural sources of dopamine, they are still medications which will influence the effectiveness of whatever other medications you may decide to take after consulting with your doctor.
I am in the first stage of Parkinson’s disease, but lately I have excruciating pain on both shoulders. The neurologist said it is not the disease. I am wondering if it is arthritis or what
Eva
Clearly, the pain on both shoulders is creating a significant challenge at this time regardless of whatever name that might be attached to it. I think it helps to acknowledge your body is sending out a signal that something is out of balance and merits a little tender loving care.
I think it is wise to let the doctors apply labels to what is happening which is necessary for them to prescribe medications. That is what they are trained to do.
Do people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons experience excruciating pain too? Yes, some clearly do and it is one of their primary symptoms. To acknowledge this, I invite you to click on the category to the right of this blog entitled “Pain” and you will see a number of other people have written in with a similar question. Of course, you will also see the responses I have formulated, which in general suggest a number of approaches that have been successful for other people.
There are other options that can be entertained which involve delving into the underling cause of pain on both shoulders. For example, consider the possibility you are taking on too much responsibility on your shoulders. That would certainly create the pain that you describe above. Once you have some idea of the underlying cause of the pain – you can pursue therapies that are well equipped to address the problem.
Know that there are many options available. You are invited to read some of the other discussion on pain here by clicking on the category pain to the right. Keep scrolling down – this post will be at the top once you click on the category to the right.
I recently started taking NOW brand Mucuna (120mg LDopa) along with my 1/2 Sinemet tablet in 4-hour intervals. Its been only 3 weeks, but I can feel the Mucuna working, even with the Sinemet dosage halved! I also ordered ZANDOPA from India. Can you comment on these 2 products?
Thanks.
Javier
It is wonderful to hear that the source of mucuna (which is a natural source of dopamine) which you have discovered seems to be helping significantly. Hooray! From interviews I have done with herbalists, there are few, if any, commercial sources of high quality Mucuna that are available.
Andrew Bentley, a herbalist who was featured in the 2009 edition of Pioneers of Recovery, reports that he does not prescribe Mucuna for his patients because he is unable to find a supply that is reliable. What he looks for is Mucuna that is grown in the wild which he has been unable to find anywhere in the world.
I have even had calls from some people who report that their supply of Mucuna had been working beautifully for them until they received a re- shipment – which fizzled. As you can see, reports are scattered all over the place.
I do not have any recommendations for a reliable source of Mucuna for these reasons. If sounds like your source may be a goldmine. I hope it continues to be useful.
A companion source of dopamine can be derived from fava bean plants. Aunt Bean offers instructions on how to make their own dopamine at home from the sprouts of fava beans (or the tips if you have a garden). Her homemade tincture offers wonderful relief from her own symptoms of Parkinsons. Claim a free handbook that describes how to make the tincture on the Parkinsons Recovery Fava bean website: https://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com
I do not have any specific information about the medicine you ordered from India, though I am certain it would depend on the specific source.
I wrote a plea in my newsletter for help in changing the false belief that Parkinson’s Disease is “degenerative.” What follows is one of the many responses I received. Brad gave me permission to post the statement that follows. His theme is – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease. Be prepared to be inspired.
Why is it we “fight” cancer, but we must “accept” Parkinson’s Disease? I never accepted anything, that is why I continue to work, exercise, live normally, etc. Mostly I ignore my Parkinsons Disease. I skip my drugs whenever possible. I am too busy to be bothered with degeneration.
It has not made me very popular with the medical establishment. Parkinsons Disease is exceedingly psychologically and emotionally sensitive. When our mind is preoccupied with growth, involvement, concentration (“recovery” mode), our symptoms abate. When we are upset, angry, anxious (“degeneration” mode) our symptoms are exacerbated.
As most athletes and artists know, in order to accomplish something, we must first “visualize” the possibility.If we do not believe something is possible, it will never be so. If we believe, anything is possible.
When my symptoms caused me to lose my ability to bicycle ride at a high level of performance, I fought back and reversed those symptoms. Last fall, my girlfriend and I rode six or seven difficult “century” rides (100 miles in one day), including one back to back days for the first time.
I still have Parkinson’s Disease, but I can do anything I choose to do by simply deciding to let nothing stand in my way. Simple put – I Ignore My Parkinson’s Disease
I have your book and have spent some time on your website, but so far I have not seen any reference to possible relief provided through chiropractic therapy. Does Chiropractic Therapy Offer Relief from Parkinsons
I recently met an upper cervical chiropractic specialist who claims to have helped many people with Parkinsons reduce or eliminate their requirement for medication. Of course, he wants me to sign up for a year of treatment which is quite costly and no guarantee of results. I had to stop working a year and a half ago, so the cost is really only affordable if it would enable me to go back to work.
I have requested a list of references from people he has helped, but while I am waiting I thought I would ask you if you have heard of this. I would greatly appreciate any information or insights you can offer.
Thanks,
Bob
First, you can review a rich discussion on this blog about chiropractic treatments as they address symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. Click on the category to the right entitled Chiropractic Treatments.
Second, I have not found chiropractic treatments to be high on the list for people with symptoms of Parkinsons. Some people report that the adjustments are too invasive, creating problems rather than solving them. Of course, the treatments depend greatly on the chiropractor. There are many approaches that are used.
Third, I want to offer a reaction to the requirement you would have to sign up for a year of treatments. Why a year? Why not six months or one month or one week? I do not understand how anyone would understand your body well enough to know that it would take a year for results to be seen.
Fourth, I note that the promise is to reduce medications. What about symptoms? The idea of pursuing options is to see sustained relief from symptoms. It seems to me you are not getting much return for your money if the only benefit is a reduction in medications without any resultant impact on symptoms.
Fifth, if cost is an issue – I suggest you investigate many of the free treatment options that are readily available and are helping people recover. It is surprising how many free things you can do that will make a huge difference (e.g.: exercise, eat live food, etc.)
Sixth, it may come as a surprise, but I have found most options result in some benefit. Isn’t that interesting? The reality is, however, that some options will be far more beneficial than others. You just have to discover which ones will help you the most. Have you really considered some of the other options? There are so many that are helping people.
Seventh, notice that I used the word options which is plural. From my research, it is rare for a person to have a sustained reversal of symptoms without using multiple approaches. More than one approach/therapy/treatment is usually necessary. In your question, you are relying on only one treatment to do the trick so to speak. I do not care what the treatment is, it is likely that using only one will disappoint.
I have heard positive reports about a spine stretch that is treated with special equipment by a chiropractor. You might ask your chiropractor about whether he would recommend this therapy for you.
Finally, you ask me Does Chiropractic therapy offer relief from Parkinsons? Your chirprator is confident which is one piece of the puzzle. I have offered my two cents worth which does not offer a yes or a no.
Why not ask your own body? It will give you the answer you need. Muscle test it! I honestly do not know if this would be a good option for you or not but your body does know the answer.
Below is an email I have permission to post anonymously regarding transforming the false belief that Parkinson’s is degenerative. It is all about Transforming Beliefs about Parkinsons Disease.
This posting is anonymous for a very smart reason. The person does not want to be thought of as someone who has a “disease.”
I do believe that we can change the belief template, as you say. I am doing this every day with my qigong practice, walking, reading, talking about changing the information that my mind receives, being in the chi field of possibilities. And it is hard work sometimes.
When symptoms change or strange new sensations show up, it’s so hard not to go into fear and dread. Mostly the qigong practice gives me tools with which to hold all this. And most of the time I can say this is just my mind thinking thoughts that are not the reality. And most of the time I am really happy and optimistic about reversing my symptoms.
I am very lucky in the three years since diagnosis they have barely progressed, mainly tremors and some lack of dexterity in my right hand. But some days the tremors feel more frequent or stronger, I’ll be tired a lot, and I wonder is it getting worse? How to not always think about it is the question, because it is visible when the tremors are happening. I find that taking a vigorous walk always makes me feel better, and when I’m not too tired the qigong practice is magical too.
Thanks again for your excellent vision and work. Count me in as someone intending to change the paradigm for healing.We work together transforming beliefs about Parkinsons disease
HI Robert: I very much appreciate your case study approach to Parkinsons research to identify relief and even occasional cures.I have Parkinson’s Disease and I am an engineer/scientist. I am concerned that some of those who havefound cures or relief from their symptoms may not have actually had PD. As you know, PDis very difficult to diagnose correctly and is frequently misdiagnosed. Some PD symptoms are caused by other conditions.
Do you screen your success cases for the following two criteria: diagnosed by a movement disorder neurologist and (2) has a positive response to dopamine replacement. If the success stories meet this standard, then I personally believe you have a true success.
Please don’t get me wrong. I am 100% on your side and I have read your first book and found a lot of uplifting and good ideas in the book. I want nothing more than to find a cure for my PD. By the way, I submitted a saliva sample to 23andMe and even though I have PD I have no genetic markers for PD. This would suggest something in my environment was the cause.
Keep up the good work.
Larry
I am approaching my research with Parkinsons in a way very differently than has been my standard approach in my previous research contributions. Previously I would have set up in the beginning a long string of data fields for each person I have interviewed (and there are many). I would have ask each person this long list of questions – you identify several good ones above – and coded them into the data set. I of course would also have interviewed people without Parkinsons as “controls” and asked them the same questions.
When I had a sample size of 500 or so, I would have begun to crunch the numbers and provided a wide variety of statistical analyses. This approach succeeds in getting published in the best of journals.
It does not succeed in helping us understand the complexities of the causes of neurological symptoms associated with Parkinsons. I decided if I was ever going to make a contribution to the world of science I had to step out of the box I had crammed myself into for 20 years and approach the research in a different way.
My new approach has yielded incredible insights into what is really happening with people who currently experience neurological challenges. These insights have come from interviewing people with symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s who have stories to tell about what helps and what does not help. In science, the approach is known as “grounded research” which is a fancy word for case study research.
My former research – which was very quantitative – is viewed as much more prestigious at universities than the less admired and valued case study research approach. It is also usually much easier to publish. I succeeded with the quantitative approach and was generously rewarded with tenure and promotions to full professor.
The lesson I have learned from adopting the quantitative approach is that the quantitative approach yields few insights and fewer discoveries. I have concluded there is wisdom and great value in the case study approach.
I also believe it has been useful from a research perspective to step away from the “box” of having been diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. I defer to the medical doctors to follow down that pathway. They have the qualifications and training to diagnose. Only with a diagnosis can they prescribe the medications.
As you point out, many people are misdiagnosed because there is no definitive test for Parkinsons to begin with. This is no fault of the doctors since there is no definitive test for Parkinsons. For my research, it does not help to start with a diagnosis since so many are wrong.
For example, if my sample is confined to people who have a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a surprising proportion would actually wind up having Lyme disease. My potential sample of case study subjects is not confined only to people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease by a medical doctor. But in actuality, most if not all of my interview subjects have been diagnosed with PD.
What helps is simply to acknowledge the symptoms a person is experiencing which are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The focus is then placed on the symptoms rather than a label of Parkinson’s Disease. When we begin to focus on symptoms, we jump out of a box of constrained and preconceived notions about Parkinson’s. The door is open to endless possibilities.
We are discovering that the causes of neurological problems associated with the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease include a long list of contributing factors. If people can determine which factors are relevant to their situation, they can find a therapy or treatment that can help resolve whatever symptoms are being experienced.
Nearly a year ago, I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease at the age of 27. While it definitely came as a shock to me, I haven’t let it define the person that I am. My father was diagnosed with PD when he was 51 (which is still considered young) and I sadly watched Parkinson’s completely take over his life. The smallest things such as walking and even talking have become difficult for him.
I was wondering, because I am diagnosed at such a young age, will I become as symptomatic as my father by my 40’s?
David
My answer may come as somewhat of a surprise to you. Your future state of health and wellness is primarily a function of what you think will happen. More specifically, do you think in your heart, mind and soul that you will suffer the same fate as your father? If you do, then you will.
If on the other hand, you hold the belief that your body can heal itself and that the symptoms your currently experience are an indication that something is out of balance in your body, then you will search for answers and find them.
You want to know what happens to people who have also been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s. The outcomes split into those who believe their fate is sealed – they get gradually worse – and those who know healing is possible – they get better. At the foundation of all healing are our thought forms.
The pessimistic thoughts have low frequencies which impede healing. The optimistic thoughts have high frequencies which facilitate healing. In the end, the engine that drives what happens to you lies in your moment to moment thoughts about what is possible to manifest. I have written about the impact of thoughts on healing for Parkinson’s in Five Steps to Recovery.