Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Author: manabunnow4zph (Page 31 of 37)

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Sharry Edwards has identified a shocking connection between Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and symptoms of Parkinsons that she personally experienced. Sharry has given me permission to post her full research article here.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Study finds Link between Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
and Current Health Care Crisis

by Sharry Edwards, MEd, Director
Institute of BioAcoustic Biology

The August 14th, 2010 issue of Science News, Separating wheat from chaff in celiac disease, reported that a research team led by gastroenterologist Robert Anderson of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Parkville, Australia, had identified specific triggers (gluten sensitivities) associated with celiac disease.

Since our research efforts often evaluate clients who exhibit gluten sensitivity and a myriad of associated diseases, it was imperative that this important information be added to our software databases. I translated the three proteins into BioAcoustic bio-frequency (biomarkers)* and was immediately inundated with an avalanche of novel data showing that the metabolic pathways influenced by these proteins were linked to nearly all systems of the human body; causing immune distortion, acute cellular inflammation and disruptions in cell communication.

The article listed three proteins, w-5 gliadin (wheat), g-3 hordein (barley) and g secalins (rye) that were implicated in the production of the specific anti-gliadin antibody reactions. These proteins, which have been proven to be responsible for allergic reactions, are associated with grain glutens from which they are derived.

Patient records indicated the grains involved are clones developed in a laboratory by Monsanto, a multinational agricultural biotech conglomerate. This would confirm that the present day epidemic of gluten sensitivities/allergies stem from laboratory created grains. These gluten-distorted, allergy causing grain clones are being used to create foods that we eat everyday; bread, cereals, crackers, pastry, seasonings, even some packaged chip products contain wheat. As I developed the BioAcoustic correlations I was aghast with the realization of how thoroughly our health is being negatively influenced by these genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Further investigation revealed that the cloned genes contained two substitutions that distorted the way the body processes two sulfur rich amino acids: proline and glutamine. Disturbances in these amino acids substitutions result in the impedance of the methylation of these two essential nutrients.

BioAcoustically Speaking, Glutamine distortions seem to be the most destructive. The enzyme required to utilize glutamine is glutamate decarboxylase (GAD). Glutamate is a key molecule in cellular metabolism and the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in a vertebrate nervous system.

In mammals, GAD exists in two isoforms encoded by two different genes – Gad1 and Gad2. GAD1 and GAD2 are expressed in the brain where GABA is used as a neurotransmitter; GAD2 is also expressed in the pancreas. This led to an evaluation of the GAD genomes and what happens when these genes are activated:

Glutamate decarboxylase aka glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) is an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation (part of the process of breaking down for use by the body) of glutamate to GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) and CO2.

GABA is a natural tranquilizer and an important inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neuron activity and the bodys nanosensors. Starting with the GAD enzyme response and moving toward GABA in conjunction with the active form of B6 (PLP), the nanotransmitters of the body are created and regulated. The movement of electrical energy and hence magnetic potential within the body are controlled by these nanotransmitters.

GAD uses PLP (pyridoxal 50-phosphate) as a cofactor. PLP was granted a patent by the US government patent office to the Canadian company, Medicure. PLP is now under the control of the pharmaceutical industry and its lack is often associated with blood clotting distortions, migraines, neural disorders and seizures.

Nanotransmitters produced in conjunction with GAD metabolism show direct associations with a multitude of diseases: diabetes, autism, arthritis, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, joint pain and deterioration, auditory disorders, Celiac Disease, Crohns, Irritable Bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders, aspartame sensitivity, MSG reactions, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, depression, seizures, brain signaling, the use of calcitonin (cancer related), histidine function (seasonal allergies), cellular inflammation and vaccination reactions.

Of particular importance is GADs involvement with cancer via Calcitonin, a 32 amino-acid peptide/hormone that participates in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. BioAcoustically Speaking, calcitonin is a major player in the role of how the body handles any cancer threat.

Parkinsons is an incurable, debilitating disease that also shows GAD involvement. The activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), the enzyme involved in formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was studied in autopsy brain samples from six Parkinson’s patients and 13 controls. The activity of GAD was significantly reduced in brain samples of patients with Parkinsons disease, being about 50 percent of that in controls. Moreover, levodopa treatment showed a tendency to increase the activity of GAD. The results suggest the involvement of GABA neurons in Parkinsons disease.

A search of the GAD literature stated that acetylcholine, γ-aminobutyric acid, dopamine, calcitonin gene-related peptides, choline acetyltransferase and enkephalins are involved with the metabolism of GAD. It would be important to include these biochemicals when testing subjects for GAD presence and methylation.

Glutamate is the same Frequency Equivalent* as aspartame and is part of MSG (mono-sodium glutamate). James Oschman in his publication, Energy Medicine, states that cells emit frequency-based signals as a request for needed biochemicals to gather at the site where they are needed. Since Glutamate and Aspartame are the same frequency, this may explain why Aspartame has been implicated in so many muscle and joint disorders.

These observations are based on the mathematical matrix of BioAcoustic Biology developed over the last twenty years by the Sound Health Research Center located in Albany, Ohio, USA. The system allows for the evaluation of any item associated with the body in terms of numeric mathways. Sharry Edwards, the recognized pioneer of this emerging technology states, I expect this information will be the impetus that opens the world to the potential of BioAcoustic Biology and the hope of allowing access to Self Health care; even after the appearance of a disease process

From the original Science News article:

Three protein fragments are looking like the guilty parties in celiac disease, an intestinal ailment that affects as many as one in 133 people in the United States. These partial proteins, or peptides, are the part of gluten in wheat, rye and barley that triggers the immune systems of celiac patients, damaging the small intestine. An Australian research team reports the new findings in the July 21 Science Translational Medicine.

This is an impressive and very comprehensive study, says immunologist Ludvig Sollid of the University of Oslo. The authors find that most celiac patients make a response to these three gluten peptides.

Are producers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)  aware of the damage to health that is being caused? Why are GMO producers and the US government boldly attempting to prevent package warnings that would notify people that they were eating GMO products? Is it greed, ignorance or a misguided attempt to improve our food supply that is in fact poisoning our food, our population, and our genetic pool? Is this assault on our food supply intentionally creating a future that will keep us ill and medication dependent?

Sharry Edwards
https://www.soundhealthoptions.com

 

Parkinsons Disease Treatment Options

Angela Wensley was a guest on my radio show discussing Parkinsons disease treatment options.

Angela wrote a thorough update describing the treatment options she has pursued. Her update is posted below.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

This update is intended not only for my friends and family, but also for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that you may know who has a diagnosis of PD as they may find some of the information helpful. I was diagnosed with the symptoms of PD in May 2007, over 3 1/2 years ago at age 59. At the time of diagnosis, I was informed that not only was the cause unknown (“idiopathic”), but also that it was irreversible and progressive. Initially, I questioned the diagnosis but any doubts were resolved when I traveled to Los Angeles in September 2007 for a PET scan that confirmed (in medical-speak) that there was: moderately decreased dopamine accumulation into the posterior putamen on the left side of my brain, consistent with PD. Since then, I have come to accept the diagnosis as my symptoms have become rather “classic”. In particular, I have tremours in my right hand and these have become increasingly worse as the years have progressed.

The progression of my PD symptoms has not been linear, but instead I experience it in waves with definite peaks and valleys. The symptoms can be pronounced for a number of days interspaced by days of calm where I am almost symptom-free. Over time, however, the general trend has been a gradual progression downward (probably corresponding to dopamine depletion in the part of my brain responsible for motor activities) with the valleys becoming more savage and the peaks becoming shorter. In addition, there can be variations in my tremours during the day. When I am relaxed, I have no tremours. When under stress, or excitement, or cold, the tremours become more pronounced.

The worst situation is “White Coat Syndrome” whenever I visit a medical doctor or a neurologist. On those occasions, my tremours are effectively out of control. Other PD symptoms such as impaired arm swing, problems with gait, problems with balance, and constipation are so far in the mild category. Besides tremour, the other most bothersome PD symptom for me has been “micrographia.” As I can no longer move the fingers on my right hand, my ability to write has decreased to the point where I have ceased keeping a daily journal, something that I had been doing since the 1980s. Also, typing has become difficult and slow. Luckily, Dragon voice-activated software has come to my rescue and I now dictate most of my communications (such as this update).

I plot the progression of my PD every three months using the Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (PDRS) from 0 to 100 on the website www.PatientsLikeMe.com where my patient name is “Dawn Angel”. My current rating is 7. It has been as high as 14. My human tendency is to self-evaluate when I’m feeling good so it is possible that my PDRS is higher at some times.

So far, I have avoided taking any of the Parkinson’s medications (with a brief exception of one month after I was first diagnosed when I took Mirapex, a dopamine agonist that for me had dreadful side effects). To me, the PD medications are a last resort. Since they will only provide a certain number of years of effectiveness it seems reasonable to forestall taking them until it is absolutely necessary, that is, when having the symptoms is no longer preferable to the side effects of the meds. I have been able to work for three years post diagnosis but I’m at the point where it may not be possible to continue working as a freelance consulting engineer. I haven’t had any jobs since June 2010, so it is difficult to say if it is time for me to retire.

Parkinsons Disease Treatment Options

I am fortunate to have two outstanding neurologists on my side, Andrew Wolfenden and Jon Stoessl, although I only see them once a year. Stoessl is the director of the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre. I see him at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. With Western medicine offering only drugs that mask the symptoms of PD and unable to otherwise treat the condition, it is inevitable that a person diagnosed with PD will seek out alternative forms of medicine

Ideally, a person diagnosed with PD should have a team of practitioners, including at least one neurologist, their GP, a naturopath, a physiotherapist, an herbalist, a massage therapist, a personal trainer, a psychotherapist, and others. The reality, however, is that no “team” really exists. My personal trainer may know my chiropractor, and my naturopath may have met my neurologist, but this is not team behaviour. The cold truth is that each patient is pretty well left to their own devices. So one must be proactive and become better informed, often more so then their practitioners. We are the keepers of the complete story.

There are many very good publications on PD available in book form. Some that I have found to be exceptional are:

1. Jill Marjama-Lyons and Mary J. Shomon, “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson’s Disease,” Warner Books (2003).

2. Gretchen Garie, Michael J. Church, and Winnifred Conkling, “Living Well With Parkinson’s Disease,” Collins (2007).

3. David A. Grimes, “Parkinson’s: Everything You Need to Know,” Firefly Books (2004).

4. Geoffrey Leader and Lucille Leader, “Parkinson’s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs,” Denor Press (2009).

5. Laurie K. Mischley, “Natural Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease,” Coffeetown Press (2010).

6. Abraham Lieberman, “100 Questions and Answers about Parkinson’s Disease,” Jones and Bartlett (2003).

7. David H. Anderson, “How to Tame Parkinson’s by Keeping Fit,” Authorhouse (2005).

8. John Ball, “Living Well, Running Hard,” Authorhouse (2005).

9. Arthur W. Curren, “Dumb Bells and Dopamine,” Authorhouse (2006).

Downloadable books from the Internet include:

1. John C. Coleman, “Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’: Reversing the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease,” available for a fee from www.returntostillness.com.au

2. Robert Rodgers, “Road to Recovery from Parkinson’s Disease,” available for a fee from www.parkinsonsdisease.me

There are almost unlimited resources available on the Internet. By far the best PD website is www.PatientsLikeMe.com that has over 5000 members with PD.

My “Dawn Angel” profile there has been browsed over 7000 times at the time of writing this update.

PD PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

The various measures I have taken in my attempts to slow the progression of PD are listed below in approximate order of effectiveness (my perception). The regimen I am on is constantly changing but the overall goal remains the same: to feel as good as I can.

1. Exercise.

2. Physiotherapy

3. Neuroprotective supplements

3. Diet

4. Chelation

5. Brain therapies

Exercise

The initial diagnosis of PD scared me so much that I decided I had to get into the best possible physical shape to be able to combat the progression of PD. I also engaged a personal trainer, Julie Beenham, to keep me honest. I have seen Julie since June 2007 and would consider our sessions the single most effective measure I have taken against my PD. Within a few months, I had dropped over 40 pounds through a regimen that included running every morning for 5 miles (running for my life) plus extensive workouts in the gym in the afternoon in addition to my sessions with Julie. While my initial reasoning was correct in terms of my being better prepared to withstand the ravages of the disease, I have since found out that intense physical exercise can also have neuroprotective benefits. All the more reason to keep it up. I counsel other people with PD to start exercising and keep at it even when they don’t feel like it.

My exercise regimen has varied significantly over the years, particularly with the seasons, but exercise still remains the most effective method I have found for relief from the symptoms of PD. I have also had to accommodate changes to my body thanks to Mr. Parkinson. For example, I have nearly-constant pain in my right hip that now prevents me from running or from using certain equipment in the gym. When I find I can no longer do one thing (use an elliptical training machine) I do whatever I can to keep that it. A “toe crest” helped keep the toes on my right foot from curling under; I still use toe sleeves to prevent the formation of corns. When these measures weren’t enough I found something else that I could use: a stationary bicycle. I will continue with this practical approach as long as I am able. Whenever possible, I indulge in two of my favourite sports, tennis and kickboxing. Not bad for someone who’s 63 years old!

Gym

Currently, my gym workouts consist of roughly 30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight training, and 30 minutes of stretching. As mentioned above, the cardio originally was done on an elliptical machine but now I use an upright bicycle. Weights involved a number of machines but also free weights (dumbbells). I have found that stretching is an important component of any exercise regimen and worth the time taken for it.

Personal trainer

I see my personal trainer Julie twice a week for one hour each time. In our ever varying routine, she has me attempt a number of balance exercises. I can balance on my left leg very well but balance on my right leg is problematic. Standing on a wobble board is possible but is becoming an increasing challenge for me. We do part of each session with my eyes closed which seems to be helpful. Each session ends with stretching, the best part!

Tennis

I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury made it impossible for me to raise my right arm (I am right-handed) out to the side and overhead. Little did I know that a “frozen shoulder” is often a sign of PD. In 2008, on the advice of a friend who had seen an amputee play tennis again after switching to his left arm, I resumed playing tennis as a lefty. When my right arm finally came around in 2009, I morphed into an ambidextrous player with both right and left handed forehands. We bought a condo in a tennis community in Delray Beach, Florida that we visit twice a year for a month each time and were I can indulge my tennis habit. Back home in the relatively cold Northwest I see a tennis coach on a weekly basis and play indoors during the winter.

When I play tennis, my PD symptoms also take a vacation although videos show that I am clearly compensating for any impaired movement. Nonetheless, my footwork is good as is my ability to run and make shots from either side of the court. Why this is so is not really clear to me. Perhaps doing something that one really loves is conducive to generating dopamine, the neurotransmitter in short supply in the brains of people with PD. I suspect that it has something to do with the repetitive nature of the game and the delightful sense of vibration when the ball is well struck. For this reason, I prefer “tennis therapy” with a coach feeding me shots, to actually playing a game. I have noticed that on those rare occasions where I summon up extra energy through adrenaline (which consumes dopamine) I pay for it later in terms of a short-lived exacerbation of my PD symptoms. The trick is to learn how to stay relaxed while playing the game.

Kickboxing

It was Julie my personal trainer who introduced me to kickboxing. The kickboxing I do is not in the ring (!) but rather with a partner holding pads or in a gym with a kickboxing circuit. In the summer I am able to set up a punching bag outdoors in the carport but most of the time I now go to “30 Minute Hit”, a local kickboxing circuit. There is something about the contact and the vibrations from the punches that help calm the symptoms of PD. Besides, it just feels good to hit someone! There is clearly some adrenaline production involved with kickboxing as my tremours are usually set off for several minutes after I complete the circuit.

Physiotherapy

Since my diagnosis with PD, I have seen a number of physiotherapists. I am relatively good at following orders and did whatever exercises they recommended, with satisfactory outcomes. Initially, my focus was to regain the use of my right arm. More recently, I have been addressing the progressive effects of PD on my body.

Prolotherapy

As mentioned above, I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury. After my diagnosis with PD in 2007, I worked very hard on regaining the function of my right shoulder. I underwent two months of prolotherapy from a naturopath where dextrose was injected into my tendons (hurt like hell) to promote improved blood supply and healing. In this regard, the prolotherapy was very effective, although I still had to follow up with more than a year of intense physiotherapy. There is still some residual pain in my right shoulder and a tendency for the femur to sit outside of its socket, but for all intents and purposes I have regained a full range of motion. I continue to receive physiotherapy on my right shoulder.

Intramuscular stimulation

In 2009, I began to see Dan Sivertson, a physiotherapist who practices “Intramuscular Stimulation” (IMS), a therapy developed in Vancouver BCwww.istop.org/. IMS is a form of “scientific acupuncture” where the needles are inserted into the problem area such as tight or shortened muscles, without application of electric current (I have little time for non-scientific or traditional acupuncture that relies on mythical meridians to determine where the needles should be placed.). The results of IMS have been amazing and muscles that I thought had been irrevocably tightened have loosened up. There has also been a significant reduction in pain, especially in my right hip. IMS must be considered as part of a complete physiotherapy package that includes myofascial release and massage.

Currently, Dan and I are working on improving my posture. One of the progressive features of PD is the gradual tightening of muscles that progressively cause a stooped posture. With weekly sessions of physiotherapy and daily posture exercises we are keeping the ravages of PD to a minimum at least as they affect my posture and mobility.

Chiropractic

While some people regard chiropractic as a pseudoscience, my experience has been that it is very effective for treating lower back pain. I have had lower back pain for at least 30 years, well before my diagnosis with PD. Whenever I put my back “out” I see a chiropractor as soon as possible and usually a few adjustments set me right. In the past, I used to go for physiotherapy and it took over a month to get any benefit. Chiropractic is faster and more effective than physiotherapy for relief of lower back pain, in my opinion. In addition to chiropractic, exercises to strengthen my “core” help me to recover quickly from recurring back injuries.

Myofascial release

Deep tissue massage is another form of physiotherapy that I have found to be beneficial for PD. In 2010, I had a package of 10 sessions of Hellerwork. Over a couple of months, my Hellerworker Melissa Patton accessed and massaged all accessible fascia of my body. Despite the intensity of the bodywork, the sessions were soothing and felt heavenly.

Air splint

I am currently experimenting with an inflatable splint of the kind used for retraining of stroke patients by immobilizing spastic limbs. The splint is used to straighten my right arm and eliminate the crook in the elbow. I use it three times a day for 10 minutes at a time. It feels good to have my arm straightened.

Minimal contact therapies

There are a couple of therapies that have reportedly had good effect on people with PD. One of these is Bowen Therapy. I have had several sessions of Bowen and found them very relaxing but did not experience any lasting effects. I did, however, find that osteopathy was effective. I have seen in osteopath in New Zealand on a few occasions when I was working there and found his techniques to be effective in reducing lower back pain as well as being very relaxing. If there was a local osteopath, he or she would be in my “team” of caregivers.

Neuroprotective supplements

Neuroprotective supplements are also referred to as “anti-aging” supplements or “mitochondrial enhancing agents” and are taken in addition to the conventional antioxidants (such as vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E, and selenium). Most of these supplements are taken orally; the very powerful antioxidant glutathione must be taken intravenously. While I am normally very skeptical of practices that come across as pseudoscience, I can appreciate the rationale for taking supplements that could protect the brain.

The first neuroprotective supplement I began taking (in 2007) was co-enzyme Q-10 after I read that a small clinical trial had revealed that it slowed the progression of PD. Subsequent, larger, studies have not found any beneficial effect on PD but I was willing to go with at least the chance of a good result. I have since learned that the ubiquinol form of co-enzyme Q-10 is superior to (and more expensive) the ubiquinone form.

In 2008, I chanced upon “The Better Brain Book by neurologist David Perlmutter http://renegadeneurologist.com. The book contains a chapter on maintaining brain function using antioxidants and other compounds that facilitate the functioning of existing neurotransmitters. The protocol recommended by Perlmutter for PD patients is more extensive than that recommended for normal people who simply wish to improve their brain function.

I am currently taking the following neuroprotective supplements:

Alpha lipoic acid* (time-release) 1200 mg per day.

N-acetyl cysteine* 600 mg per day.

Phosphatidylcholine 420 mg per day.

Phosphatidylserine* 100 mg per day.

Acetyl l-carnitine* 500 mg per day.

Co-enzyme Q-10* (ubiquinol) 600 mg per day.

NADH 5 mg per day.

DHA + EPA (omega-3*) 660 mg +330 mg two times per day.

Glutathione* (intravenous) 2500 mg per week.

* Recommended by David Perlmutter.

The glutathione IVs are administered by my ND, Caleb Ng. The protocol is that recommended by David Perlmutter. By the way, there is a video with David Perlmutter showing the near-miraculous effects of glutathione injections on people with PD https://www.glutathioneexperts.com/benefits-glutathione.html that to me seems to be a startling example of the “placebo effect.” I have never experienced anything even remotely resembling the improvement rapidly shown by the people in the video but again, my PD symptoms are not as advanced as those shown in the video. If glutathione has any effect on my symptoms, I believe that glutathione has produced a small (1-2) decrease in my PDRS.

In addition to the special mitochondrial enhancing supplements, I take vitamin C in both in time-release form and also as mixed ascorbates (total 4800 mg vitamin C per day), vitamin D drops (4000 IU per day), selenium drops (260 mcg per day), and zinc drops (30 mg per day) and others. I have my blood work checked regularly and have near-ideal results (all parameters within reference ranges). For years my cholesterol was chronically high and required meds for regulation; now it is excellent (high HDL and low LDL) without meds. Also, I used to be on meds for high blood pressure; now my blood pressure is close to ideal (typically 110/65) and I no longer take meds.

Although it is difficult to say whether all of these supplements are having any effect on my PD, I figure that at least I am extending my life!

Diet

The first alteration to my diet was to eat mostly organic foods to minimize the amount of pesticides that I was incidentally ingesting. Pesticides have been implicated with PD in some cases so I was not about to take the chance that my PD was unrelated to pesticides. I also began eating more fish and less red meat. In 2009, I heard about Donnie Yance, an herbalist in Ashland, Oregon, who had a protocol for treating patients with PD. 

Botanicals

Jason provides me with a number of proprietary botanical formulations marketed under the Natura brand from the Centre for Natural Healing in Ashland, Oregon www.centrehealing.com. These contain botanicals that have been known to have a beneficial effect on PD, including:

Mucuna pruriens (a natural source of levodopa)

Hyoscyamus niger (henbane)

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)

Turmeric

Green tea extract

Piper methysticum (kava kava)

Panax ginseng

Bacopa monniera

Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap)

Of these botanicals, the first two on the list are perhaps the most potent. Mucuna pruriens is a natural source of levodopa and has been found to be more effective than synthetic levodopa in clinical trials. I have experimented with not taking the Mucuna and not noticed any difference, although perhaps I am not yet at the stage of my PD were levodopa is necessary. I am currently in a trial of titrating in with Hyoscyamus niger that is supposed to be effective against the tremours of Parkinson’s. So far, at 30 drops a day of a 1:10 tincture, it seems to have appreciably mitigated my tremours but it is too early to confirm it as effective at this time. Any beneficial effect is ovewhelmed if stress rears its ugly head. Stress trumps hyoscyamus every time in the tremour department.

In addition to the above botanicals I also use products such as Natura “Beyond Whey” and “NanoGreens” that, amongst a host of other ingredients including frozen blueberries, make up a morning smoothie that I make every day. The Centre for Natural Healing also prepares a custom “tonic for me that I take twice a day. The tonic contains ginkgo, gotu kola, milk thistle, orange peel, kava kava, liquorice, skullcap, and other botanicals.

Gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet

In 2009, I traveled to Melbourne Australia where I met John Coleman, a naturopath who has recovered from PD. Of course, I was very interested in doing whatever he did to recover. Amongst his recommendations was a change in diet to gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free (and others). I saw John again in 2010 and he said that I was doing well and to stay the course. He said the last of his symptoms to go was the tremour. This gives me some heart as tremour is the most bothersome of my symptoms.

In their book, “Parkinson’s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs,” Geoffrey and Lucille Leader advocate a gluten-free and dairy-free diet for people with PD. I am not lactose-intolerant nor do I have a gluten intolerance (this has been confirmed by genetic testing with www.23andMe.com) but their reasoning is compelling. It is possible that people with neurological disorders such as PD are much more sensitive to lactose and gluten than are people without those disorders. Luckily for me, we live in an age where it is possible to btain gluten-free and dairy-free foods readily. My favourite gluten-free bread is “Udi” available from Whole Foods in the US (but alas not in Canada). I substitute almond milk for regular milk. Dining out can be a problem; however, I travel a lot in my work and have found that the chefs in hotel and other restaurants are more than willing to meet my dietary requirements.

Adrenal support

In early 2010 I had a saliva test to determine my free cortisol rhythm. Samples were taken at 8 AM, noon, 5 PM, and at midnight. My cortisol levels for morning, noon, and afternoon where all markedly depressed (only the midnight sample was normal), indicating (according to the report) marginal HPA (hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal) performance. I purchased an excellent book, “Adrenal Fatigue,” by James Wilson that help to explain the significance of my results. Low cortisol, or hypoadrenia, is normally characterized by fatigue, difficulty rising in the morning, a desire for caffeine, feeling run down and stressed, etc. Other than perhaps a desire for a daily cup of coffee, I have none of these symptoms. Indeed, I seldom experience fatigue and still consider myself as a high-energy person. Yet, people with hypoadrenia have a reduced ability to cope with stress. Interestingly, people with PD report that their symptoms are aggravated in times of stress. There has to be some sort of connection between the symptoms of PD and impairment of HPA performance, but so far discussions with my neurologist and endocrinologist have not revealed any knowledge by them of any connection.

The danger is that people with hypoadrenia are on the borderline of having adrenal fatigue (no cortisol). When cortisol reserves are too low, and a stressful situation occurs, one may not be able to produce enough cortisol to handle it. Adrenal fatigue has been responsible for high-performing individuals “crashing” and becoming effectively bedridden for months or years, too fatigued to do anything. Not wishing to come down with adrenal fatigue, I have begun taking an adrenal support botanical supplement (“Restorative Formulations Adrenal Px LOPB”) and have also tried adrenal cortex extract (“Adrenal Stress End”).

Hydration

I have tried the Aquas formulas available from John Coleman in Australia. These homeopathic remedies are supposed to enhance cellular hydration. I have a problem with homeopathy. If an infinitely diluted amount is good for me, then not taking it all should even be better! Yet, John Coleman swears by the Aquas and he has recovered from PD, so there may be something to it.

Red wine

Geoffrey and Lucille Leader recommend elimination of alcohol from the diet. John Coleman, sensible man that he is, recommends 1 to 2 glasses of vintage red wine a day. I am on John’s side. Drinking fine red wine has been a passion of mine since the 1970s and one that I am loath to give up especially since I have a wine cellar containing approximately 2000 bottles! Of course a big part of the enjoyment of red wine is the bouquet. Reportedly, loss of the olfactory sense is a common complaint in people with PD and is liable to occur early in the progression of the disease. I noticed no such impairment (and can still guess in a blind tasting that a bottle of Bordeaux is a fine old Burgundy!). For now, I enjoy each bottle of fine wine as if it were my last. To me, joy = dopamine. Also, there must be some benefit from the resveratrol!

Constipation

As PD also affects the autonomous nervous system, constipation can be a severe problem. Since my diagnosis with PD I have had some problems in this regard especially when I travel over multiple time zones and upset my daily rhythms. Currently, I have it under control with the simple addition of one or two rehydrated prunes to my morning smoothie plus a level teaspoon of organic psyllium fibre. These seem to be enough to keep me regular.

Hedonism

I stayed strictly on my gluten-free and dairy-free diet for over a year, but recently had the opportunity to travel to France for a combination of business and pleasure. I temporarily abandoned my diet and indulged myself for a full week in French gastronomy, eating foie gras, croissants, baguettes, rich cheeses, and just about everything else that the French are famous for. The consequence was that I had not felt better in over three years! Now, I am not so strict about my diet and allow myself the occasional indulgence.

Chelation

In 2008, a urine test for heavy metals revealed excessive concentrations of lead and mercury and other metals such as manganese. I have been undergoing chelation off and on since then and currently receive one treatment per week from my ND Caleb Ng. The treatments involve a small IV of EDTA solution. For any benefits to be realized, numerous treatments are necessary. Heavy metal poisoning (especially manganese) has been implicated in PD and welders are one profession that is at higher risk for PD. Since I spent many years working closely with welders and breathing welding fumes, I have no doubt ingested my fair share of iron, manganese and other metals. Interestingly, a CT scan of my brain failed to reveal any abnormal concentration of manganese. Note: the claimed benefits of chelation for PD have yet to be established through rigorous clinical trials.

Brain therapies

This section covers a number of therapies that may be useful for maintaining mental functioning and postponing the dementia that may occur as PD progresses.

Positive attitude

It is difficult to remain positive when confronted with a disease of no known cause and inevitable progression, yet this is precisely what must be done. Depression is one of the predominant symptoms of PD. If necessary, it may be necessary to take an antidepressant. One that has been recommended to me is duloxetine.

Body-mind psychotherapy

For several years in the 1990s, I had training in Hakomi body-mind psychotherapy arising out of the deep desire to know myself. I still keep in touch with my teacher, Ron Kurtz http://hakomi.com/. I regularly see a therapist,Mahmud Nestman, a Sufi who is familiar with the methods of Hakomi. In our explorations one useful technique is called “taking over”. In one session I had Mahmud take over (literally, with his hand) a tightness I felt around my heart.

When he did so, I was able to go in deeper into my own unconscious and to gain some valuable insights as to why the tightness was there in the first place. I have invariably noticed that during our sessions my tremours at first become almost uncontrollable but then they disappear, leaving me in a most serene and quiet and still place. Stillness is priceless.

The science of happiness

For several years I was an active member of the Ken Keyes community based in Coos Bay, Oregon. Ken was the author of the “Handbook to Higher Consciousness,” “The Power of Unconditional Love,” and many other books. For a number of years, I taught “Living Love” workshops in the US, Canada, and New Zealand. These teachings have served me well, particularly now that I have the symptoms of PD. I take responsibility for my own feelings. Nothing or nobody has ever made me upset are unhappy: I do it to myself. This is good news as the only person I am capable of changing is myself.

Neurofeedback

I have had six sessions of neurofeedback, also referred to as biofeedback from Mike de Jong, a PhD psychologist. During the first session and EEG was done to determine those parts of my brain that had abnormal brainwave patterns. Mike determined that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was deficient in theta wave output. Subsequent sessions (one hour each) involved application of a single electrode at the position on my head corresponding to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I was provided with headphones to listen to the sound of surf while my eyes were closed. Whenever my brain produced Theta waves I could hear the surf; when no theta waves were being produced all I heard was static. At first, I struggled to hear the surf, but later just let my brain do all the work of figuring it out. After six sessions, some progress is being made. If I didn’t think there was some benefit to this I wouldn’t continue. Typically, it takes 20 sessions to realize any permanent benefit, so I have some time to go.

Meditation/relaxation

For many years, I was an adept meditator and meditation was the most important part of my day. Since my diagnosis with PD, however, I have found it very difficult to get into a meditative state. Sitting cross-legged is agonizing. Instead of stillness, I have tremours. By re-casting meditation as relaxation, I can derive some of the benefits, primarily reduction in tremours and tension. I have found that electro-cranial stimulation (see below) is a good substitute for meditation.

Electrio-cranial stimulation

In electro-cranial stimulation, a small electric current is passed through electrodes attached to my earlobes that produces a mild tingling sensation. Sessions are either 20 minutes or 60 minutes and are very relaxing, almost to the point of putting me to sleep. Tremours also appear to take a nap.

Neurocognitive screening

In 2010, I participated in a neuropsychological screening evaluation at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia. These tests revealed that my cognitive functioning was “broadly average to superior” depending on which test was being administered. I take this as a sign that I have experienced some cognitive impairment as I would have expected all the tests to result in a “superior” rating!

Defiance

If I had one final piece of advice for anyone who has been diagnosed with PD, it is to defy it. If it is a fight that Mr. Parkinson wants, it is a fight that he will get. The worst thing one can do is to deny it. As long as one remains in a state of denial, the PD will continue to progress. But as soon as you turn to face your tormentor and fight back, the PD will lose its grip over you. Mr. Parkinson may win in the long run but it will be a protracted fight and you will win many of the rounds. And, who knows, you may just beat him!

Afterward I hesitate to call this section “Conclusions” as my protocol is very much a work in progress, and the effectiveness of many of the measures has not yet been verified. I do not have time to wait for the development of a “cure” from conventional Western medicine. I will be dead long before any such treatment has passed through all the hoops and clinical trials necessary for its approval.

Currently, the treatment of last resort for PD is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) but it is only done when a PD patient is essentially incapacitated with an advanced form of the disease. How humiliating! For people with tremour-dominant PD the option is thalamic surgery, either in the form of thalamic DBS or thalamotomy. Canada’s medical system is unable to cope with the (growing) numbers of PD patients, so in the meantime I will do everything I can to prevent the progression of my PD to the point where surgery is even an option.

I am doing the best that I can to not be a burden on the medical system. What I am doing is also expensive. Canada’s medical system pays for my neurologist visits and little else. The PET scan, physiotherapy visits, naturopath visits, botanicals, and supplements are not covered. Yet if there was ever a time to start spending what I have saved, it is now. I would rather have quality of life than a fat bank account anyway. I’m currently working my way through my “bucket list” and having the time of my life.

Angela Wensley

Full Recovery from Parkinson’s

Hi Robert: You have been incredibly on point with regard to healing and full recovery from Parkinson’s although I am not one hundred percent sure how it is I celebrated a full recovery. recovery I know that you have recently expressed the direction I went. I think the study of neurophysiology and quantum mechanics as it applies to neurology forced me to go back and re-learn the mathematics necessary to visualize quantum theory. Furthermore when I would go walking I would of course contemplate these principles. This is a little difficult to explain but it was like a light came on. This event was not sudden but involved significant time with daily study and contemplation although that is not what I intended.

In those days the talk of any sort of psychic change or shift in consciousness would have been met with laughter, however those concepts are steadily becoming more talked about especially from evolved teachers like yourself. Although not advised I quit taking all of my PD meds which included a lot of sentimet and mirapex. It was difficult for a few days and I was still shaky.

I applied a lot of other things that I had learned including detox, no refined foods, organic fruits and veg’s and a great deal of exercise. Then the symptoms dissipated completely so I am in full recovery from Parkinson’s symptoms now.

Robert I think if there is an effective way to release our minds from the conditioned way of perceiving information or reality as we have learned it is much easier to experience more constructive thoughts. Our new found way of experiencing life is where healing and recovery reside because there is this all important element of belief that plays a vital role.

Bobby

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

How to Prepare Fava Beans for Best Results

Question:

What is the best way to cook fava beans for relief of the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease?

Gino

Response:

I forwarded this question to Aunt Bean who is a resident expert on everything there is to know about fava beans and how they have the potential to offer relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. I post regular correspondence from Aunt Bean on the Fava Bean Website (http://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com) sponsored by Parkinsons Recovery.

Dry Fava Beans do not have as much l-dopa as the sprouts.  Sprouts are the best way to get l-dopa supplementation.  They are easy to do.

You just soak the beans overnight  (about a 1/2 Cup in a bowl)  In the morning drain & rinse them well. Drain them well and cover with a paper towel to keep light out.  Rinse and drain well 3 times a day until they start to sprout. It only takes about 3 days. Then rinse well and let them stand in water about 15 minutes to soften the skins.

Drain & remove the skins.  Rinse well again. Then put into a steamer (beans not in water)     & steam covered for 6 minutes after the water starts boiling good.  Remove from steam  Rinse with cold water. Dry. Put on a plate or cookie sheet in a single layer to freeze.  Then after about 45 minutes put in a plastic freezer zip lock and freeze
until needed.

Experiment with eating 2 or 3 every couple of hours or/ just in the in between times when you are not taking meds…everyone is so different & so are the doses of meds & time schedules and activity levels…you will have to find your own dose amount and how often to take them.   Always start with a small amount as with any medicine…They are medicine…just a natural whole food medicine for us.

Also, remember to have a G6 PD blood test done to make sure you are ok to take them(having the right enzymes necessary , or they can hurt you!)  Also, ask your physician if you are on any MAOI’s…fava supplementing can cause a quick and dangerous rise in Blood Pressure when mixed with these drugs. Let your doctor know, so  they can work with you and be aware of your experimenting!

Goya Favas usually sprout well. If you wish to cook dry fava beans:  Soak them overnight to hydrate them. Then rinse well in the morning and put in clean water and cook til tender.  After they are coked, they taste great stir fried with garlic & onion.  YUM

God Bless!

Aunt Bean

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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Can Medications Make Symptoms Worse

Can medications make symptoms worse? I have been taking L/Dopa for 6 months now and just increased my dose in the last couple weeks and I have noticed more tremors in my legs.

Mandy

Unfortunately, taking medications is a two edged sword. Yes, they can provide relief from some of the symptoms – especially in the short run. And yes, all prescription medications have side effects.

If you list all of the side effects associated with the prescription medications that are available to treat Parkinson’s Disease you will actually see a long list of all the symptoms that are associated with Parkinson’s.

Some people experience few side effects. They find the medications provide them with welcome relief. Other people report that the side effects are worse than the symptoms they experienced before taking the medications.

I am not a medical doctor. I am not qualified to diagnose what is happening to you. I can offer a simple observation.

If you increase the dose of a medication and the symptoms are worse than before, your body is giving you a strong message. For whatever reason, the medication(s) at the current dose do not appear to be helping.

It could be a single medication. Or, it could be the side effects created from taking more than one medication. Your doctor is the go to resource when it comes down to resolving this problem. It may be a simple problem with a dose that is too high.

I would recommend entertaining other options that offer the opportunity to tame tremors which can be used in conjunction with medications. I have documented dozens of natural therapies that are proven to quiet  tremors in my online course here: Tame Tremors.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Is Recovery Possible with Parkinsons Medications?

I have been reading information on how to recover from Parkinson’s Disease and I came upon a article that indicated that once you are on the Parkinsons medication you cannot recover from the disease…that you cannot go back so to speak. Do you believe this to be true? Is Recovery Possible with Parkinsons Medications?

Mandy

No I do not believe this is true. What do I believe?

Our thought forms determine our health and wellness. If you believe recovery is not possible for any reason – in your example because of the medications – recovery will not be possible. Period. End of story.

If on the other hand, you believe that recovery is possible, the magic begins. You will quickly begin to feel better. Transform your moment to moment thoughts and the miracle of life will unfold before your eyes.

I wrote Five Steps to Recovery to help people transform the thought forms that no longer serve their best and highest good. The steps help me moment to moment transform my own thoughts which do not serve my best and highest good. The challenge of transformation is tricky because we have as many as 50,000 to 70,000 thoughts each day!

I say to you today – believe in your heart, mind and soul that recovery will happen. Then sit back and enjoy the ride to recovery. Is recovery possible with Parkinsons medications? My answer is yes.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Lyme Disease and Parkinsons Disease

I was tested and treated for Lyme disease (including intravenously) 3 times last year. In January 2010, I was diagnosed with PD.Is there a relationship between Lyme disease and Parkinsons disease?

Have you seen the same thing with many of your bloggers?

Joanne

There is an overlap between the symptoms of Parkinson’s and Lyme Disease. The research suggests that some people are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease when in fact they have Lyme Disease. From how I see it, this is a possibility that is often overlooked. The symptoms are very similar.

Of course, the recommended treatments are vastly different. This is one of the reasons I talk so much about strengthening your immune system regardless of the diagnosis.

Most of the cases involve a process that is reversed from yours. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s is given. No treatments seem to help. The person searches for other solutions. They eventually discover that they have Lyme disease, not Parkinson’s.

About Lyme disease and Parkinsons disease

Your question elicits a larger issue. I believe that many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s are actually caused by bacterial infections. Lyme is only one of the culprits. Some of the bacteria do not have cell walls and thus defy detection by standard diagnostic tests.

If you had three separate treatments last year, you must have a deep respect for the resiliency of the Lyme infection. It is only one of hundreds that can create havoc in the neurological system. Most bacterial infections these days are very difficult to treat successfully.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership
Eye Drops for Cataracts

How Can Toxins or Stress Be Removed?

How can toxins or stress be removed if it’s trapped at a cell level?

Gino

This is certainly an important question. There are a wide variety of detox methods that remove toxins and a wide selection of approaches that assist the body with releasing trauma.No gold standard exists for either because everyone’s body is different.

Many people discover that one therapy will work for a while. Then, they have to switch off to another in order to continue the recovery process. Different methods are successful at different points in the recovery process.

One of the reasons I air the radio show is to offer a wide variety of choices you can consider. Whether my guest is a health care practitioner or a person who currently experiences the symptoms of Parkinson’s, they usually tap into their approach for detoxing and de-stressing. People with the symptoms of Parkinson’s talk about what therapies are working for them. It doesn’t mean it will work for you – but it is a starting place.

I am guessing you were hoping for a much more simplistic answer to your question – how can toxins or stress be removed? Perhaps a few websites to visit? There are not just a few. There are hundreds. There are hundreds of resources out there for you to pick and choose from.

The most important step is to begin taking action now. Initiate your own exploration. Call or e mail some of my radio show guests. Get more information. See what calls out to you.

You really can’t go wrong. Most of the therapies people find are the most helpful are safe, non-intrusive and effective. The only side effect is improved health on some level.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

Liver and Kidney Detoxes

Can Parkinson’s be caused by problems in either kidney or liver? If so, can liver and kidney detoxes help relieve tremors?

Gino

Response:

Research has shown that many of the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease – and there are many – can be caused by toxins. The kidneys and liver get clogged up with a residue of toxins that create a formidable bottleneck in the elimination system. New toxins that enter the body have no where to go other than hide away inside the cells. Cells are a nice place to hang out.

My answer to your question is yes. Detoxes for everyone – those with a diagnosis of Parkinsons and those without – are a critical component of health and wellness. Think of detoxing your kidneys and liver to be the same chore as brushing your teeth. Both are necessary. Both need to be done on a regular basis.

Will a liver and kidney detoxes relieve tremors? The answer depends on whether you are also able to release the stress and trauma that may be trapped at the cellular level of your body. Toxins are impossible to release as long as trauma resides within the structural membrane of the cells.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Books
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Resources
Dehydration Therapy: Aquas
Parkinsons Recovery Membership

 

Dentists in Australia Qualified to Give TMJ Assessments

Hi Robert,. I’ve just listened to Cheryl’s fascinating story. Thank you for making it available. I have a question about dentists in Australia qualified to give TMJ assessments.

I live in Melbourne, Australia and have been challenged by Parkinson’s since 1998 and now I’m 59. I am a man.

Could you kindly direct me to where I can find a list of dentists providing this retainer device – and specifically the one that Cheryl went to? Or perhaps you could put em in touch with her via email. Thanks. Of course if you have any info about dentists providing this in Australia then of course that would be much appreciated.

Robert thank you so much for your prompt assistance with this request.

Cheers

Marek
Melbourne Australia

Click on the link below and you will find a listing of dentists in Australia who are qualified to do the assessment and make the TMJ appliance. There is a listing of one dentist in Melbourne.

https://www.aacfp.org/page/AACPMemberMap

My goal for each interview with a guest  is to have information that people can act on to get sustained relief from their symptoms. I am so happy to learn that you found this program helpful in information about dentists in Australia qualified to give TMJ assessments. Please keep listening!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Dentists who Treat TMJ Misalignments

I heard your radio show describing Cheryl’s experience with TMJ. I live on Mercer Island, (relatively close to your neck of the woods) and would like to find dentists who Treat TMJ Misalignments who have the proper equipment and expertise to do TMJ properly. Can you help me on this? Also, who was her dentist in L.A?

I am 3 years into PD and want to RID myself of this thing!

And, thanks for your help with your show and optimism. I’m a strong believer in John Coleman’s protocol.

Thanks you so much for being there!

Richard

Click on the link below and you will find a listing of dentists who treat TMJ misalignments and are qualified to do the TMJ exam and make the appliance that corrects misalignments:

http://www.aacfp.org/cgi-bin/loc.pl?76

John Coleman, author of Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’ is a remarkable man in every respect. Having become symptom free himself, he now provides help as a naturopath doctor to hundreds of people with Parkinson’s symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Remedy for Frozen Shoulder

One thing that did work for me was practicing my nunchaku techniques. I was suffering from a frozen shoulder for about 12 months and tried all the recommended exercises and pain killers from the doctor without much success. So last month I tried my nunchaku with a bit of caution. Get it wrong and you can hurt yourself.

I would recommend anyone wishing to try this should use foam Nunchaku’s or go to a qualified martial arts instructor. If you are wondering what they are I have attached a link to youtube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6QbRgi4wO8&feature=related

John

Fava Beans and Mucuna

Hi Robert: I have been subscribing on your newsletter for a short while and also purchased the pdf version of the book Pioneers of Recovery. I read it and found interesting the information about the Mucuna herb (the interview with Max). He said that at times he mainly takes Mucuna on not that much traditional medication (Sinemet). I am interested in knowing more about fava beans and Macuna as therapies for Parkinsons. 

I have tried to find some information about the Mucuna Pruriens herb on the internet and especially dosages and feel like the information about dosages is hard to find. I have purchased Mucuna Pruriens powder but the information of how and how much to take it seems to be difficult to find. Is powder better than tablets etc. Does the powder lose effects if blended in warm water in with tea for example.

My mother was diagnosed some 10 years ago and I am trying to find alternative treatments for her.

I understand you get hundreds of emails regards PD but if you have the time, could you guide me in the direction of someone who can help with Mucuna dosages with powder or pills or is there something else.

I live in Northern Europe quite far from you.

with best regards

Kaj

About Fava Beans and Mucuna

It is clearly the case that Mucuna can be helpful to individuals currently experiencing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Your question on the issue of the proper dosage is a very complicated. If you mother is also taking another medication like Sinemet – you will want to work closely with her doctor to ascertain the proper dosage.

If she uses both meditations – you are really using two drugs that are intended to have a similar effect. Mucuna is natural – but it is also a drug – just like Sinemet. You certainly do not want your Mom to overdo the dose – which can cause other unwanted side effects.

As I see it, the true challenge with using Mucuna to treat some of the symptoms of Parkinsons  is finding a reliable source. I receive many inquires asking about a good source for Mucuna. The truth is I really do not know of a reliable source at this time. People do not like to hear this answer – but it is the best I have at this time.

There are many companies that sell Mucuna – but it does not have the energetic charge you need. The energetic charge you need comes from growing Mucuna in the wild. Commercial growers do not typically harvest Mucuna that is growing in the wild.

I do have one great lead and suggestion for you to consider – Fava Beans. Aunt Bean has a four acre farm in Tennessee where she groes fava beans and Mucuna. Fava beans are also an alternative source of dopamine.
www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

She writes about her harvests on the blog and is doing self guided research to determine the best way to grow and harvest both fava beans and Mucuna. Aunt Bean makes her own fava bean tincture from the tips of the fava bean plants which gives her remarkable relief from her own symptoms.

My suggestion is to contact Aunt Bean through the website and learn more about what she is doing. She has had wonderful success with growing fava beans and Mucuna plants on her farm (as have other persons) and is eager to help others get started with growing their own fava beans and Mucuna plants.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
Pioneers of Recovery

Five Steps to Recovery

Recommendation on Walk In Shower

Question:

We want to put in a walk in shower that is easy to clean, will not splash water onto the bathroom floor, is wheel chair accessible and can be put into the space of our existing bathtub which we plan to remove.  What is a good company from which to purchase such a product that caters to the handicapped?

Theresa

Response:

I am posting your question in the event that a reader out there has a suggestion for you.

I do not center my research on issues connected with disabilities associated with the symptoms of Parkinsons for a simple reason. I believe that our thoughts determine our future. If we believe we will become handicapped in the future – we will become handicapped. If we believe we will recover from whatever particular mobility challenge we might be currently experiencing, we will recover. Our bodies can and do return to their natural state of balance and harmony.

Your project sounds wise for many obvious reasons. I have my fingers crossed that a reader of the Parkinsons Recovery blog has a good suggestion for you to investigate. This unfortunately is one question I cannot answer – though it pains me to admit I do not know.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

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TMJ Misalignments and Parkinsons

Monica gave me permission to post her email below about TMJ misalignments and Parkinsons.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

I listened to your interview with Cheryl. WOW. There are articles on the internet that discuss TMJ and its relationship to motor skills, as well as the usual headaches, ear ringing, back and neck ache, fibromalgia, shoulder pain etc.

It kind of makes me think of TMJ correction as a myofascial release for the jaws where the condyles house the nerves and blood vessels. As usual, and thru reading various myofascial release lit its exactly the same idea that the body affect somewhere isn’t exactly where one feels the pain but further up the body in another location.

The TMJ joint is one of if not the most used joint in the body. We hold tension surrounding it, we use it when speaking or chewing gum. We even grind teeth at night keeping it active. It’s got a lot of nerves running through the condyl part of it. It even has its own little disc for cushioning.

I can see why misalignment would cause problems all over the body.  I know if one part of me is out of whack, it makes me  feel bad all over. So maybe some relief or complete relief is possible if we paid more attention to our jaw then to our teeth on dentist check ups.

Myofascial massage therapists in general are hard to locate if you need help for knots. It’s special training and not many have heard of it. Sort of like the 50 or so dentists that specialize in TMJ correction that Cheryl mentioned.

I believe that the causes of PD symptoms are multifaceted like trauma, both psychological, environment and physical. TMJ correction sounds like something that should be researched. I’m calling the Parkinson resource people Cheryl mentioned for the symposium in Indian Wells in January.

TMJ correction makes the most sense to me of all the stuff I’ve seen on PD. I know my jaw is wacky. I can feel it. I’ve started getting ear ringing now ever so often. TMJ correction works by bringing the lower jaw forward and retraining it if I understand it  right. I’m totally excited about this whole concept.

Thank you Robert for everything you do !!!!!

Monica

Angela’s Story

Angela is my guest on the radio show this week. As you can ascertain from her story below, she has had a fascinating journey on the road to recovery.

Angela’s History

Work as a freelance professional engineer in the pulp and paper industry. Based near Vancouver BC but work mainly overseas, particularly in Chile and in New Zealand.

In 2009, I won the Beloit Prize, the highest honour for engineering in the pulp and paper industry.

Have had previous training as a therapist in Hakomi body centered psychotherapy.

Was a trainer in “Living Love” method as described by Ken Keyes Junior in his book “The Power of Unconditional Love” and others. Ken taught that true happiness is uncaused, that no one or nothing is ever made us upset are unhappy. This is really good news since I realized I could change myself whereas it is impossible to change anyone else.

Living Love has really helped me with my PD. I don’t have to demand that I not have it, with all the attendant negative emotions. I can prefer to be PD free and work to that goal without negativity.

For many years, was an adept meditator. Spent much of my spare time on the spiritual journey visiting spiritual communities around the world.

My hobby and passion is fine wine. I am a past president of the American Wine Society. I know that many people with PD have lost their ability to smell but I still have mine. The result of long, intense training?

My outlook on life is decidedly optimistic. I am a “reverse paranoid” as I believe that everyone is out there to make me happy!

2006

First symptoms 2006 at age 59: cramped handwriting and frozen right shoulder.

Over the years my handwriting has remained cramped but my right shoulder has thawed. The tremor in my right hand has increased from virtually nothing in 2006 to intermittently bothersome in 2010.

Saw a neurologist in December 2006. Possible Parkinson’s. I rejected this out of hand as it was obvious that I have a “pinched nerve”.

Part of me still wants to believe the pinched nerve theory.

2007

Went for a second opinion. Saw another neurologist in May 2007. Diagnosis: idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. This was a terrible moment in my life as the urologist was almost gleeful when he told me what I had, as if he had solved some great mystery. I felt like I had been shot with a cannon.

On the recommendation of my neurologist, I started on Mirapex, a dopamine agonist. Dreadful side effects: somnolence, insomnia, nausea. Just about everything except compulsive gambling. I stopped taking Mirapex after four weeks and vowed to never again take a Parkinson’s medication.

It is as if the Mirapex put a “hole” in my brain. It took over three years for this to be repaired. I would classify Mirapex is a neurotoxin.

Desired third opinion. Had a PET scan at the Inglewood imaging center in LA. Supported diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Finally accepted that I had PD and decided to defy rather than deny it.

Having read that exercise is the “best medicine” for PD decided to get serious about it. Started running. Started going to the gym. Hired a personal trainer. Within four months I had lost nearly 50 pounds and became a lean, not-so-mean, fighting machine.

I exercise regimen at the gym typically consists of 30 min. of cardio (upright bike), 30 min. on the weights, and 30 min. of stretching.

My personal trainer concentrates on keeping all of my muscle groups functional. She also includes many balance exercises. Balance on my right leg is not as good as on my left but at least I still have it.

I regained use of right shoulder by numerous injections of prolotherapy, although my right arm remained significantly impaired.

Prolotherapy is merely the injection of dextrose into the tendons. This irritates the tendon and stimulates blood flow to the area. It really hurts! But after two months I could raise my arm that was formerly just hanging at my side.

I was introduced to kickboxing by my personal trainer. Found that I enjoyed it very much.

They usually have 2×30 min. sessions of kickboxing a week. Kickboxing also feels good and I believe it is the cyclic vibrations from alternating job-crosses, right hooks-left hooks, right kicks-left kicks, that keep my movements stabilized. I particularly like hitting a dummy that I have named “Mr. Parkinson”.

On the recommendation of a friend, I started playing tennis again (I had to stop due to my frozen shoulder) using my left arm instead of my right. Soon after, however, I regained the use of my right arm. Now, I have two forehands and a left-handed serve.

I now visit Florida for two months each year where I engage a tennis coach every other day to put me through my paces. When I am on the court, I can run like the wind, and have no problems moving sideways or forwards or backwards or running. As soon as I leave the court, my PD symptoms return. I wish I could play tennis 24/7.

2008

Saw Jon Stossel, Canada’s top PD researcher at the University of British Columbia. With him, I feel that I am being provided with the best service available from standard Western medicine.

I see Jon Stossel once a year.

Became a patient of ND Caleb Ng of Mountainview Wellness Center in Surrey BC. Introduced to protocol of Dr. David Perlmutter, the “renegade neurologist”. Embraced Perlmutter’s protocol of supplements for neuroprotection of Parkinson’s patients. This included co-enzyme Q10, omega-3, B-complex, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and others.

I have been taking intravenous glutathione once or twice-weekly. I began with 1400 mg but am now taking 2500 mg each time. Quite frankly, I have never noticed any of the miraculous improvements shown in Perlmutter’s videos.

Caleb also started me on chelation therapy as urinalysis revealed high contents of lead and mercury. I had about a dozen sessions but then have stopped. I understand that dozens of sessions are necessary for any improvement to be realized.

2009

While visiting my Hakomi teacher in Ashland, Oregon, I found out about the Center for Natural Healing in Ashland where herbalist Donnie Yance had a botanical protocol for PD. In late July, 2009, I commenced his protocol for botanicals and supplements. Botanicals included Mucuna pruriens, Withania somnifera, turmeric, and others. Additional supplements included vitamin D3, zinc, selenium, and others.

After one year on the Donnie Yance botanical protocol, I decided to stop taking Mucuna and NADH as neither of these appear to offer any therapeutic benefit whatsoever.

I am about to start using henbane, a botanical anticholinergic, in an attempt to reduce the tremors. The grand experiment is yet to begin however.

In June, 2009, I became a member of PatientsLikeMe.com (patient name: Dawn Angel). I also joined 23andMe.com where I learned that I did not have the LRRK gene for Parkinson’s.

In September, 2009, I visited John Coleman in Australia. The recommended that I go on a strict diet: gluten-free, dairy-free, coffee-free, sugar-free, peanut-free, cashew-free, and so on. He also recommended that a begin taking the Aquas. For therapy, he recommended Bowen.

I have recently stopped taking the Aquas as I have never noticed any benefit from it.

I had several sessions of Bowen therapy. Very relaxing. Not as effective as IMS (see below).

While working in New Zealand, I found a very good osteopath who was able to effect incredible improvement in my tremors.

Osteopathy is mostly hands-free bodywork. I have no idea how or why it works, but it does.

In December, 2009, I attended Robert Rodger’s “Jump Start to Wellness” in Olympia Washington. This is where I first learned that there were other people interested in getting well.

2010

A check of my free cortisol rhythm revealed that my cortisol levels were very low throughout the day. This is characteristic of “adrenal fatigue”. The only problem was, I remained high-energy and was not fatigued in the least, however, I began taking the supplement called “Adrenal Support”.

In January and February of 2010 I had a 10-session course of Hellerwork, a form of myofascial release. Very good.

Hellerwork is closely related to Rolfing. Over the 10 sessions my practitioner literally massaged all the fascia of my body. It felt great to have stiffened muscles worked upon. I return for an occasional tune-up.

I found a practitioner of intramuscular stimulation (IMS), who has been able to read awaken muscles that had become shortened due to disuse. This has been the most effective therapy of all for me.

IMS involves needling as in acupuncture but the needles are applied to the tendons instead of to fictional meridians. The benefits of IMS are immediate and last for at least several days. I see my physiotherapist weekly.

Despite improvements in my mobility and strength, the tremors in my right hand had become noticeably worse, especially when I visit either an M.D. or a neurologist. The tremors would go away as soon as they left their offices. This is clearly a manifestation of “white coat syndrome”.

I revisited John Coleman in May, 2010. He commented that tremors were the last symptom to go away for him.

After hearing about the possible benefits of neurofeedback for PD, I had a EEG done and found that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was not producing theta waves. I have since had six sessions of neurofeedback and have noticed improvement.

In a session, an electrode is applied to my scalp in the location of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I listened to soothing sounds through headphones. When that part of my brain is active I hear the sounds. When it is in active, I hear only static. The reward is the sound and the brain actively creates the ability to hear the sound without intervention on my part.

I purchased a small unit for cranial electrostimulation (CES). This applies a very small current through my head by means of electrodes clamped to my earlobes. I find it very relaxing; indeed, it is a form of meditation. Since my diagnosis with PD, meditation has not come easy to me.

In October, 2010, I visited France where I completely abandoned my dietary protocol and gorged myself on foie gras, croissant’s, baguettes, rich cheeses, exotic desserts, café au lait, and other forbidden foods. After one week I felt better than I have in three years. Go figure, who would’ve thought there was such a thing as the “French Cure”! Vive la hedonism!

Angela

Cheryls Miracle Turnaround

My name is Cheryl and I want to report  on a miracle turnaround. I’m 52 and have been living with Parkinson’s for 10 years now. I will get right to the point. As of 1 month ago, my symptoms are reversing, diminishing, going away. I am healing every day.”

After 10 years of searching, Cheryl has at long last found a therapy which she describes as a miracle. Want to learn more about the miracle that has made a huge difference to the quality of Cheryl’s life? I can promise you one thing: You will not be able to predict the therapy that is Cheryls miracle turnaround and has transformed her life.

TMJ Disorders

TMJ disorders refer to problems with the temporomandibular joints, which connect the jawbone to the skull. These joints are involved in essential functions such as speaking, chewing, and swallowing. TMJ disorders can cause pain or dysfunction in the jaw, face, and neck, and may also lead to:

  • Jaw pain or tenderness
  • Clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth
  • Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or speaking
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Limited jaw movement or locking of the jaw

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease Now on Amazon’s Kindle

My new book was just released on Amazon’s Kindle today for the magnificent price of $9.99. If you already have a Kindle – you can acquire the book by visiting Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

A Kindle is a device sold by Amazon which you can use to read books which are all very reasonably priced. If you do not yet own a kindle, you can purchase one for Amazon’s new reduced price of only $139. Click on he  link below for the details if you are interested in buying a Kindle so you can my new book on Kindle.

Welcome to Our World

Dancer Pamela Quinn recently made a video which was a co-winner of the first prize awarded in the video competition sponsored by the Second World Parkinson Congress. Pamela is the individual Daniel Loney talks about in the September 4th post here on the Parkinsons Recovery Blog [scroll down to the next post]. Daniel put a link to the video on his post – but I did not anyone to miss it!

The video, entitled Welcome to Our World, takes three minutes to watch. You will remember it for the rest of your life.   Click on the link below to watch.

http://www.youtube.com/user/filmbee#p/u/10/jhxtqwHO9Tg

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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