Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Author: manabunnow4zph (Page 33 of 37)

Dental Detox and Parkinsons

What follows is a rich explanation of dental detox and Parkinsons as a critical factor in the overall health and well being of persons with neurological challenges which was submitted by Brad:

Robert Rodgers Phd
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Much has been written about the presence of toxic metals in dental work, but there is another source of toxins in our mouths that should not be overlooked. Naturally occurring bacteria are present between the teeth and gums that can cause bleeding gums and in severe cases, loss of teeth. The bacteria produce potent foul-smelling toxins.  As the toxicity becomes chronic, the gums become inflamed and recede over time.  This is known as “gingivitis” or “periodontal disease”.  If your gums bleed, even a tiny bit, you have it. As the condition worsens, “pockets” form deep around the tooth, further harboring the toxin-producing bacteria and absorbing the toxins directly into the bloodstream.

I have not seen research linking these toxins to Parkinson’s, however, the mouth is very close to the brain and any toxic stress is bad for PD. There IS research linking periodontal disease to heart disease and other maladies.

Gingivitis can be mild and persist for years without pain or obvious symptoms. Regular dentists do not usually treat this condition, referring patients to periodontists who specialize in gum conditions. If the condition is advanced and the pockets are deep, the periodontist may recommend gum surgery, which is obviously costly and more traumatic than prevention.

Prevention or recovery from mild cases is simple and inexpensive. Merely following routine oral health practices (brushing, flossing, rinsing, use of anti-bacterial mouthwashes, etc.) religiously will destroy the bacteria and toxins before they can reach your bloodstream are sound steps for a dental detox and Parkinsons This must be done at least once or twice daily, though. Regular dentists or periodontists can give advice and judge the effectiveness in this regard.

Brad

There is Nothing Wrong With You

Below is a follow-up correspondence from Brad.

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

I got “PD’ed” at church today. I was a visitor and had no sooner entered than I was greeted by a young man with very obvious Down Syndrome. He instantly spotted my shaking hand and said with a big smile,

“Don’t worry, you don’t have to be nervous, it’s only Ash Wednesday. Or perhaps you’re very excited because you have such a beautiful wife!”

From his perspective there was absolutely nothing “wrong” with me; to the contrary everything was “right” with me. My partner and I agreed that there was a profound lesson to be learned from this man’s innocent and perceptive observation.

Brad

Alternative Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease

What follows is a fascinating e mail I received from Brad about alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease . He has kindly given me permission to post it here.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

I am still “in the closet”, so to speak, that is to say I have not publicly discussed my diagnosis. I am very new to this discovery as I received my diagnosis one year ago (at age 52). Sometimes I get “PD’ed” by strangers who notice my symptoms and ask (or tell) point blank that I “have Parkinson’s”, which I cannot evade. The only purpose for taking the currently available meds is to hide the condition from others during, say, public speaking or other event which might lead to  or embarrassment. The meds serve no other purpose, they do not treat any underlying condition whatsoever. I suspect this denial, or hiding from PD symptoms, is very psychologically damaging (Michael J. Fox treats this in depth in his books). It leads to over medicating and adds stress, thereby worsening the condition.

In my case, I was lead to believe that the use of L-Dopa would provide dramatic relief and thereby confirm the diagnosis (remember that PD is a “negative” diagnosis, that is, it is indicated by ruling out all other possible explanations, however, in reality this is impossible to do. So PD is labeled “idiopathic”, or of unknown causation). Instead of relief, absolutely nothing happened, except that I immediately worsened and developed new symptoms in addition to a multitude of side effects. My brain has resisted L-Dopa therapy over these twelve months. L-Dopa is only sporadically effective and is very hard to predict. It takes very high doses to alleviate all symptoms (briefly) and during periods of high stress (particularly social stress) it does not work at all. So I have made a conscious decision to minimize my use of L-Dopa and seek alternatives right from the start. Sometimes I go for days without medicating at all and my symptoms usually stay about the same or sometimes better.

Things I am doing that seem to help:

Continue to ride and race bicycles  I have had to give up certain types of racing that require extremely fine motor skills, but I ride with accomplished groups regularly, at least 5,000 miles per year. Balancing a bicycle utilizes different neural circuits from your center of gravity than balancing on your feet, so I actually cycle better than I stand or walk. Some medication is required to control dystonia and keep my “slow” leg in sync with my “fast” leg, but I have experienced symptom-free rides occasionally.

Continue serious weight training. Since lifting weights does not involve high speed movements, it is largely unaffected by the symptoms. I have always been very strong and have become even stronger with pd symptoms than I was previously.

All other forms of physical activity, such as stretching, hand and finger exercises, table tennis, hiking, walking, basketball, anything that involves motion.

Healthy food, water, and sleep/rest. Avoid all trauma and toxins insofar as possible. Drama-free social life, mental engagement and exercise, healthy spiritual practices. These seem to be so “common sense” that they may be overlooked, but the proof is in disrupting any one of these and the symptoms immediately worsen. Improve them, and they immediately get better. Simple.

Alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease that I am trying or considering include mercury detox. This is very dangerous, because disturbing mercury in dental work and/or chelating mercury that has been bound to brain tissues for a long time can worsen matters by “stirring up” heavy metals that may then be reabsorbed or recirculated prior to elimination. A personal decision has to be made balancing the risk/possible benefits of this approach. It is too early to tell what impact this decision will have on me because I have only had mercury-free teeth for less than thirty days after more than thirty years. I do believe eventually mercury will be banned in dental work. There are better alternatives available. My dentist conceded only after agreeing that having already developed pd symptoms, the levels of mercury that may be safe for a normal healthy adult might not be appropriate for me.

Hypnotherapy is showing great promise. If nothing else, achieving relaxed states reduces stress. However, even western medicine recognizes “psychogenic Parkinson’s”, from which full recovery is possible. It distinguishes this from “real” or “organic” Parkinson’s which by definition precludes recovery. So if you recover, it must have been psychogenic and vice-versa, if you don’t recover it’s not psychogenic. This is circular reasoning. Self-observation proves that all PD is at least partially psychogenic. Besides, it is a Western assumption, wholly based on faith, that there is any real difference between the mind/spirit and body at all. There is plenty of evidence, including in Western science, that there is no difference. One cannot exist or be healthy without the other. During hypnotic states (basically that relaxed dreamy state just before falling asleep), observable symptoms abate. What more proof that these symptoms are controlled by mental states (or brain waves, if you will) is needed?

Long held attitudes and “belief systems” are hard to change but they clearly play a role in recovery. At home, we avoid using the term “disease” or even “Parkinson’s”, instead referring to “Mr. P” or “my condition” or “symptoms” because one thing is for sure, if for one minute, you believe that you will not recover, your prophecy will be self-fulfilled. On the other hand, if you believe improvement or recovery is possible (not guaranteed), then that will be true also. Cancer victims refer to “fighting” cancer, PD’ers often talk about “accepting” PD. While “accepting” oneself as one is or accepting the public acknowledgement of your symptoms may be helpful, the will to live (not mere survival, but living well) is the driving force behind recovery from any illness.

On the drawing board when it comes to alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease is acupuncture. The brain is an electrical system. Western science proves this through DBS. DBS, however, is a crude and intrusive means of maintaining that system. Again, the website mentioned above details how electrical disruptions in other parts of the body (particularly the foot or ankle) may affect the brain. I had such a traumatic injury in which the tibia was fractured and did not “knit” after 99 days in a cast. Subsequently, a “TENS” unit was utilized passing an electrical current, night and day, for several months through the fracture. While this did cause an 80% “healing” of the bone to occur, there may have been electrical side effects unbeknownst to me from this therapy.

I realize that this is rather lengthy, but PD is a vastly complex and mysterious condition. This means there are a variety of alternative therapies for Parkinsons disease which can offer symptom relief. The mere lack of dopamine is neither its cause nor solution. I agree with you that the current scientific research will never result in a “cure” because there are a multiplicity of causes and therefore a multiplicity of “cures”.

I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts about alternative therapies for Parkinson’s disease. It has helped me be a little more organized in my own research and thinking. I do not yet know in what way my experience may be used to help others, but I will consider your idea. Thank you for your time and the work that you are doing.

Brad

Liver Detoxes

Toxin buildup in the body is one of the probable causes of PD. As we know, the liver is our body’s major waste converter. What do we do to keep the liver in top shape? What are good liver detoxes? Also, what is the best supplement to give the liver especially when one has PD?

Thank you,

Arsenio

The question you raise about good liver detoxes is critically important for persons with Parkinsons. Research has definitely shown that heavy metals and pesticides have a direct impact on the symptoms of Parkinsons. As you point out, the liver plays a huge role in this drama. The bowels and kidneys are also lead actors. I like to think of detoxing from the perspective of all the body’s elimination organs.

Perhaps the most important factor to a successful detox is better hydration. Many people are unaware they are dehydrated. If cells are not adequately hydrated, waste does not have a prayer of being eliminated regardless of the detox method you use. John Coleman, ND recommends people used Aquas (www.aquas.us), a homeopathic remedy designed to help the body take in water and distribute it to the cells. Clearly, the intake of sufficient quantities of water is important.

I believe many people underestimate the value of colon cleanses. Regular colon cleanses can take the burden off the shoulders of the liver and kidneys.

Eating unprocessed foods also takes a huge burden off the liver. Fresh vegetables and pure water can do wonders for the liver. Some people with Parkinsons use a brief fast to cleanse the liver, though these decisions should of course be pursued under the close consultation of your doctor.

In part, the best detox method depends on the type of toxins that are present in the body. Testing can be done by a naturopath doctor or medical doctor to pinpoint the specific toxins that are present in the body. Naturopath Ivy Faber uses bioenergetic testing which scans the body for toxins and other problems :

Doctors also have tests to identify the presence of specific toxins that may be causing the symptoms. There are specific detox methods for specific toxins, so it really depends on the specifics. This is such a specialized area that some medical practices specialize in helping people detox their bodies.

By way of example, one detox method that can successfully remove heavy metals according to my interviews with doctors and other health professionals is zeolite, a substance that is derived from the ashes of volcanoes.

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

 

 

Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s

Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s? John Coleman, ND mentioned in his book Stop Parkin’ and Start Livin’ that Aqua Hydration Formulas (www.aquas.us) comprise 60% of the therapy, while Bowen therapy 25%.

What makes up the remaining 15%? Does Sinemet (or herbal like Mucuna) fit into it? If so, does it go to say that we cannot recover from Parkinson’s without including Sinemet in the regime?

Thank you,

Arsenio

Dr. John Coleman ND has offered the fascinating estimates you note above based on his personal experience with recovery and with treating others with Parkinsons in his capacity as a naturopath doctor. Simply summarized, his experience is that when the body is properly hydrated and trauma is released using Bowen therapy, the body is in a position to heal itself. Better hydration is of course also plays a critical role in detoxing heavy metals and pesticides from the tissues of the body which have a clear and direct impact on symptoms.

In my conversations with many people who are on the road to recovery, some have an immediate, positive response from beginning to take the Aquas homeopathic remedy designed to hydrate the body. Other people must continue taking Aquas for several months before relief is detected. Others see improvement, but not in the range of the 60% that John reports. And of course a few do not observe any detectable result.

The bottom line for all therapies is this: They work beautifully and profoundly for some people, but not others. I believe the underlying factors that cause the symptoms and multifaceted and vary considerably from person to person.

Permit me to extend my explanation further by reference to Sinemet (which must be prescribed by a neurologist) or mucuna or fava beans which are natural sources of dopamine and do not require a doctor’s prescription. Some people report that the quality of their lives improves markedly after taking either Sinemet or fava beans or mucuna. Other people report trying them but see no positive impact. Some people who take Sinemet feel worse from the side effects.

In the end, it depends on the underlying reasons for the person’s symptoms and on the body’s response to whatever treatment is being tendered.

In specific response to your question,

Is Sinemet Necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s

The answer for some people is no and for other people it is yes. Believe me when I say I do not mean to waffle here. It is the simple truth. I interviewed people in Pioneers of Recovery who took no Sinemet but are symptom free today. Other people take dopamine supplements of one form or another and do better on them than off.

The good news of the day is that anything is possible. As I document on this blog and in my books such as Road to Recovery from Parkinson’s Disease, there are many therapies that help people get sustained relief from their symptoms. Sinemet and the other dopamine enhancing supplements provide a source of relief, but they are only one among many other options.

In conclusion, the factors that contribute to the symptoms are extremely complex. If you hold the belief that a rigid formula will help you recover, I suspect the chances are pretty good that you will be disappointed with the outcome. There are certainly some people who might lead high quality lives from taking [Aquas + Bowen therapy + Sinemet], but that happens to be the solution set that works well for them. It may do little for you.

Dr. Coleman, ND never actually took Sinemet himself, but is symptom free today. Depending on personal circumstances, he does prescribe Sinemet to some of his patients.

I believe Parkinson’s is the most complex and multidimensional illness that exists in our world today. The answer to your question Is Sinemet necessary for Recovery from Parkinson’s is: it depends. Commit to a personal path of recovery and you will begin to feel better with each passing day. Chances are good that your solution set will be unique to your needs and the requirements of your body.

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

Five Steps to Recovery

Negative Thoughts Equal Instant Failure

Below is an e mail I received from Rose with encouraging news of recovery from the symptoms of Parkinson’s from a “healing.”

YOU ARE SO RIGHT ON! NEGATIVE THOUGHTS EQUAL INSTANT FAILURE! BAH! HUMBUG!

THERE IS THIS OTHER BOOK, CALLED “THE SECRET”..POSITIVE PEOPLE ATTRACT POSITIVE PEOPLE = SUCCESS…WORTH READING.

I WENT TO MY HEALER FOR THE FIRST TIME HERE IN NASHVILLE. SHE WAS WONDERFUL. WE FOCUSED ON SOME BAGGAGE I’VE BEN CARRYING….NOT THE PARKINSON’S DISEASE…AND WE IDENTIFIED SOME OF THE BIGGER PIECES AND I ‘GAVE’ THEM TO OTHERS AS IT WAS THERE iS TO HANDLE.

MY TALKING SPEED WAS VERY MUCH IMPROVED THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS! I STILL HAVE A WAYS TO GO, BUT I AM EXCITED ABOUT THE RESULTS WITH JUST ONE SESSION AND WILL SEE HER AGAIN IN MARCH.

ROSE

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Five Steps to Recovery

 

Table Tennis and Parkinsons

Looking for a new exercise venue that is fun and has the potential to offer sustained relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s? Brad has a novel suggestion that works for him: table tennis.

I wanted to mention a new idea for Parkinson’s Disease exercise: table tennis. I am talking serious, competitive table tennis. I have not played for 25 years, but I just spent 3 hours playing with NO symptoms (I have not medicated for a few days). I’m pretty rusty, but I was able to execute high-speed movements, with eye-hand coordination, and no tremor for the duration.  Also, this level of play works up a pretty good sweat and cardio rate.

Brad

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Parkinsons Relief Through Better Hydration

A letter about Parkinsons relief thorough better hydration from Mary follows. Mary  gaveAquas relief through better hydration me permission to post here on the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I am enjoying reading your new book [Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease: https://www.parkinsonsdisease.me] and look forward to trying some new things for myself that are mentioned in there.

I know that the dehydration thing is right on for me. I started drinking lots more water this past summer at my friend’s insistent urging. And it has really been so helpful. I already have the Aquas [http://www.aquas.us] and will start doing those again in the morning and evening and see what happens. Parkinsons relief through better hydration is possible. 

I had remembered that in 6-08 and 12-08 after two surgeries I had felt much better. I had thought that it could have a couple of things that made me feel better. One was the O2 that I received during the surgeries. I have sleep apnea and having 02 might have made a difference. I also thought that it could have been the IV’s hydrating me.

Well I went into the hospital in Oct. 09 and stayed there for three days, recovering from a kidney infection . I slept and rested for three days (admitted through ER with 104 degree fever) and had an IV 24/7 all those days. What a difference!

Mary

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Dynamic Energetic Healing

My radio show interview with Dr. Steve Fenwick on dynamic energetic healing was indeed fascinating. Are you aware of ways that you sabotage your own recovery from the symptoms of Parkinson’s?

We all sabotage ourselves, but sabotage is serious when it impedes our ability to recover from symptoms that are debilitating. As a psychologist, Dr. Fenwick helps people heal from the inside out.

Listen to a replay of my interview with Dr. Fenwick below.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

Do Doctors Prescribe Fava Beans for Parkinsons

The following are questions I asked Sandra who grows her own fava beans for Parkinsons and harvests them herself to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Can fava beans be used in conjunction with other medications?

They do not appear to conflict with sinemet, but there is a fine balance between not enough l-dopa and too much. If my friend eats too many beans with her Sinemet dose..she appears to be drunk and tends to fall.

It would be great if each person’s body metabolism were the same and a clear dose could be established, but it doesn’t work that way. It has been our experience that most doctors are not familiar with fava beans and other natural remedies, and will likely advise Sinemet or other PD meds. I have chosen to stay away from synthetic l-dopa & stick with what I know and consider natural, so that my body can stay at it’s optimal health.

Do doctors prescribe fava beans??

In Europe, people have used favas for PD therapy for a long time. Favas are also a very popular food in Europe. In the United States, most people have never heard of favas. However, there is a product called Balance D that is available in the US, a supplement containing fava, by Neuroscience. It was recommended to my friend by her doctor.

Do you have a website that would help people understand the use of fava beans and how to grow them?

There is a man in Canada, Ken Allan, who has been so much support to me in this adventure with the favas. He also has PD and has grown and used them to supplement his sinemet for several years now.

Parkinsons Recovery has also set up a website specifically for fava beans: https://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Is there a fava bean support group where people can get answers to their questions about growing and using the beans?

No, not that I am aware of, but it is a great idea. Could Parkinsons Recovery start an online support group where people could share valuable information about fava beans and their uses and how to grow them?

I am happy to share the little bit of information that we have gleaned over the past 12 months. I pray that many of your listeners will be encouraged to grow their own favas and that we will find people interested in doing valuable research on these amazing fava beans. May God Bless You. Sandra

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Are Fava Beans Hard to Grow?

The following are answers to the question: Are fava beans hard to grow – by Sandra who grows her own fava beans as a remedy for the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

About Fava Beans

They were a pleasure to grow for me, but some people would consider them difficult. Some of the plants become tall, depending on the variety of fava and on the composition of the soil. Ours had to be staked to prevent them from falling over when they reach about 4 foot. (Falling over can break the plant/ or they sometimes start getting discolored leaves and beans because of close contact to the ground..neither of which I wanted). So, I hammered stakes in each row with about 6 plants in between, and did what is called a Florida weave to secure them in upright position.

I learned to do this when growing a field of tomatoes one year. When done properly, a whole field can be tied in a very short time. A couple of weeks later. A second level of string is used to envelope the plants as they grow taller.

The biggest time consumer is hammering stakes if you grow a large crop. The plants are very hardy and ours survived temperatures down to 26 degrees here in Tennessee. When it dropped lower, they were hit hard……though it looks like they may come back from the roots possibly if the weather ever warms up again.

This is the coldest winter I have seen here. Favas like cool weather. They are actually in the pea family/ and not a bean. They do not tolerate very hot weather. I plan to plant my spring crop, Lord willing, in the end of February or first of March. Once you look at the beautiful, and prolific flowers on the plants, you will see why the bees and other insects migrate to your favas…they are amazing.

I found that soaking the seeds for about 2 days, until they begin to sprout, is best and then setting them directly out into the soil about 10 inches apart and 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Once they have developed their first 2 leaves, the root is close to a foot long. They are a good soil builder and bring a lot of nutrients up to the surface from deep in the ground. They are used as “cover crops” in some places plowed under to fertilize the soil, and then the area is replanted.

Where can a person get fava beans if they cannot grow their own?

We have not yet located a source for young/ green/ immature pods. I have come across dried beans in several markets, and even full sized bean pods in Earth Fare…but neither of these will give the l-dopa we need for PD.

You may find a local farmer who would be willing to raise a crop for you. You would have to specify the length you want the beans / or go pick them yourself & come home & process them immediately… so as not to loose the medicinal qualities of the beans. It is best to grow/ harvest & process your own and this will be a priority for me as long as I am able.

The beans (seeds) themselves , whether green or dry, contain very little levadopa….it is the leaves, stems, and the pods surrounding the bean seeds that contain the levadopa.

Fava Bean Tincture Q&A

What follows is Sandra’s answer to my question about how she goes about preparing her fava bean tincture.

I have found that picking the immature pods at about 2 1/2 inches is the best for us. They have a great buttery taste and no strings. We steam them for about 6 minutes, then freeze them on cookie sheets for about 15 minutes, then place them in freezer bags and return them to the freezer. My friend enjoys them the right from the freezer…2-4 pods with her sinemet dose .. Bean chips & cookies were made by putting large favas (past the stage of eating the pod) through a Champion Juicer, which takes out all the indigestible fiber, etc. ..and using that juice to make tasty l-dopa treats. We keep our “treats” frozen and use them to ward off symptoms. They are great also for car trips, just to carry along if needed. The possibilities are endless.

You prepare a tincture from the fava beans you grow in your grow. Tell us more about how you make your tincture

I wanted something that would capture the essence and l-dopa of the plant, and preserve it. Mainly, because there is the problem of having to grow a year’s supply of pods and freeze them. There is always a possibility of a power outage and a years supply would be lost. Since I have been making Echinacea tincture for years from my garden I wondered,

Could I formulate a fava bean tincture from the fava bean plant?

A specific part of the plant captured my attention, so I went through-out the garden harvesting these little “tops”…a little hidden, protected part of the plant. They were placed in a dehydrator to dry and then into a jar with brandy. This was shaken for a month, several times a day. Then, it was strained.

It looked good, and I played the part of a white experimental rat and took several drops to see what would happen. I didn’t see any change right away, but later, went outside and was coming up the steps and noticed that I didn’t halt on my right hip/leg like I always did. I went back down & climbed up the steps again. It wasn’t my imagination. Started trying other things that I usually couldn’t do…and kept noticing other improvements…..it was easy to drive the car, my reaction time was much improved. The list went on on.

I decided to take another drop at bedtime…and actually got a good night’s sleep. I have been using the tincture now since October 9th. Still no side effects, besides lack of Parkinson’s disease symptoms. If I feel symptoms starting…I just take a couple of drops and in about 15 minutes I don’t notice them anymore.

Ken Alan…a fellow PD patient has been growing favas for a few years. I sent him some of my fava bean tincture and he “kitchen tested it”. He wrote back that there was approximately 1 mg levadopa in 2 drops tincture. I have been taking this small dose 3 to 4 times a day to alleviate my symptoms.

Can you provide your fava bean tincture to other people?

No. I feel that much research needs to be done on the tincture, and perhaps a better base can be found to draw out even more of the levadopa than brandy. I plan to experiment in the spring with wine vinegar for tincture. But, I cannot test for levadopa and each batch will be slightly different, because of the soil area in which the favas are grown / the time of year the top is harvested/and the chosen liquid base for the tincture.

I want to make a plea for someone, or perhaps a medical school to take on the fava project that I started. I will help in any way I can to make this valuable way of using favas available to other people with Parkinson’s disease who would benefit from it, as I have.

A free download of Aunt Beans Fava Bean recipe is available at: https://www.favabeans.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Five Steps to Recovery

Perhaps the most formidable challenge for everyone on the road to recovery is to persist, stay on track and maintain the commitment that is needed to recover. This I must say is no minor challenge. Five steps to recovery are critical for success to manifest.

People tell me consistently that when they take a vacation from eating healthy food, exercising or abandoning therapies that help them, symptoms worsen. Guaranteed.

How does anyone maintain the focus that is needed to stay on track? It certainly helps to have a daily infusion of hope which is why I invented the  Parkinsons Recovery Membership.

Affirmations can certainly help us all sustain the discipline and commitment that is so critical to a recovery program.

Five Steps to Recovery lays out the steps necessary to transform negative thought forms into positive ones. When we hold positive thoughts moment to moment, day in and day out, we can manifest whatever our heart desires – health, wellness, abundance, happiness, joy – you name it.

Discover more about Five Steps to Recovery by visiting: https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/five-steps-to-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Dopamine

My husband and I receive your newsletter and listen to many of your interviews. I am encouraged by your message of working toward recovery. I do have one question, and it deals with the physiology of dopamine.

Conventional medicine explains the symptoms by stating that the dopamine producing cells in the substantia nigra are dying, and this is irreversible. Do you think the cells are dying but this state is reversible? Or do you question the whole idea of the cells dying? If PD is simply a collection of symptoms, what causes the symptoms?

We are working hard toward recovery, although the path is discouraging right now.

Regards,

Don and Dianne

You ask if I question the idea that cells are dying. I have no doubt but that cells are dying throughout the body every second of our life. It is the sweet nature of life as it is sustained by the awakening of new cells and the death of cells whose time has come.

Do cells in the Substantia Nigra die? Of course they do, just as the cells in my right big toe. I say,

Out with the old and in with the new.

The process of old cells dying and new cells emerging gives life juice and power. It we hang onto the old, our life force withers away.

You ask if the state of illness is reversible? My answer unequivocally is yes. There are beliefs that typically drag us down into the sewer of depression and illness. Once those beliefs are transformed, recovery becomes possible as long as the physical body is given the support it needs to heal.

You ask what causes the symptoms? I write quite a bit about this subject in my new book I just released this week, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease. There are a number of interrelated factors that contribute to the symptoms including trauma, stress, toxins, poor nutrition, lack of exercise and a digestive system that has shut down.

Here is what I think. There is no single therapy or approach that can offer the promise of  full recovery. Parkinson’s is one of the most complex conditions that can exist in the body. It takes a multifaceted approach to heal.

A deficiency of dopamine plays a minor role in what is happening within the various systems of the body. I can assure you it is not the central character in this drama. I suggest you step back and begin thinking in a much larger and broader context.

It sounds like you have launched a path on the road to recovery. Take action on whatever therapies or approaches that call to you. A little experimentation will go a long way in helping you figure out what you need to do for yourself to recover.

It is very easy to get discouraged, since the road to recovery tends to have quite a few curves and unexpected twists. When you get discouraged, as is the case today, just acknowledge the thought and whisk it away for it is not serving your best and highest good.

I have a concluding thought for you. You mention you are working “hard” toward recovery.  It certainly does take an unwavering commitment, but if the work is “hard” it may actually be stressful, provoking symptoms. Perhaps the thought form could be transformed by the mantra:

‘We are having fun as we travel down the road to recovery. Every day reveals exciting new discoveries that feed our souls, our bodies and our minds.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Sinemet for Parkinsons

My question, I guess, is in finding a balance with Sinemet for Parkinsons.  I was  dx with PD in 1998 and in 2000 had a horrible bout with head/neck cancer after which the PD drugs nearly killed me. But I recovered and sought PD Recovery as well. But back in 2005 when I found the Parkinson’s Recovery program I was warned, do not attempt to recover from PD if you have EVER taken Sinemet, which I now have for 11 years.

I am still doing whatever alternative Rx I can, and now am in the position of being under consideration for Deep Brain Stimulation. I also have 6 more years of long term disability insurance which I have to justify with an annual exam and report. So my question is, where do I start? Where do I find guidance that doesn’t cost too much? My husband is retired and I am living on disability.

Diane

Response

I have interviewed many members of my audience who elected to take medications while focusing on bringing their body back into balance. They identify the cause of their symptoms and treating it with natural therapies and methods. When it comes to Sinemet and Parkinsons, the medications can be a life safer for some people.  You have to be able to feel reasonably well to take the actions needed to recover.

The one factor that will spin us all into a state of imbalance is negative thought forms. Your question actually centers on thought forms. To rephrase your your question:

How can I maintain positive thoughts about my recovery?

That of course is the challenge for everybody in a body. We all carry negative thoughts in our heads moment to moment. To illustrate what we all do to ourselves, you write in your question:

“I was warned do not attempt to recover from PD…”

Hum … you have encoded that warning into the cellular structure of your brain. Permit me to add a few additional “warnings” to illustrate how harmful this thinking is to your body:

“I was warned do not attempt to recover from depression.”

“I was warned do not attempt to recover from the flu.”

“I was warned do not attempt to recover from grief.”

Recovery is possible only when we know it in our heads and our hearts. Negative thoughts obstruct the process. My book Five Steps to Recovery helps transform negative thoughts that are not in you best and highest good which are impeding any and all attempts at recovery.

You ask, where do I find guidance? The answer is quite simple: listen to your own guidance. Your body knows the answers. We all get guidance – intuitive hits – about what we need to do for ourselves. Act on what you know from your heart that you need to do for yourself. Guidance is free.

I have identified more than 100 options and therapies give people with Parkinsons significant relief from their symptoms. In summary, you do not have to spend a cent to begin recovering today. Do that by challenging your negative thinking moment to moment.

Many blessings,

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Zeolite for Parkinsons

Congratulations on finishing Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease and thank you for making this available to those who are in need of help with the “charms” of PD. I have a question about Zeolite for Parkinsons.

It has been 14 months since I was diagnosed and I shared this news with you when it was confirmed. My journey has made me try mirapex for l0 months which made me feel worse than the symptoms I had at the time mainly the fatigue. I stopped the mirapex three weeks ago and started amantadiine twice a day since then. I feel better being off of mirapex but I do not feel normal.  The fatigue has lifted somewhat, I can stay up longer hours however I am still slow in movement, bad handwriting, constipation, mask, left leg trembles at times, back pain when I walk. I do eat a healthy diet and keep a good attitude most of the time. I still drive a car but just locally, no long trips. I challenge my brain with reading, scrabble games, chess games and going out to lunch often.

My sister bought me some “Zeolite” to try to see if it will help me. I read some good things about Zeolite for Parkinsons on the internet. It makes sense to me the reasoning to cleanse the body of toxins so that the body is enabled to heal itself. Your outline of your researched book makes ablot of sense to me and made the lightbulb in my head turn on!!! I am going to try the Zeolite starting Monday morning taking it in a glass of water three times a day dropping 10 drops of it each time. If you have any feedback you can share with me on Zeolite, I would appreciate it.

Terry

Response:

It is wonderful to hear from you and to learn more about your journey back to health.

Zeolite for Parkinsons was highly recommended as a detox by one doctor I interviewed, Lyn Hanshew, MD which I discuss in Road to Recovery. Dr. Hanshew is convinced it will make a big difference to the symptoms of Parkinsons.

Doctors I have interviewed recommend that you detox very slowly when using a detox like zeolite. I have had a surprising number of phone calls from individuals who wound up in the emergency room because their detox regimen was too strong. If you experience symptoms after taking the drops consult with your doctor and consider reducing the number of drops taken each day.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Family Constellations

Have you been trying one therapy after another with some success, but still see no profound improvement in your symptoms? Are you at your wits end with experimenting? Have you spent tons money on therapies but do not feel substantially better? Have you started to believe that recovery is impossible for anyone with Parkinson’s? The explanation may well be entanglements in family constellations.

There may be a dynamic at play here which is below the surface and entirely unconscious.family constellations A hidden dynamic in the family system from long ago and far away may be impeding your recovery. How can this happen? How can an ancestor you never met and know nothing about influence your health today?

All about Family Constellations

I interview Dee Yoh , family constellation facilitator, who explains how this can happen and have a compelling impact on a person with Parkinson’s.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

Recovery is Happening for Me

I received permission from Monica to posted her e mail to me yesterday with the title recovery is happening for me.
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

I, LIKE YOU, HAD NEVER BEEN ENOUGH FOR MYSELF. MY BODY EXPRESSED THIS AT AGE 50 WITH SPECIFIC SYMPTOMS.  DEEP INSIDE I WAS SO TIRED OF BEING DRIVEN AND WHEN DIAGNOSED WAS RELIEVED TO HAVE  AN EXCUSE TO GET OFF THE MERRY-GO-ROUND. AFTER 5 YRS I AM HAPPY TO BE A MORE REAL ME.  IN MAY 09 I DECLARED MYSELF TO RECOVERY.  IN JULY 09 I BEGAN AQUAS.

IN OCT 09 I SHARED WITH JOHN COLEMAN MY PROGRESS AND TOOK EVEN MORE SERIOUSLY THE PRACTICE OF SELF-LOVE. IM SEEING TEENY TINY IMPROVEMENTS THAT I ATTRIBUTE TO CHANGED THOUGHT FORMS. ABOUT A MONTH AGO I MADE AN APPT TO SEE ABOUT STARTING PD MEDS IN DEC. WHY? BECAUSE MY RIGHT FOOT WAS STICKING TO THE GROUND A LITTLE MORE THAN I WAS COMFORTABLE WITH. I DECIDED TO BE IN A FEAR STATE OVER THIS INSTEAD OF THE IDEA THAT THIS TOO SHALL PASS. IT PASSED. IM IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY. IM STILL GOING TO SEE ABOUT MEDS….ALTHOUGH TAKING DOPAMINE CAPSULES HAS HELPED ME I THINK.

I THINK HAVING A MORE RELAXED FORGIVING OF SYMPTOM FLAREUPS IS THE KEY THOUGH. THE OLD FEAR-BASED, DRIVEN, IM NOT ENOUGH EGO, IM REALIZING MAKES SYMPTOMS WORSE THAN THEY WOULD BE OTHERWISE. OLD HABITS DO Not SERVE ME AT ALL…

MONICA
When Monica sent me an e mail today giving permission to post her e mail, she added the following exciting news:
TODAY IS ANOTHER GREAT DAY AND IM SSOO HAPPY……IM ON A HIGH..RECOVERY IS HAPPENING FOR ME
Monica

 

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

Walking and Balance Problems

Today, I was looking for new inspiration and direction. My walking and balance problems are a little more wobbly, but the feeling on my left side (once quite numb) is much better in the last month now. So, in a way, I feel that I am doing better. I no longer feel like I have two different sides but have one body. I can make my left hand do things like brush teeth and type. (Having Parkinson’s does not make you ambidextrous; it is just that your non-sided hand must help out if it need be. There’s no comfort in that: it doesn’t have the coordination that the sided hand does, if that is the one that is affected).

I hope that this (one-body experience) is part of my recovery. I want to work harder on my health, as I keep thinking of the interview of the woman who had deep stimulation (not the poetry writing lady, the one before that). She said if she had it to do over, she would have given the alternative therapies a better chance.

Searching around the Parkinsons Recovery Blog, I read many blogs as well as listened to past interviews and this week’s interview, which included mention of stiffening in the chest related to the breathing. Taking your suggestion of working on one symptom, I decided to compensate for my shallow breathing for a week, moment by moment. I’m always deflated, and I know that I have not been getting enough oxygen.

Starting that, I decided as well to root out one thought form that may be contributing to this condition. I thought that it would take some time to discover one, but it came up immediately. The woman with the CORD therapy said, in general, that Parkinson’s people have a reality print of:

‘I can’t quite do this, or measure up’.

I understand that. I can affirm, I can do this, I can, I can–anything. Believe me, this is a different type of energy to have within myself, though I have accomplished a lot in my life. Idid it by simply pushing. I want my brain to learn something new here of real confidence.

I found a boost in this story from my own saved archives.

This story makes you think about your potentials, as the woman in the story did. She went to college in her 60s and got the geology degree that she always wanted. I can at least accomplish everything that is before me this week. Thanks for your site again. I’m working on getting it to two other people with Parkinson’s.

Alan
Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Theracyle and Parkinsons

We have benefited from reading your news posts. You have so much to share. I want to ask your opinion about the Theracycle. Do you know Parkinson’s sufferers who have benefited from this? Do you have testimonials or contacts or can you give my email to one of these. We are trying many of the suggestions we have heard about in your posts. I would like to get this equipment for my husband.

Best regards,

Karima

Thanks so much for your e mail. I am so glad to hear you benefit from my posts and interviews on Parkinsons Recovery Radio.

The Theracycle and Parkinson’s

I do not know anyone specifically who has benefited from the Theracyle product. The principle of forced exercise is discussed in my radio program on April 23, 2009 with Dr. Jay Alberts, an exercise  researcher from the Cleveland Clinic. Jay tells me he thinks that forced exercise might be helping to rewire the brain. His early research suggests that it may provide benefits that are equivalent to current Parkinson’s medications.

You can likely get the same benefit from using equipment at the health club that forces the person to go at a faster pace than they can do on their own. I personally think a special approach that accomplishes the same purpose is the old fashioned tandem bike – with two seats. The healthy person peddles on the front as the person with symptoms of Parkinson’s peddles on the back – keeping up so to speak.

It is not 80 RPM that is critical in my personal opinion. It is that the person on the back is being helped to go at a rate a little faster than they can do on their own. Tandem’s give both persons something fun to do together. And, both benefit from the exercise.

My hunch (without having any evidence) is that the Theracyle is probably great for people. I also suspect there are alternatives (like the tandem bikes) that are less costly. Your husband could try out forced exercise at a health club to see how his body reacts to the exercise approach. It doesn’t have to be on a Theracyle.

I do know they are working on some programming for the Theracycle specifically for Parkinson’s. That will certainly prove interesting and promising I would suspect.

Whatever you decide, please let let me know the outcome. As you are well aware, I will spread the word!

All the best,

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery

 

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