I have a question about Sinemet versus fava beans. What’s the bottom line? Is it that fava’s are cheaper than Sinemet, which is not an problem in London since we have free prescriptions. Or more excitingly do fava’s lead to less risk of addiction? Having ploughed through the majority of Janice Walton-Hadlock’s treatise on the horrific risks one can run in giving up L Dopa, addiction is my number one fear if I put myself on the fava road to Recovery.
Robert
As for the choice between taking fava beans or Sinemet … What is best? Of course, the decision depends on the individual in all cases. Some people have told me that Sinemet has saved their lives and given them hope. Others have said the same thing about fava beans and mucuna.
As you note, a challenge with any prescription medication is of course the side effects. There is also the long term possibility that the body will become addicted to a prescription medication. Once you start taking it, it is very difficult to stop.
Fava beans are also not exempt from risks. Some people are allergic to them. There is also a contra-indication for anyone who is taking an MAOI inhibitor (usually for depression).
Clearly, it is not the case that one choice is obviously better than another. It depends on a number of factors that can interact in very complicated ways.
There is an energetic difference between fava beans and Sinemet. When grown in a natural environment, the energetic charge of fava beans (or any food for that matter) can exude a very high frequency, giving your body quite a “charge” so to speak (unless you are allergic to the fava beans of course). Because fava beans are a natural food, the body is less likely to react negatively with side effects.
Any prescription drug is a synthetic. Medications usually convey a combination of frequencies to the tissues of the body that transmit conflicting signals. This of course is why side effects are experienced by some people.
Below are answers that Aunt Bean gives to questions about fava beans.
1. How did you come to try fava beans as therapy for Parkinson’s disease?
I started searching books for possible natural treatments for Parkinson’s disease in January 2009. Came across a book “Green Pharmacy” by James A. Duke PhD. He spoke of favas for Parkinson’s disease & that started the ball rolling…lots of research and a search for seeds to plant. I am an organic gardener and am fascinated with herbs and natural medicine … so this was a new challenge for me.
2. Why are fava beans supposed to give relief from PD symptoms?
The whole aerial plant contains l-dopa. Especially, the immature green pods. Since it is a natural form of l-dopa, the body recognizes & utilizes it very efficiently. Part of this is because it is a whole food, not a synthetic, man made form … just God given.
3. How have fava beans helped you and your friend?
My friend takes a small amount of sinemet and a couple of beans at medication times. The favas are supplying most of her l-dopa. This seems to be giving her longer “on” times. Taking less sinemet seems to mean less withdrawal time from sinemet. She tries to take all of her sinemet before lunch time and then supplement in the afternoon with bean products dries bean chips/bean cookies/tincture, etc.
Personally, I am not on any pharmaceuticals for PD, and just taking a few drops of tincture when I feel PD symptoms coming on, is enough to let me get through the day symptom free.
4. Can everyone use fava beans?
No. Some people have a genetic condition called favism. People with favism have an deficiency that makes it very dangerous to use favas…consumption can be fatal. There is a simple blood test called a G6PD which detects if you have this condition and should not use fava beans. The test cost me $65. and was well worth it.
My personal preference is always to try the natural therapies first. If they fail, then resort to the synthetic alternatives. There is a good chance the body will be better able to assimilate the therapy if it is natural.
Of all the Parkinson’s drugs, my interviews suggest that Sinemet seems to prove the most useful to people. There is certainly no reason to rule out any option that is available!
Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery