Although the rates of all forms of autoimmune disease continue to rise, one in particular that is experiencing explosive growth is Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Second only to Alzheimer’s at this point in the neurological disease category, about 10 million people worldwide and one million Americans suffer from PD. 

But those numbers may be grossly understated because many people don’t get diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.  In addition, proper diagnosis can be muddied because other conditions can cause similar symptoms. There is no definitive test for PD, so people with it may be misdiagnosed.

PD affects men about 50 percent more often than women, and that is suspected to be the result of the protective effects of estrogen.  Although men have estrogen too, clearly women have higher levels.

While its greatest prevalence is between the ages of 60 and 85, cases are starting to be diagnosed in people under 50…certainly not good news.

Why in the world?

Although no specific cause of PD has been identified, here are several factors that are suspected to be playing a role in the development of the disease:

Environmental toxins

Pesticides and herbicides are associated with increased PD risk.  This includes the herbicide glyphosate, which is the active ingredient in RoundUp weed killer.  You might recall that Monsanto/Bayer is buried in lawsuits (about 85,000 of them) from victims claiming that RoundUp caused their cancer, and has been found guilty and required to pay millions in damages in at least one.

If glyphosate can cause various cancers, hey, why not PD?

Inflammation

Inflammation in the brain is closely associated with several degenerative neurologic disorders, including PD, Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis (MS).

The brain-immune connection

Research has shown that your brain and central nervous system are connected to your immune system by lymphatic vessels (near your sinuses) that were previously thought not to exist.

Autoimmune diseases like PD are characterized by mixed-up immune cells that launch an inflammatory attack on your healthy cells, tissues and organs.   Well, it’s not out of the realm of possbility that these mixed-up immune cells may travel through your lymphatic vessels and carry out their damaging actions in the brain!

Nutrient-poor diet

Having a nutrient-poor diet increases your risk of ALL types of diseases, including PD.

In addition, a diet high in sugar and grains can upset your microbiome balance, and allow harmful yeasts and bacteria to thrive.  This can affect the proper functioning of your immune system too and increase your vulnerability to autoimmune diseases.  

Damage to the brain

Damage to the area of the brain called the substantia nigra, which produces brain cells that are responsible for making the neurotransmitter dopamine, is suspected to play a role in PD.

Dopamine helps control your bodily movement and hormonal responses, so being low in it can cause the muscular and cell rigidity and tremors seen with Parkinson’s.

Promising hope and prevention

The good news here is that there is a whole lot you can do to help prevent your number from coming up in the PD lottery…and even if you do suffer from Parkinson’s, there are safe, natural measures you can take for substantial relief.

Here are some options to consider:

Get enough Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 essential fatty acids can help elevate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine levels (which are reduced in PD) and curb inflammation.  In addition to incorporating wild-caught fatty fish (like salmon) into your diet, a pure Omega-3 fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help ensure your body has healthy levels of these crucial fats. 

VitalMega-3 delivers a whopping 1,200 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids, including 300 mg of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and 200 mg of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)—the two fats that are crucial for brain and nerve function.

Have a healthy whole foods diet

Concentrate on wholesome real foods like fresh vegetables, fruits and healthy fats like butter, coconut oil, nuts, olive oil and avocado.

Proteins like organic beef, chicken and dairy, wild-caught fish, and eggs are excellent too.  But PD sufferers have been shown to benefit from a more moderate intake of protein, so it’s wise to limit protein foods to one meal per day.

At the same time, avoid processed foods, fast food, soda, unhealthy fats like vegetable oils and margarine, artificial sweeteners and sugars, as these stir up inflammation in the body and provide few to no nutrients.

Embrace the power of turmeric

Research shows that the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) can highly benefit PD.

Although traditional Indian dishes are made with turmeric, the amount typically consumed in your diet is far less than what your body needs to effectively fight inflammation. 

To take advantage of turmeric’s awesome health benefits, it’s best to supplement with a pure organic formula like Optimal Turmeric Blend.

Optimal Turmeric Blend provides a therapeutic 750 mg of pure, organic turmeric in every 2-capsule dose, plus an additional 5 mg of BioPerine™ (Black pepper fruit extract) to support maximum absorbency.

Try acupuncture

Research has shown acupuncture can relieve Parkinson’s symptoms by generating a neural response in areas of the brain that are particularly affected by inflammation.

Get some movement

Activities such as stretching and water aerobics have been shown to be helpful to people with PD. 

In addition, look for specific movement programs geared toward PD sufferers. 

For example, one of my former karate students (Karl Sterling) has designed a specific PD exercise program, and he travels all over the world conducting events to train PD sufferers in these special movements and techniques.  To get an idea of programs to look for, check out Karl’s website:  http://neuromotortraining.com

Maintain healthy Vitamin D levels

Vitamin D helps to maintain bone health, it supports proper immune system functioning, and helps curb inflammatory immune responses…all good news in the fight against Parkinson’s!

Unfortunately, Vitamin D is a VERY common deficiency, especially in the northern hemisphere this time of year when sunlight is scarce.

To ensure you maintain healthy Vitamin D levels all year round, a top-notch supplement like Optimum DK Formula with FruiteX-B is your ticket.

In addition to getting an impressive 5,000 IUs of vitamin D3 in each capsule, Optimum DK Formula also provides the added benefit of vitamins K1 (500 mcg) and K2 (50 mcg), and the mineral boron.  This trio of nutrients works closely together to support strong immune, cardiovascular and bone health.

Although there is no “cure” for Parkinson’s disease, you can go a long way to prevent it or feel better if you’ve got it by relying on the pure, awesome power of Nature.

To your health,

Sherry Brescia