How can diet and lifestyle changes keep Parkinson's disease at bay?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease of the autonomous nervous system. The causes for Parkinson's can be broadly classified into genetic and environmental. If one has a genetic mutation, he is likely to suffer from Parkinson’s disease. However, this is rare unless you have a family member who has the condition. Environmental factors include exposure to toxins like pesticides/herbicides etc. Whatever be the cause, one can always work towards prevention. The risks of PD are age, hereditary and gender. Parkinson’s disease seems to affect those of the age 60+. However, it starts in middle age. Hereditary causes are also one of the risk factors for PD. This holds true if there is more than one relative who suffers from the disease. It has also been seen that men succumb to PD more than Women.

Lifestyle and dietary factors can help to delay the onset and prevent PD. The most imp and most relevant factor in today's day and age is stress. Any type of stress be it physical/emotional/mental leads to inflammation which causes long term damage in the body including the neurons of the brain etc. The only way one can prevent PD or alleviate the symptoms is by reducing the stress with lifestyle and diet modifications.

Aerobic exercises:

A basic 40min walk 3 times a week, shows to benefit overall cognitive health and shows an increase in the area of the brain that deals with memory and learning. Those older adults that don't partake in any sort of physical activity show a decrease in the size of hippocampus . Apart from the anti-inflammatory effect on the brain aerobic exercise helps to improve lung capacity, bone density etc.

Vitamin D3:
Research has shown that those detected early with Parkinson's have low levels of vitamin D. This can be attributed to the benefits of vitamin D3 such as prevention of osteoporosis, it's importance for mineral absorption in the body, protects against cancer, boosts energy and immunity, and protects against dementia. Without vitamin D one can't absorb enough calcium and phosphorus either. The best sources of vitamin D are sunlight and grass-fed sources of animal fat.

Omega 3:
PD as a condition is due to the inflammation in the body. Omega 3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega three help in the prevent of cell degeneration and cell death. Most of Parkinson is because of neural deterioration which causes a drop in dopamine. A research study has shown that those individuals who were supplemented with Omega three did not show a drop in dopamine levels when compared to those who were not supplemented with Omega 3. Omega 3 also boosts immunity, enhances cardiovascular health, and also helps to balance cholesterol levels.

Consumption of organic/ local veggies:
One of the main causes of PD is environmental toxins- herbicides, pesticides etc. This causes also applies to agriculturists who are exposed to these compounds. However even though organic is safer than conventional, there are some herbicides etc that are legally allowed even on an organic produce. Hence it would be wise if you are aware of the source of your food.

Eat fresh vegetables
This doesn't need to be emphasized more. There are research studies to prove that increased amounts of B12 and folate found in vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of PD. The best sources of these vitamins are dark green leafy veggies, spinach, broccoli, lady fingers, legumes, lentils etc.
CoQ10

CoQ10 is used by the body to produce energy for cell growth and maintenance. Having said that it also has an important function of being an antioxidant which protects cells from damage. Those individuals with low levels of CoQ10 have shown to be at a greater risk of neurodegenerative diseases like PD.

Sources: organ meats, wild fish, and grass-fed meats. Spinach, brocolli cauliflower also contain CoQ10 but not in the same amounts as their nonveg counterparts.

Apart from the dietary sources, supplementation of CoQ10 has shown to reduce dopamine loss and reduce the progression of the disease. In order to facilitate optimum absorption of the coenzyme, it is best when consumed with healthy fats.

Ms Delnaaz T. Chanduwadia is a Chief Dietitian at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre.

Physical Activity, Mental Exercises & Healthy Lifestyle: 9 Ways To Fight Parkinson’s Disease

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Being diagnosed with any health problem is taxing, but correctly understanding it is the key to dealing with a progressive, neurological condition. One such neurological condition is Parkinson’s disease, first described by James Parkinson’s 200 years ago. It is characterised by tremours, overall slowing, rigidity, falls, speech troubles, constipation and more.

With research ongoing to find a permanent cure, there are many things one can routinely do to keep its multifaceted symptoms under control.

On World Parkinson’s Day, Dr Azad M Irani, Consultant Department of Neurology at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, shares some points that will help you fight the disease.

Being diagnosed with any health problem is taxing, but correctly understanding it is the key to dealing with a progressive, neurological condition. One such neurological condition is Parkinson’s dise..

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Understanding the disease is a key to successful management. Once diagnosed with Parkinson’s, request your doctor for reliable sources of information. Avoid reading unreliable information online as it may often be untrue and stressful. Advice received during small talks with relatives and friends must also be counter-checked as it may often be untrue and add to unnecessary stress.

Understanding the disease is a key to successful management. Once diagnosed with Parkinson’s, request your doctor for reliable sources of information. Avoid reading unreliable information online as i..

Read More

One must take medicines on time. Don’t miss follow-up appointments. Don’t adjust your own medication. These can be harmful.

One must take medicines on time. Don’t miss follow-up appointments. Don’t adjust your own medication. These can be harmful.

An essential part of successful treatment is daily exercise and physiotherapy, as this can delay progression of symptoms significantly if done regularly. Adequate sleep, preventing constipation are very important to minimise symptoms. The significance of weight loss for those overweight-obese should be emphasised. Continuing household chores, taking walks, and yoga help delay progression of symptoms significantly.

An essential part of successful treatment is daily exercise and physiotherapy, as this can delay progression of symptoms significantly if done regularly. Adequate sleep, preventing constipation are v..

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Keeping oneself fit with a nutritious diet, sleeping on time, and daily meditation to relax calm a worried mind.

Keeping oneself fit with a nutritious diet, sleeping on time, and daily meditation to relax calm a worried mind.

Maintaining emotional and psychological health is of utmost importance. Feeling low after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or for that matter any chronic illness is very common, and rather a natural response. However, long-standing symptoms of sadness, anxiety may occasionally need reference to a mental health professional. Keep socialising and maintain good family relations.

Maintaining emotional and psychological health is of utmost importance. Feeling low after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease or for that matter any chronic illness is very common, and rather a ..

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Puzzles, card and board games, online brain games, learning a new language or musical instruments can stimulate dormant areas of the brain. Indulge in your hobbies, leisure activities with utmost excitement.

Puzzles, card and board games, online brain games, learning a new language or musical instruments can stimulate dormant areas of the brain. Indulge in your hobbies, leisure activities with utmost exc..

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Participating in support groups has significant benefits. People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers should attend Parkinson’s-specific support groups. These disseminate scientific knowledge and methodologies to cope with day-to-day problems. They encourage one to partake in monotonous activities like exercise which one may not do alone. They are morale-boosting in letting you know you aren’t alone in your fight against the disease.

Participating in support groups has significant benefits. People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers should attend Parkinson’s-specific support groups. These disseminate scientific knowledge and me..

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Care-givers are the most important life-line in management of chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Long-term illnesses can take a toll on family members who take on the role of 'caregivers'. Caregiver counselling on coping with symptoms, sharing responsibilities and taking regular breaks will prevent caregiver burnout.

Care-givers are the most important life-line in management of chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Long-term illnesses can take a toll on family members who take on the role of 'caregivers'. ..

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You cannot let any illness keep our spirits low. Hence, keep yourself involved in everything you enjoy doing. Pursue your hobbies, indulge in leisure activities that you have always wished to pursue and remember to always keep smiling!

You cannot let any illness keep our spirits low. Hence, keep yourself involved in everything you enjoy doing. Pursue your hobbies, indulge in leisure activities that you have always wished to pursue ..

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