8 Best Natural Remedies & Alternative Treatments for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease, or PD for short, is an awful and incredibly debilitating disease. It has really come to the forefront and grabbed people’s attention ever since the well-known actor, Michael J. Fox, was first diagnosed with the disease and went public about his fight. Over one million people in the U.S. suffer from Parkinson’s disease, and incredibly, 1 in 90 people have the disease and don’t even know it!




If you know someone who has this disorder (which is highly likely and probably the reason why you’re here reading this) you’ll know just how difficult and heartbreaking it can be watching them succumb to its horrible effects. The symptoms usually begin slowly, sometimes starting with a simple slight shaking of the hand. But over time, and as the disease progresses, more violent tremors and other problems such as slowed movement, stiff muscles, posture, and balance problems - along with a loss of automatic movements and speech and writing changes can also occur.


ALSO READ:Boost Your Immune System Naturally at Home



In the early stages, the 8 most common signs of Parkinson’s include:

  • Tremors or shaking
  • Loss of smell
  • Problems walking and stiffness
  • Difficulty sleeping or thrashing around in bed
  • Soft or low voice
  • Masked face – blank stares and non-blinking
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Stooping or hunching over
  • Depression

Even though there are conventional (medical) treatments available for Parkinson’s disease, most sufferers say the side effects from these medications are so bad that they would rather put up with the uncontrollable shakes and other symptoms instead of subjecting themselves to the horrible effects of these drugs.

A more radical medical treatment for Parkinson’s is something called deep brain stimulation (DBS), where electrodes are inserted into a specific part of the brain and the impulses are controlled by an adjustable generator implanted in your chest. This procedure uses electrical stimulation to control signals in neural circuits to and from certain areas in the brain. From all accounts, it does improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It's not a cure, however, and the surgery can be quite a risky procedure.



What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?


Parkinson’s comes under the dementia umbrella. It’s a degenerative disease of the nervous system that causes a loss of motor skills and intentional movement. When someone has Parkinson’s, the part of the brain that controls muscular movements and mood function doesn’t receive enough of the crucial dopamine chemical. Without enough dopamine, bodily movements, learning abilities, and mood levels are severely affected. So-called “normal” functions such as speaking, writing, swallowing, walking, and sleeping become difficult to perform. These challenges, combined with a lowering of mood levels are why many Parkinson’s patients suffer from depression.

The medical profession would have you believe that the main cause of Parkinson’s disease is genetics. This is pure unsubstantiated rubbish. No amount of evidence has shown that Parkinson’s runs in families. It’s just a medical theory that isn’t panning out. The more firmly held belief – particularly in the natural health field – is that Parkinson’s is a lifestyle and environmental factor disease. Inflammation and the build-up of toxins and heavy metals in the body, especially the brain and nervous system, is considered the number one cause. How healthy your lifestyle and eating habits are and have been in the past is another strong contributor. But what is actually good about lifestyle and environmental factors being the main cause of Parkinson’s is that these can be reversed - and the interesting thing is once these factors ARE reversed, the body begins to heal and regenerate itself. And by healing and regenerating itself, particularly when it comes to the nervous system (yes, nerve cells can be repaired and regenerated), the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are greatly reduced, and in many cases, even completely eliminated!



8 Natural Remedies and Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease


To successfully treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and even reverse this disorder, there are 4 things you must do:

  • Increase your natural dopamine levels
  • Detox your body of all heavy metals and pollutants
  • Reduce all inflammation in the body, especially the brain
  • Repair the neuropathways

These 8 natural treatments and remedies. So let’s not waste any more time then. Here they are in order of importance:



#1. Coconut Oil and Red Palm Oil:

Coconut oil and red palm oil contain powerful “brain food” substances called ketones. The healthy fats in coconut and red palm oil (MCTs or medium chain fatty acids) also help to repair and rebuild the nerve lining or myelin sheath. By doing this, brain communication is enhanced and nerve function is intensified. Dr. Beverly Teeter, a lauded researcher from the University of Maryland, who specializes in dietary fats, says that coconut oil is an effective treatment for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, ALS, schizophrenia, epilepsy, autism, and MS, along with other neurological and nervous system disorders. Another researcher and family practitioner, Dr. Mary Newport, said 19 Parkinson’s patients came to her and reported improvements from consuming coconut oil every day.6 Red palm oil is particularly effective for PD because it also contains high levels of absorbable vitamin E (see #5 home remedy) as well as healthy ketone fats and antioxidants/phytonutrients.


READ ALSO:9 Coconut Oil Health Benefits



How to Take Your Coconut Oil and Red Palm Oil…


A combination of virgin coconut oil and extra virgin red palm oil is definitely the most effective. Make sure you ONLY purchase organic virgin coconut oil and organic virgin red palm oil, nothing else! With the coconut oil, start off with 2 tablespoons consumed 3 times a day with food (a total of 6 per day) and work up to 4 tablespoons at breakfast, lunch, and at dinner. With red palm oil, half a tablespoon taken twice daily with food is perfect.




 #2… Turmeric and Other Herbs and Spices:

A recent study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy found that the extracts in turmeric, particularly curcumin and the newly discovered Ar-turmerone, can regenerate “a damaged brain” and reverse neurological disorders. Researchers said Ar-turmerone is “a promising candidate to support regeneration in neurologic disease.” Michigan State University researcher Basir Ahmad also found that a compound in turmeric may help fight Parkinson’s disease by disrupting the proteins responsible for the disease.

Another study published in Pharmacognosy Magazine found that turmeric can prevent and even reverse the toxic effects exerted on the brain from fluoride exposure. Fluoride is a nasty and dangerous heavy metal that destroys brain cells and the intricate workings of the central nervous system. Fluoride poisoning has also been implicated in the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.

Turmeric is also a very potent anti-inflammatory spice (hence why it’s regularly recommended for arthritis). Because Parkinson’s is an inflammation-type disease, turmeric will help immensely. A heaped teaspoon of high-quality turmeric powder (not the cheap variety) taken 3 times daily in a smoothie will do the trick. Just make sure you combine it with 10-12 black peppercorns for enhanced absorption (black pepper increases the absorption of turmeric by as much as 2000%!) Turmeric is also fat soluble so you’ll need to combine it with some coconut oil, and red palm.


NOTE: If you find it a struggle to take the turmeric powder, you can always substitute this for the turmeric extract capsules, which are just as effective… High Strength Curcumin Turmeric.


Other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs and spices that you should use in your cooking as much as possible to help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s include… cilantro/coriander (a powerful heavy metal cleanser), ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic, cloves, rosemary, cinnamon and oregano.


READ MORE:Health Benefits of Drinking Turmeric Water:




 #3… Chlorella and Borax:

If you have a neurological disease such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, the importance of removing heavy metals from the body - especially from the brain and nervous system - cannot be overstated. Heavy metals accumulate in the brain and nervous system at a rapid rate and cause damage to the neurological pathways and “brain inflammation”. Fluoride is one of the worst, however, mercury, lead, aluminum and cadmium are also extremely dangerous. Chlorella and borax not only remove these heavy metals completely, but they also continue to prevent further toxic build-ups.

Chlorella is a miracle blue-green algae and one of the most powerful detoxifiers and chelators (heavy metal removers) yet discovered. When it’s combined with cilantro, its benefits are enhanced significantly. A Russian study found that chlorella, combined with cilantro, was able to remove all heavy metals from the body, including fluoride and mercury, with no adverse or harmful side effects. You can purchase chlorella in a powdered form online or from most health food stores. Just make sure you buy the Broken Cell Wall Chlorella as this is the strongest and most bio-available. For dosage recommendations, simply follow the directions on the container.


Borax also removes heavy metals from the body, particularly fluoride, and is a potent anti-inflammatory. But isn’t borax poisonous you ask? No! When used correctly, borax is perfectly safe and astoundingly effective. We recommend you take the time to read this article on the astonishing benefits of borax therapy… The Borax Conspiracy There you will also find specific dosage recommendations, along with plenty of other health problems borax can help with. And be sure to pay extra attention to the “Fungi and Fluoride” and “What and How Much to Use” sections.



           



ALSO READ:When to Avoid Turmeric: The Top 6 Side Effects Everyone Should Be Aware Of





#4… Vitamin D & Vitamin E:

Inflammation and low immunity are two powerful factors that contribute to the development and worsening of Parkinson’s disease. Both vitamin D and vitamin E are strong anti-inflammatories and immune boosters. Vitamin D & E also protect our brain cells and can even help damaged neurons regenerate. A deficiency of these key vitamins has also been linked to brain difficulties such as poor memory and recall attainability.

In regards to PD, a study of 157 Parkinson’s patients found that the vast majority of them had severe to chronic vitamin D deficiencies. The findings, published in the Archives of Neurology in March of 2011, revealed a strong link between inadequate levels of vitamin D and the onset of early Parkinson's disease.4



Back in 2002, another study was published in the Archives of Neurology which tracked the mental decline of 3,000 men and women diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over a period of 7 years. The study found the participants whose supplemental vitamin E intake was higher (in the top 1/5th to be exact) experienced a 36% reduction in the severity of their symptoms compared to the rest of the group. Another study, which appeared in the Lancet Neurology online magazine in 2005, showed that vitamin E may actually prevent Parkinson’s disease from developing in the first place! 8



Where to Get Your Vitamin D and Vitamin E From?

Vitamin D is best sourced from the sun, however, depending on where you live, this is not always practical. The next most efficient way is with vitamin D3 supplementation. You need at least 5000 IU of vitamin D per day according to vitamin D expert, Dr. Cedric Garland, so make sure you’re receiving this amount (as a minimum).

A vitamin D3 supplement with added K2 for absorption is the guaranteed way to get the vitamin D you need in the required amount. 

For vitamin E, you can’t go past unprocessed red palm oil. The vitamin E in this oil is highly absorbable - the most absorbable of its kind in fact - plus it comes with the added benefit of ketone fats (MCT’s) and essential fatty acids. You will already be taking a tablespoon of organic red palm oil (from the #1 remedy) every day so there’s nothing more you need to do with this.



#5… Magnesium & Iodine:

Magnesium is vital for the health of the entire nervous system, especially the protective layer that surrounds the nerves (myelin). Magnesium is also essential for the production of dopamine and helps protect dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra from degeneration. In addition to this, new evidence is showing that low levels of magnesium in the brain cause a build-up of heavy metals – a major factor in the development of Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and MS. In a recent trial, 30 epileptics were given 450 mg of magnesium daily and this successfully controlled their seizures. If magnesium can help epilepsy patients, it can certainly help Parkinson’s sufferers. World-renowned magnesium expert and author, Dr. Carolyn Dean, has both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease in her “top 55 health conditions caused by a magnesium deficiency” list and says that magnesium is 100% essential for the prevention and treatment of both of these diseases.

In regards to iodine, a well-known researcher and author, Dr. James Howenstein, says…

“Iodine is found in large quantities in the brain and the ciliary body of the eye. A lack of iodine may be involved in the production of Parkinson's disease and glaucoma.”

Like magnesium, iodine is also crucial for healthy nerves, normal dopamine production, and the removal of heavy metals from the brain. Iodine should be particularly concentrated in the substantia nigra, however, in Parkinson’s patients it is not. Rectifying this and bringing iodine levels back up to where they should nearly always provide great improvement to Parkinson’s patients and their accompanying symptoms.

“In the brain, iodine concentrates in the substantia nigra, an area of the brain that has been associated with Parkinson's disease.”



Best Sources of Magnesium and Iodine…

A combination of a transdermal magnesium spray (absorbed through the pores of the skin) and oral magnesium in the form of magnesium citrate is a powerful combination for your daily supply of this important mineral. Do not use other forms of magnesium as these are poorly absorbed by the body and will not be effective. For magnesium citrate, 300-500 mg per day of a good-quality supplement is required. For your transdermal magnesium spray, here’s how you make it yourself and apply it…


-What You’ll Need

  • 1 cup of Magnesium Chloride Flakes (such as these)
  • 1 cup of Distilled Water
  • Glass Bowl
  • Spray Bottle to Store the Mixture


-Directions

  • Boil the 1 cup of distilled water and tip it into the glass bowl
  • Add the 1 cup of magnesium chloride flakes
  • Stir the mixture until the magnesium chloride flakes are dissolved
  • Leave to cool completely then store in the spray bottle



READ MORE:Five (5) Warning Signs of Magnesium Deficiency






-How to Use

Spray the oil on the arms, legs, and stomach once to twice daily using 10-15 sprays per application. You’ll find it can tingle on the skin, especially the first few times you apply it. This is normal and means it’s working! Leave it on for at least an hour before showering. Use a natural skin moisturizer afterward. You can also take a warm bath comprising of one cup of magnesium chloride flakes or Epsom salt and ½ cup of baking soda for extra benefit and muscle relaxation/relief.


For your iodine, you can go with either the liquid or capsule forms. The liquid is much stronger and more easily absorbed and is the one we suggest you use. The best brand is Lugol’s Liquid Iodine 7% Solution. To take, simply place 3-4 vertical drops in a glass of filtered water and drink once daily. After 3 months, drop down to 2 vertical drops per day and stay on this indefinitely. If you go with the 5% solution it's 5-6 vertical drops in a glass of filtered water once daily, then after 3 months, you drop down to 4 vertical drops. The substantial lift in energy you receive from the liquid iodine is one of the first benefits you’ll notice – so get ready to enjoy this!



 #6… Green Tea:

Green tea contains theanine, a nutrient that increases dopamine levels in the brain, and polyphenol antioxidants (EGCGs) that help fight free radicals. Three separate studies all found that regularly drinking tea can either delay or prevent the development of PD. A retrospective study also found that drinking three or more cups of tea a day can delay the onset of motor symptoms. And a 2007 study found that green tea polyphenols protect brain cells and dopamine neurons, and this positive effect increases with the more green tea consumed.

The minimum amount that should be drank every day is 3 cups, with 6-9 cups a day being the ideal. Matcha green tea is the most potent and beneficial so try and purchase this if you can. A strong cup of coffee first thing in the morning is thought to be effective for reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease as well, however, we recommend you stick with green tea, or even a strong cup of black tea if you can for the theanine and EGCG’s.







LEARN MORE:18 Good Reasons Why You Should Drink Green Tea





 #7… Exercise and Other Alternative Therapies:

Regular exercise has been shown to help Parkinson’s sufferers by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing mobility, and enhancing posture and balance. Exercise also increases oxygen levels and neurotransmitters, along with releasing potent “mood-elevating” chemicals called endorphins.

The type of exercise performed for PD is crucial. Aqua or water aerobics can be particularly useful as traditional exercise is usually quite difficult for many Parkinson’s sufferers. Muscle decline, loss of strength, stiffness, and loss of balance can make conventional exercises difficult to perform. The great thing about aqua aerobics is it still has the same benefits as other exercise regimens, but the risk of falling is eliminated.


In addition to regular exercise, don’t rule out other worthwhile alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Research from the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group at King’s College in London found that acupuncture can help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease - quite considerably in some cases. And a study review on acupuncture and PD stated… “Acupuncture therapy slows the cell death process and attenuates oxidative stress to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Further, acupuncture therapy modulates the neuronal activity of the basal ganglia output structures.”




#8… Foods You Must Avoid - Foods You Must Eat:

There are certain foods that are known to worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s and certain foods that are known to help. Health advocate, Dr. Joseph Mercola, says that Parkinson’s disease is primarily related to poor lifestyle choices, particularly poor dietary habits. Increasing your body’s natural dopamine levels is also extremely important in your fight against PD.

The foods and liquids you should be eating and drinking more of to help you along include:

Clean Filtered Water – Clean filtered water helps to flush toxins from the body and hydrate the cells (including brain cells). Try and aim to drink at least two liters of water every day, and under no circumstances drink tap water! Tap water is laced with toxic fluoride and other chemicals and heavy metals so NEVER drink it. Buy yourself a good quality water filter. It’s worth the investment.


Whole Foods and Raw Foods – Eat plenty of organic mixed berries, green leafy vegetables, liver (if you can stomach it), eggs, nuts and seeds such as chia and flaxseeds, along with plenty of herbs and spices. When it comes to buying any of these remember fresh is always best.


Himalayan Pink Rock Salt or Crystal Salt – Minerals are 100% vital for the healthy functioning of the nervous system and brain. Because there are no longer enough of the essential minerals left in our food chain today (this is a confirmed fact), you must make sure you receive the 80 or more essential trace minerals our bodies need every day by means other than food. Consuming Himalayan pink rock salt is one very effective and cheap way. Pink rock salt is especially rich in magnesium and iodine, two minerals that are crucial for all Parkinson’s sufferers. 

So be sure to use Himalayan crystal salt on your foods instead of commercial table salt (which is bad for you) and in your cooking as much as possible. In addition to this, dissolve ½ to one teaspoon of pink rock salt powder in ½ a cup of warm to hot water and drink this down each day for an extra supply. If Himalayan crystal salt is new to you and you’re unaware of its powerful health benefits, here’s why you should begin using it at once.


LEARN MORE: 8 Amazing Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt



Eat Foods High in L-Tyrosine and B Group Vitamins –
Both tyrosine and folic acid (B9) help boost dopamine levels. B-group vitamins have also been shown in studies to slow down the progression of dementia-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Foods that are rich in these valuable nutrients include; bananas, eggs, red beet, kale, apples, strawberries and blueberries, watermelon, cherries, almonds, beans, and natural yogurt.


Consume Lots of Probiotics – Good gut bacteria are needed for strong immunity and healthy digestive function, which in turn produces healthy brain and nerve function.


Reishi Mushrooms - Reishi mushrooms are powerful immune boosters and contain potent neuroprotective properties, so be sure to eat these fungi as much as possible.


READ:9 Amazing Health Benefits of Reishi Mushrooms




The foods you should be avoiding or not eating at all include:



Processed Dairy – Pasteurized milk, cheese, cream, and yogurt stick to the lining of the gut and prevent the absorption of nutrients. Unless you can purchase or have access to unpasteurized dairy products, use healthier alternatives such as coconut milk or almond milk.


Trans fatty Acids – Margarine, baked goods, fast food, takeaway foods, along with vegetable oils (especially the ones that you find sitting on supermarket shelves in clear bottles) are full of brain-destroying trans fatty acids and free radicals. These must all be completely eliminated if you want to prevent and reverse Parkinson’s disease.


Diet Drinks and Diet Products – Virtually all diet drinks and diet products on the market contain aspartame. This highly toxic artificial sweetener has been repeatedly implicated in the development of brain and nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s. This stuff is very dangerous so do not touch it! Any foods that contain artificial sweetener 951 (E 951), NutraSweet, equal, spoonful, amino sweet, and even Neotame, should be avoided at all costs.


Processed Sugars – Refined sugar disrupts your brain chemistry by altering dopamine levels. It also makes your blood platelets sticky and restricts circulation to certain areas of the brain. This is another man-altered disaster food you should avoid as much as possible.


Gluten – Gluten has been repeatedly linked to brain disorders and learning disabilities. It doesn’t seem to be well tolerated by the body so all gluten-containing foods, particularly all wheat products, are best left out of your diet.


Environmental Toxins and Pesticides – Whilst not always easy to do, avoiding environmental toxins and pesticides that come from cigarette smoke, engine fumes, factory pollution, paint and glue fumes, bug sprays, household cleaners, weed killers (Round Up, etc), will also go a long way to improving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.


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