Category Archives: Parkinson’s

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Could a Lack of Nutrients Be The Cause of Neuro-Diseases?

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Most of us have asked ourselves… how did we (or a loved one) wind up struggling with a neurological disorder like Parkinsons, ALS or Alzheimer’s?

While there’s no clear single cause identified, we do know that environmental toxins, genetics and even diet play a role in the risk. 

Could Nutrition Help Prevent and Reduce Severity?

Researchers who’ve studied Parkinson’s and ALS agree that nutrient deficiencies play a role. Much like how a car won’t run without gasoline, the body needs certain nutrients (mostly from food) to operate properly. 

Some research suggests that people with Parkinson’s disease (for example) often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.

These nutrients are important for various functions of the body and brain.

Couple eating healthy foods

Eat Healthy Food? It’s Not Always Enough.

What’s frustrating is that as we age, we absorb and produce far less of the enzymes, nutrients, minerals and vitamins we desperately need! That puts anyone who’s already at risk of disease, or battling one in a tough spot.

Taking a multivitamin that contains these nutrients may help improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or prevent them from getting worse. 

What’s So Great About Nutrients & Vitamins?

They all serve a specific purpose that helps prevent, support or improve a function in the body! Here’s some great examples of nutrients, and what they do:

  • Vitamin B1 helps convert glucose into energy for the brain cells.
  • N-Acetylcysteine is an amino acid that helps the body detox
  • Vitamin B12 helps the body make red blood cells
  • Vitamin B6 is used to maintain the health of nerves
  • Vitamin B7 helps support adrenal function and maintain a healthy nervous system
  • Magnesium Lactate is a mineral that supports the nervous and digestive system
  • Vitamin E protects your cells from oxidative damage
  • α-Lipoic Acid restores vitamin levels such as vitamin E and vitamin C
  • Phosphatidylserine plays an important role in keeping your mind and memory sharp
  • Glutathione is capable of reducing cellular damage
  • L-Carnitine helps brain function and muscle movement

We know that’s a LOT of information to take in, but it also gives a lot of hope!

Just boosting the levels of any number of these daily – in concentrated natural supplements could definitely help!

However, not all multivitamins are equal. Many low quality products on the market use synthetic or low quality ingredients. Some simply don’t provide you with enough of each nutrient or vitamin to see any real benefit.

This powder contains all the nutrients listed above and many more

The National Institute of Health has established a list of nutrients that are strongly recommended for people with neurodegenerative and motor neuron concerns such as ALS, Parkinson’s, PLS, PMA, Kennedy’s Disease, Dystonia, and many others.

Total Health AM & PM Powder Blends are based on the NIH’s standards. They contain 20 different nutrients that are vital for neurological and cellular health.

The AM & PM Blends work by providing your body with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and other compounds that support your brain and nervous system function. They also help protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation that can cause damage and disease.

They are easy to use and mix well with any beverage. They even taste good and no artificial flavors or colors!

supplements and foods that help dopamine and brain health

This Helps Protect Dopamine Producing Cells

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“The memory of the feeling at that moment is still so vivid,” Sean recalls. “It felt as if the life completely drained out of my right arm from the elbow down.” A month later, he began to notice reduced dexterity in his right hand. Sean initially attributed these feelings to natural causes.

Eventually though, Sean saw a doctor and diagnosed him with Parkinson’s. “As laid in bed, I thought… How did this happen? What did I do wrong? What caused this?”

Normally, brain cells are protected by antioxidants like this one.

Parkinson’s diagnosis is often confirmed by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons within the substantia nigra portion of the brain. This is mostly due to age, genetic factors and environmental toxins that cause oxidative stress.

That stress causes damage to neurons within the brain.

Our glutathione levels tend to decline with age. Some of that is due to chronic inflammation, stress or diet… but there’s lots of possible reasons for it. 

Ultimately, reduced glutathione leads to far more cellular damage. 

It’s one of the causes of problems such as memory loss, mood disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Fortunately, there are ways to increase your glutathione levels and support your brain health. One of them is taking glutathione supplements, which can provide a direct source of this antioxidant to your cells. 

Studies have shown that easily absorbed glutathione supplements can improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress markers, and enhance mitochondrial function in older adults.

That’s why we produce this liposomal glutathione.

It’s basically glutathione that has been packaged within a liposome, which is a little pocket of fat cells. This format not only helps preserve the nutrient but also makes it easier to absorb. 

It’s far less invasive than injections, costs less and is easier to take for those who aren’t able to take tablets or supplements.

Woman with depression seen looking out a window

Reduce Depression & Symptoms Naturally

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Studies Say 50% of Those With Parkinson’s Experience Depression. 

That statistic probably isn’t a huge surprise. Any neuro-health diagnosis is tough news to take.

What’s interesting is, those diagnosed often experience these symptoms long before any Parkinson’s symptoms show.

That’s because Parkinson’s (and diseases like it) affect chemicals in your brain. These changes may lead to mood disorders like depression, anxiety or lack of motivation.

Depression can also intensify other Parkinson’s symptoms.

Fortunately, there’s a natural supplement that may help. 

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a natural supplement that has been studied for its potential to help improve the symptoms of depression.

It is a natural derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and scientists believe it increases the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a role in regulating mood. 

Not only is 5-HTP known to help those suffering with mood disorders, it’s also shown to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Studies have also suggested that 5-HTP can increase dopamine levels.

Research has found that 5-HTP may help improve motor function and reduce tremor associated with the neurological condition.

That’s why we carry a specially sourced high quality 5-HTP supplement in our store. 

It’s also available as part of our comprehensive neuro-health bundles on this page.

You’ll find it comes in easy to swallow capsules that have been scientifically formulated for potency and absorption.

Couple traveling and looking at a map together

Here’s Some Travel Essentials For Neuro-Health

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As the warmer weather and sunlight approaches the biggest travel season (next to Christmas) begins. Lots of older people and those struggling with neurological issues wonder, should I still travel?

You absolutely should!

Anyone who still has the ability to get out of a bed should do so as often as possible and enjoy this beautiful world. It might take a little extra planning, special accommodations for wheelchairs, elevators and pre-planning shorter duration activities, but quality of life depends on it!

#1. Get plenty of rest

Lack of quality sleep is tied to a long list of illnesses. In fact, it’s one of the early signs of diseases like Parkinson’s.

Our bodies naturally produce a hormone that helps provide a better nights rest. The problem is, people with a neurological disease usually don’t produce enough. Regularly getting extra Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is important as part of a healthy lifestyle.

That’s why it’s included in our AAKG+ Core Protocol

#2. Try to keep the same routine

After arrival at your planned destination, try to keep a similar morning, breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime as you do at home. Take your supplements, medications and foods around similar timeframes. 

It seems obvious, but it’s easy to slip out of routine and face lower energy levels, stress or constipation. Those contribute to making trips memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The dosing guide here helps if you’re using a supplement like AAKG.

Man getting sunlight while sitting on a park bench

#3. Get sunlight or up the Vitamin D

One big benefit of sunlight is that it makes people happier. The body naturally produces more dopamine and Vitamin D while in the sunlight. Vitamin D helps the immune system, strengthens bones and even relieves pain! It’s even known to help sleep quality.

Low Vitamin D is also common for those with neurological conditions, which is why 83% of your daily intake is included in our Optimax Multi-Vitamin.

No matter where you go, who you visit or what sights you see… try to enjoy them to the fullest! 

It’s those precious memories that make life worth living.

Some Medications Deplete This Vitamin

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Yet, this vitamin is also a core marker used by doctors to help diagnose neurodegenerative diseases.

It’s also known to be a contributor to depression, sleep problems, cognitive decline and even heart disease… Yet 20% of those over 65 experience some level of depleted Vitamin B9.

Many programs have been put in place to add extra folate and folic acid to foods, but not all of it is easily absorbed. That’s why a special type called Quatrefolic was created.

Did you know that a lack of folic acid is a core marker for neurodegenerative diseases?

Both Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) and Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) are incredibly important to the bodies homocysteine levels which help protect against circulation problems. 

People with low levels of these vitamins have more tingling in their hands, feet, arms and legs. They get more canker sores in their mouth, headaches and dizziness.

It’s also a big contributor to high blood pressure, higher cholesterol levels and poor blood sugar levels. 

Either way, the good news is… it’s not hard to add these important vitamins to your diet.

You probably already get enough Vitamin B12 by eating meat, fish or dairy products, but Vitamin B9 is a little tougher, since not all of it is readily available to the body.

That’s why our Opti-Max Multivitamin includes Quatrefolic®. It’s a specially designed folic acid (B9) that’s more effective than the types found in food. 

We feel it’s also more convenient to take alongside all the other well-researched vitamins known to help reduce the symptoms of aging and neurological disorders.

See More Information About It Here

Quality Sleep Is Important

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One specific hormone makes a big difference.

Did you know an estimated 1 in 3 adults struggle with sleep? Studies show the average person is now getting two hours less than the previous generation did.

Lack of quality sleep is tied to a long list of illnesses. In fact, it’s one of the early signs of diseases like Parkinson’s.

While everyone’s different, there’s a few possible reasons why. 

It could be that a reduced dopamine level can significantly impact the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. For others, it can be impacted by sleep apnea, restless legs or frequent nighttime urination. 

Our bodies naturally produce a hormone that helps calm the nervous system, relieve stress and help provide a better nights rest. The problem is, people diagnosed with a neurological disease usually don’t produce enough.

A lack of this hormone is also shown to be a contributing factor to headaches, heartburn, mood swings, digestive problems, high blood pressure and so much more.

That’s why it’s included in our AAKG+ Core Protocol

We feel regularly getting extra Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is important as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Normally, you’d be able to boost production of this hormone with fermented foods. The problem is, you’d have to eat a lot of it.

That’s why the Core Protocol is so convenient.

It’s just one scoop, three times a day.

See The Core Blend Here

Co-Therapies and Nutritional Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease

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This year alone, 50,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The number of cases in the US suffering with PD will be close to 1.0 million patients by 2020. This neurological disorder is second in total number of patients only to Alzheimer’s disease. What’s concerning our physicians the most is that the number of cases seems to be increasing. A report from the Mayo Clinic in March 2019, showed that the incidence of PD has increased significantly in the 30 years between 1976 to 2005 (1).

Neurologists serve in the front lines of the fight against PD, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and Alzheimer’s. Their work load is increasing and sadly, the number of qualified neurologists available to take care of us is not keeping up with the increasing number of cases of these diseases.

The reality of Parkinson’s disease is upon us and the trend tells the full story. We can do nothing… or we can begin to take action now. If you fall into the latter group (and we hope that you do) we’ve got some good news.

Patient education and self-help efforts are increasing. New treatments and local support groups are emerging that help disseminate valuable information to help fight PD. Taking responsibility for your health is THE smartest strategy. Expecting that our health care system will be there for us and take care of us during a chronic disease is not a bet one should take. Take responsibility for your PD.

In the event that you’ve been diagnosed or are currently suffering with PD, what do you do now? Here’re some therapies and co-therapies that will help you fight PD.

  1. Make sure that you’re being treated by your Doctor or Neurologist

     

    Step one is to make sure that you get yourself the best professional care you can get. You can find a neurologist near you on WebMD.

  2. L-dopa (Levodopa) Supplementation for PD

     

    This is the go to drug for PD. It helps increase dopamine levels that cause many of the symptoms associated with PD. Although it’s not a cure, it helps keep symptoms under control during the early stages. Remember that L-dopa cannot reduce every PD symptom. Talk to your physician about this therapy.

  3. Nutritional Supplements for Parkinson’s Disease

     

    The Parkinson’s Foundation lists certain Nutritional Supplements, such as anti-oxidants and vitamins, as possible Over the Counter (OTC) and Complementary Therapies (4). These nutritional supplements for Parkinson’s disease show improvements in the reduction of certain symptoms of the disease. Among the more promising natural remedies for PD are:

    1. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): also known as Ubiquinone, seems to play an important role in Mitochondrial health, the power center of our cells. A more concentrated form of Ubiquinone is Ubiquinol. This powerful neural booster is present in the AAKG+ product from Simplesa Nutrition. This supplement is most helpful in reducing tremors and muscle rigidity.
    2. Vitamins E and C: can fight damage in the brain and neurons caused by free radicals and may even lower the risk of getting PD in the first place. These vitamins are most helpful in reducing damage to your neurons.
    3. Glutathione: is known as one of the most powerful antioxidants available. A better absorbing form of Glutathione is called Liposomal Glutathione. Few supplements have received the level of positive comments from the scientific community that Glutathione has received. This supplement is most helpful in reducing oxidative damage to your organs and nervous system.
    4. Vitamin B-12: also known as Methylcobalamine is an important vitamin in nerve and brain health and may have a significant effect in protecting our memory. Vegetarians often have an acute Vitamin B-12 deficiency. Look for sublingual Liposomal B-12 for best absorption. This supplement is most helpful in helping your higher brain functions and in protecting your memory.
    5. Multi-Vitamin supplements: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has put together a list of recommended nutritional supplements for Parkinson’s for daily use. Most of these vitamins and minerals and in the appropriate dosages for healthy adults are available in Total Health AM. This multi-vitamin and multi-mineral is most helpful in providing the necessary building blocks for a healthy body to help fight disease and repair damage.
  4. Diet and Exercise

     

    We know we keep hearing about it but Diet (Mediterranean Diet) and Exercise keeps the body healthy, your immune system robust and your renal and endocrine (detoxing) systems humming along. Stay with this winning strategy!

  5. Embrace a Spiritual Life

     

    If you’re religious, great! If you’re more of a free spirit, that’s ok too. At the very least spend time on the inside. Meditate, pray, breathe deeply, be mindful and be thankful. These simple co-therapies will help you cope with your PD and with the everyday challenges of life. As someone once said, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away…”.

So there you have it. PD will probably change your life but it’s not necessarily a death sentence. If you take responsibility for your PD, the progression will be slower, you will be in control, live a quality life and you will most likely increase the number of moments… that take your breath away.

Stay Strong!

Source:
1. Thelen, Gil. “A Parkinson’s ‘pandemic’ is coming and there aren’t enough doctors to deal with it.”, THE MIAMI HERALD, March 25th, 2019.
2. Parkinson’s Foundation, “New Study Shows 1.2 Million People in the United States Estimated to be Living with Parkinson’s Disease by 2030”, PARKINSON.ORG, July 10th 2018.
3. Mayo Clinic. “Parkinson’s disease”, MAYOCLINIC.ORG.
4. Parkinson’s Foundation, “Over the Counter and Complementary Therapies”, PARKINSON.ORG

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.