A reader asks: What is the latest on tyrosine helping Parkinson’s?
As you know, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative neurologic condition that affects the motor skills. It is manifested as a dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia, which sends messages to the motor area of the brain. Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine, so it would make sense that it could help, and indeed a French study in 1985 demonstrated clear improvement. An herb, macuna pruriens, contains L-Dopa, another precursor to dopamine, but it is unstudied.
The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is most likely a genetic susceptibility in combination with a toxic insult. These may be pesticides, but another likely candidate is mercury, a strong neurotoxin. Part of the treatment, then, must include detoxification with liver support, and removal of toxins. Chelation therapy may remove toxic metals; sweating (including a sauna) may remove other toxins.
My approach is usually that the most important part of any neurologic disorder is maintaining a good diet, with avoidance of sugar and processed food. ‘Real’ food will have the nutrients and energy for cells to function better. A potent multivitamin is needed, with a strong emphasis on the B vitamins (especially B1, B6, B12) and essential fatty acids.
Part of the process of ongoing deterioration is oxidation, or the formation of free radicals. All antioxidants should be helpful in this setting. Glutathione is very important for free radical protection in the brain. High levels of iron in the blood are a catalyst for free radical formation, and ferritin levels in the blood stream are best reduced by donating blood. If your blood is not accepted, the lab can remove it and throw it away. You need a prescription for a therapeutic phlebotomy to remove the iron this way.
My doctor says I can get all the vitamins and minerals I need from my food. What is your opinion on this?
I used to say the same thing to my patients, back in the days before I studied healthy alternatives. It is the party line of allopathic medicine, although that is starting to change. Here's the bottom line, and I'll follow up with some info on what allopaths are now doing:
1 response so far ↓
1 Dala Evans // Dec 28, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Dr. Gardner,
I told you about Protandim. It is a nrf2 activator. It increases glutathione production by 300%. Huge. Go to http://www.lifevantage.com/health4you and click on the top right of the page for more information. Also, I told you about Zeolite. Chelation therapy in your mouth without any of the nasty chelation therapy affects. Go to http://www.resultsrna for more information about zeolite. Easy way to detox
Dala Evans
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