How to prevent Parkinson's disease?
2/18/24, 6 mins reading
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. The signature pathological finding of the disease is the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the midbrain. The exact mechanism of neuron loss underlying this disorder remains to be identified, as a result of that, preventable measures for PD haven’t been established yet. However, there are scientific ways in terms of lifestyle that can be taken to delay the progress or mitigate symptoms. Among them, diet and exercise are the two most critical ones.
Environment Adopting an organic lifestyle. Pesticides and herbicides have been long known to be implicated in Parkinson’s disease. For example, agricultural workers with more exposure to pesticides have been found having a higher possibility of developing Parkinson’s disease. Plus, a higher amount of Pesticides and herbicides has also been found in the body fluid of Parkinson’s disease patients compared to the ones of non PD people. Minimizing or avoiding the contact with Pesticides and herbicides will significantly reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Going organic or planting and growing your vegetables in your backyard will allow you to avoid any kinds of pesticides and herbicides if it is possible.
Food The death and loss of Dopaminergic neurons in the brain is the root cause of Parkinson’s disease. Amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine are two precursors that generate dopamine in the brain. therefore, any food with rich tyrosine and phenylalanine would help the body produce and supply dopamine for the brain. These foods include
Nuts and seeds: peanuts, walnuts, almonds etc
Fruit and vegetable.
Berries and beans
All animal products
Fish and egg
Milk, cheese, and yogurt
Dark chocolate
Supplements
Vitamin B (folic acid). A Study has shown that vitamin B exhibits the preventive effect of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Omega 3 Fatty acid. Studies have shown that Omega 3 fatty acid benefits the body in preventing or delaying Parkinson’s disease in multiple ways including synthesis of anti-inflammatory mediators, cell membrane fluidity, and intracellular signaling.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps your body absorb Calcium and increase bone density.
CoQ10 and Green tea. Both CoQ10 and green tea are antioxidants. The ability of anti-oxidation prevents your body from the invasion of free radicals.
Drinking
Tea Tea has a protective effect on Parkinson’s disease. Study has shown drinking a moderate amount of tea will decrease the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Plus, tea drinking also helps alleviate cognitive and mental issues in Parkinson’s disease
Coffee Coffee is another item that demonstrates its protective impact against Parkinson’s disease. Not only does it help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, it also helps improve and mitigate Parkinson’s disease symptoms including motor and non-motor symptoms.
Exercise
Exercise and physical therapy have long been proven beneficial to the health of Parkinson’s disease patients. Both exercise and Physical therapy improve health through a variety of ways including increasing lung capacity and bone density, boosting muscle strength and coordination, elevating the production of dopamine, and refreshing the brain.
For instance, a recent review has shown that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is inversely associated with the amount of exercise throughout life. The review also found that exercise presents more benefits for people at age 30-40 years and those at the end of life. People practicing physical activities during those two periods bear a 40% lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those without practicing physical activities.