How to deal with Parkinson's disease
Content:
- Step one: exercise
- Step two: special diet
- Step three: drugs
People facing Parkinson's know that managing its symptoms is essential to maintaining quality and increasing longevity. Moderate physical activity, optimal nutritional content in the diet and special medications will help best in this. More on this further.
Step one: exercise
The benefits of physical activity in Parkinson's disease are undeniable. Research shows that moderate exercise is most effective in controlling the manifestations of shaking palsy. They make it possible to optimize body stability and coordination of the limbs, make a person stronger and have a positive effect on the restoration of brain function.
Other benefits of exercise include:
- Change in gait for the better;
- Significant reduction in the rigidity of ligaments and tendons;
- Reducing the intensity of tremors and the frequency of spasms;
- Strengthening the muscular corset and increasing endurance;
- The ability to control tremors.
Exercise has a positive effect on blood dopamine levels. Regular exercise increases the efficiency with which this neurotransmitter travels through the cells of the human brain. The hormone dopamine also controls glutamate, a component that plays a critical role in the transport of signals between brain cells.
The most optimal long-term exercise of moderate intensity. There is no need for people with Parkinson's to run 40 km a week. Better to replace crosses and marathons with simpler, more leisurely activities. For example, work in the garden or daily morning and evening walks. This will be enough to improve the overall picture of the disease. These activities also increase your heart rate to healthy levels.
Exercise in Parkinson's disease means:
- Walking;
- Jogging;
- Cycling;
- Rowing;
- Swimming.
Swim as often as possible. This activity is exactly the type of aerobic exercise that really benefits the health of people with Parkinson's disease. When a person is in the water, there is no need to maintain the same heightened control over balance as on land. The feeling of a kind of weightlessness will help the body to relax - this is of primary importance for patients with Parkinson's.
Try yoga. Hatha yoga, which involves the use of special asanas, or positions, has an extremely beneficial effect on the condition of people with Parkinson's disease. Each of these asanas helps a person to develop muscle strength and restore flexibility. In addition, yoga provides an excellent opportunity to concentrate on your own breathing, or pranayama.
In order to cope with the symptoms of parkinsonism, it is necessary to practice yoga asanas such as:
- In order to restore the energy balance: tadasana, uttanasana, virabhadrasana;
- In order to develop and strengthen muscle strength: jathara parivartanasana;
- In order to achieve peace of mind: supta baddha konasana.
Do jaw exercises. Specific jaw-straining movements, such as diligently chewing food of any consistency or practicing articulation (pronouncing each word with the most careful lip movement), are the ideal way to maintain the facial muscles and maintain the ability to speak clearly in Parkinson's disease.
Step two: special diet
Any nuances associated with diet can have a significant impact on the manifestations of tremor palsy. The following are dietary changes that are required for people with Parkinson's disease. This will help promote health and help manage symptoms.
Adequate protein intake. This component of food is one of the most needed, because it plays an essential role in the regeneration of body tissues. Plus, protein enables the body to return to optimal physical shape. Proteins are involved in the regulation of important functions such as the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.
A diet for Parkinson's disease should include:
- Rice (any type);
- Legumes;
- Nuts;
- Mushrooms;
- Milk and dairy products;
- Lean meat;
- Bird;
- Fish and seafood.
Preference for healthy carbohydrates. The ideal way to recuperate is by eating foods high in complex carbohydrates. They are responsible for delivering energy to the body and optimizing digestion. This component will be especially useful for those who have lost a lot of weight due to parkinsonism. Valuable carbohydrates should form the basis of the diet of these people.
The most "good" carbohydrates are found in foods such as:
- Groats: buckwheat, wheat, oat, corn;
- Beans: green peas, beans, lentils, chickpeas;
- Vegetables: cabbage, carrots, onions, zucchini, pumpkin, turnip;
- Fruits: peaches, oranges, bananas, apricots, kiwi;
- Berries: raspberries, cherries, cranberries, wild strawberries, strawberries;
- Dried fruits: raisins, dried apricots, prunes, apricots, candied fruits;
- Whole grain bread and durum wheat pasta.
Antioxidants These substances help control oxidative processes and neutralize damage caused by free radicals. The main factor in the development of tremor palsy is precisely the negative effect of the aging process on the cells responsible for the production of dopamine.
On the subject: Foods that increase dopamine levels
Antioxidants can be gleaned from the following foods:
- Wild berries - blackberries, blueberries, blueberries, cranberries;
- Fresh fruits - pomegranates, oranges, tangerines, plums;
- Some vegetables - spinach, broccoli, red beans, carrots, tomatoes, garlic;
- Green tea.
Vitamins. They are absolutely essential for the optimal functioning of the body.
People with Parkinson's disease especially require the following vitamins:
- B3, which ensures the normal functioning of the nervous system and enables the body to process carbohydrates, converting them into energy;
- B12 is a substance that supports the healthy metabolism of any cells;
- B1, or thiamine, which fights muscle atrophy, memory loss and changes in consciousness;
- C, which helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and fight infections;
- E, protects the tissues of the human body, is responsible for cell regeneration;
- B6, makes it possible to fully assimilate fats and proteins;
- D, helps to strengthen bones by helping to extract as much calcium as possible from food.
Minerals. There are micro and macro elements that must be consumed in order to fight the manifestations of Parkinson's disease. They can be obtained from food or dietary supplements.
List of essential minerals:
- Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy and strong bones, blood clotting, and the smooth functioning of nerves and muscles. It is found in spinach, turnip and mustard (leafy parts), cabbage, tofu cheese, low-fat yoghurt, sesame;
- Iron, which helps oxygen to be distributed throughout the body and generate energy. The component is found in foods such as spinach leaves, low fat meat, whole wheat, soybeans, lentils, olives;
- Phosphorus also plays a significant role because it contributes to the accumulation and optimal use of energy. The substance is found in common milk, seafood, cereals, cheeses, potatoes and legumes;
- Magnesium is responsible for muscle relaxation and energy distribution. It is recommended to additionally take it in the form of drugs (Asparkam, Panangin);
- Potassium helps to restore cells and tissues, and improves nervous activity. It is found in oranges, bananas, dairy products, walnuts, apricots, kiwis, dried fruits, beans, sweet apples, broccoli, tomatoes, peas, seafood, meat and soybeans;
- Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids are specific components that have a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system. They are found in olive oil, ocean fish and seafood;
- Dietary fiber is equally important in improving digestion in Parkinson's disease. Significant amounts are found in cabbage, fruit skins, nuts and kernels, oatmeal, beans, lentils, soy products, rice and whole grain breads.
Strengthening motor skills. Walnuts are not only great food, but they can also help support fine motor skills. They should be consumed every day. Another reason for the destabilization of motor skills in parkinsonism is muscle weakness. It provokes numbness in the limbs. To combat this manifestation, it is necessary to start taking vitamin B12 and phosphorus.
Maintaining mental activity. Bad fats of the "saturated" type, found in red meat and pork, cause impairment of brain function, memory impairment and clogging of blood vessels. On the other hand, healthy unsaturated fats, such as those found in olive oil and nuts, have a positive effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Healthy fats are found in the following foods: hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. All of them are saturated with omega-3 and omega-6 acids, as well as folic acid, vitamins E and B6, thiamine and magnesium. They are extremely beneficial for human brain activity.
Fight against constipation. Constipation, or constipation, can be avoided by eating foods that contain vitamin B12 and dietary fiber. An equally important point is the increase in fluid intake. Plant-based foods (as opposed to animals) contain a lot of dietary fiber that is not digested. This ensures a normal bowel movement.
Supports bone health. It can not only be maintained, but also improved by introducing sources of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D into the menu. Vitamins can be obtained simply by being in the sunlight, which is rich in nutrients.
Facilitate the process of chewing and swallowing. Difficulty eating is another side effect of parkinsonism. This affects the state of health, because malnutrition can provoke a total weakening of health. It is possible to alleviate the patient's condition if you prepare food for him that is soft in its consistency with a rich taste: aromatic soups, mashed potatoes, stewed vegetables, cereals and fruit purees.
Compared to meat, vegetables and fruits are chewed much faster. Moreover, being cooked. They contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals, even after heat treatment.
Getting rid of chronic fatigue. This is another of the symptoms of tremors. Constant shivering causes calorie loss. It makes you feel tired. Of course, you can't get rid of fatigue 100%, but you can fight and control it. To do this, you should eat foods that are rich in phosphorus and catechins, such as green tea.
Fighting depression. Foods that contain thiamine, folic acid, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have a positive effect on mood and reduce the likelihood of developing depression. Eating nuts and seeds will optimize the production of the amino acid tryptophan. It is she who influences mood, feelings and behavior.
To prevent depression in Parkinson's disease, you must:
- Avoid foods and meals that contain a lot of sugar, because it provokes short-term energy surges. They are inevitably followed by fatigue and nervous exhaustion;
- Stop drinking alcohol because it can trigger depression. In addition, with regular use of alcohol, the body loses its reserves of thiamine, zinc and other essential nutrients. All this happens as part of the post-alcoholic detoxification of the body.
Step three: drugs
The combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa is one of the best strategies for treating Parkinson's disease. Levodopa behaves like dopamine, which is important for brain activation. Carbidopa interrupts the liver's processing of Levodopa, thereby preventing negative effects (such as nausea). In addition, the drug helps a significant amount of Levodopa reach the brain. Due to this, bradykinesia is removed, which makes it possible for the body, as well as legs and arms, to increase flexibility and mobility.
Attention: an individual medical consultation is required regarding the combination of Levodopa and Carbidopa.
On the subject: Medicines for Parkinson's disease
Surgical intervention. This is also one of the ways to combat Parkinson's disease. The need for surgery should be discussed with a specialist in advance, because it may not be suitable for a person for medical reasons.
There are two main types of interventions:
- Ablative, in which the part of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease is identified and resected;
- Deep stimulation, in which the doctor "turns off" the part of the brain that provokes tremors.
Osteopathic treatment. This is a special type of massage in which pain is relieved, the degree of tendon stiffness is reduced, muscle and joint mobility is restored. Osteopathic specialists use techniques such as correct tissue stretching, orientation of pressure and resistance. All this makes it possible to significantly improve the well-being of people with Parkinson's disease.
Before adopting any of the techniques presented here, you should consult with a specialist.
Author of the article: Sokov Andrey Vladimirovich | Neurologist
Education: In 2005 completed an internship at the IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and received a diploma in Neurology. In 2009, completed postgraduate studies in the specialty "Nervous diseases".
