Mailbag: Holistic Hacks to Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 14, 2024
“My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I’ve noticed that his tremors and stiffness seem to be getting worse.
Is there anything that can slow the disease? I’m worried about the side effects of his medications.”
-Barb
Hi Barb,
A holistic approach focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health is essential to slowing the progression of Parkinson’s.
Research reveals that exercise can help control Parkinson’s symptoms, improving mobility, balance, and overall well-being.
I encourage my patients with Parkinson’s to engage in physical activities they ENJOY. Tai chi, dancing, bike riding, golf, and tennis are good options. I explain that anything they’re interested in doing and can still do safely is a good choice.
In addition to physical activity, nutrition is vital in managing symptoms. Recent studies suggest a link between gut health and Parkinson’s, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet.
I encourage my Parkinson’s patients to eat fresh, unprocessed foods. I tell them to focus on fruits, vegetables, good-quality proteins, and healthy fats.
I also suggest they consider a probiotic supplement and eating more fermented foods. Probiotics help support gut health. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut are natural sources of these good bugs.
Providing the brain with necessary nutrients supports cognitive function and overall brain health.
Some key brain nutrients to consider include:
- Creatine: This amino acid supports energy production in the brain and may have neuroprotective effects.
- Omega-3 fish oil: Essential fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, are crucial for brain function and can help protect against oxidative stress.
- CoQ10: This potent antioxidant helps support energy production throughout the body and the brain.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins A and C are vital antioxidants, and phytonutrients found in superfood supplements (e.g., polyphenols, carotenes) could be particularly beneficial.
- Herbs: Curcumin (found in turmeric) and bacopa are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can support brain health.
Encouraging folks with Parkinson’s to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and provide their brains with targeted nutrients can help them better manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
P.S. Try THIS trick to pump the brakes on dementia and Parkinson’s.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Mailbag: Natural Fixes for Stubborn Toenail Fungus
“Is there an actual cure for toenail fungus?” —Feeling Frustrated If you are frustrated because you’ve been battling toenail fungus, I’m not surprised. Toenail fungus is incredibly difficult to treat. But don’t give up. With a combination of natural treatments and patience, relief is possible. Here’s what’s worked for my patients in the past… Tea...
Science Reveals Late-Night Anxiety is REAL (Here’s the Fix)
Ever notice how your problems seem WORSE at 3 AM? It turns out those middle-of-the-night anxiety-filled thoughts aren’t just in your head. Research reveals that your brain actually functions differently after midnight. In fact, what goes on during those dark hours could be sabotage your sleep and your decisions. But before you reach for a...
Normal Blood Pressure In 4 Weeks WITHOUT Drugs
High blood pressure affects millions of us. And these hypertension (high blood pressure) medications work, but they often come with unwanted side effects. However, we might have another option. A new study confirms that an often-overlooked root vegetable can help normalize blood pressure FAST… Research conducted by scientists at Queen Mary University of London revealed...
Spice Slashes Age-Related Vision Loss Risk
As you get older, the more likely you are to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In fact, one in seven people over 50 already have some evidence of this vision-robbing disease. That works out to about 1.5 million people. But you don’t have to be one of them. A small change you make starting today...
Four Medicine Cabinet Culprits Making You Fat
Picture this. You’re doing everything “right.” You’re trying to manage your weight by watching portion sizes, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. But the numbers on the scale won’t go down. Even worse, you realize they’ve been slowly CLIMBING. If this sounds familiar, the culprit could be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Keep reading to...
Why Age STEALS Your Sleep—And How to Take It Back
As we journey through life, we may find ourselves becoming unwilling members of the “tossing and turning” club. If you’ve noticed that restful nights are slipping further away with each passing year, you’re not alone. But why does this happen? Let’s shed some light on the causes of age-related sleep changes and explore how you...
Dodge Dementia with this Two Step Back-to-Basics Plan
You know the saying, “Everything old is new again,” right? Well, it turns out for dementia prevention, it’s spot on. In fact, new research supports two “old-school” solutions for protecting brain health. If you thought shielding yourself against dementia would be complicated, let me show you how simple it can be… When I counsel my...
Mailbag: Naturally Target Cholesterol
“I’m being treated for breast cancer. However, I was also recently diagnosed with atherosclerosis. My cholesterol is 249, and I was prescribed Lipitor. I’m on a plant-based diet and sometimes eat wild-caught salmon two to three times a week. What are the best natural ways to lower cholesterol?” -Naturally Cutting Cholesterol Hi Naturally, Your proactive...
Surprising Link Between Balance and Weight REVEALED
Think balance exercises are just for preventing falls? If so, think again. This often-overlooked aspect of fitness could also be the missing piece in your weight loss puzzle—especially as you age. Recent research suggests that improving your balance could be a game-changer for maintaining a healthy weight AND staying steady on your feet. And these...
These Common Kitchen Tools Could Triple Your Cancer Risk
Could you do me a favor? Take a look in your kitchen drawers. Do you spot any black plastic spatulas or spoons? If so, please keep reading… Because researchers have just discovered something about these common kitchen tools, you can’t afford to miss. They could literally be making you sick. Here’s why… A shocking study...