Parkinson’s disease is a condition where the brain does not produce enough dopamine. Functional medicine for Parkinson’s disease is here to help manage this chronic condition.  Medical treatment usually consists of drugs like levodopa and carbidopa/Sinemet. The problem with this approach is that over time the efficacy of these drugs begins to decline and the disease progresses. There is a different management option that may have better short-term and long-term outcomes. Achieving optimum dopamine levels is like flipping the “ON” switch of the brain! Unfortunately, many with Parkinson’s disease never achieve the optimum level of dopamine for their unique needs.

Functional Medicine For Parkinson’s Disease

Functional medicine is a system of healthcare that focuses on treating the underlying cause of a medical condition rather than just the symptoms. It offers a more holistic approach to patient care, taking into consideration all of the factors that could be contributing to the disease. In the case of Parkinson’s disease, functional medicine practitioners will look at the patient’s lifestyle, diet, environment, and genetics to determine what may be causing the symptoms.

Depending on these factors, they may prescribe dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, or supplements to help manage the symptoms. Additionally, functional medicine practitioners may work with neurologists and other specialists to customize treatments for each individual. By focusing on the underlying cause of the disease, functional medicine can help patients manage their chronic illness.  Below are some great therapies for Parkinson’s disease.

Medication dopamine replacement therapy:

The primary difficulty with getting more dopamine directly into the brain is that it cannot pass a barrier that protects the brain; called the blood brain barrier (BBB). This is why patients cannot be given dopamine directly. Levodopa medication does cross the BBB where is can be converted into dopamine by brain cells. It does however cause nausea, so it is paired with another drug carbidopa / Sinemet. One of the side-effects of the carbidopa is that it causes extreme vitamin deficiency which will ultimately reduce the brain’s ability to produce dopamine and other brain chemicals. This treatment for Parkinson’s disease also tends to cause depletion of another brain chemical called serotonin, so depression and emotional instability tend to occur. Other medications may be utilized to prolong the effects of levodopa and dopamine.

Natural dopamine replacement therapy:

There is another treatment for Parkinson’s that takes a more natural and balanced approach with fewer side-effects. It does involve increasing dopamine levels in the brain using L-dopa (from a natural source and not a prescription drug). It also raises and balances serotonin levels thus reducing treatment- caused nausea and depression. Each patient requires a unique treatment plan in order to optimize their dopamine levels. Nutrient doses are determined by patient response. This form of therapy goes one step further than traditional treatment in that it supports the brain nutritionally to minimize further brain cell damage. The reason why the brain is not producing enough dopamine in the first place is the same reason the disease tends to progress and get worse over time. These brain cells are being damaged and dying!

Protecting dopamine-producing cells:

Dopamine is produced by cells in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia. When these cells are continuously being damaged and dying off, the brain becomes dopamine deficient and Parkinson’s disease (PD) develops. In order to address the underlying cause of cell damage and death, a functional medicine approach is required. PD should be viewed as a disease that affects the entire brain, not just the cells of the basal ganglia; widespread involvement of the brain explains the diverse neurological problems observed in PD. One of the most extensively studied causes of cell damage is oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals in the brain become elevated and this has damaging effects.

The Journal of Parkinson’s Disease (2013); “Oxidative stress plays an important role in the degeneration of dopaminergic (dopamine producing) neurons in PD…ultimately leading to cell death.”

Several nutrients are required that help reduce the oxidative stress in brain cells that produce dopamine; in fact PD patients usually require much higher levels of these nutrients than other individuals. It has also been found that other vitamins and minerals are required to optimize the production of dopamine in the brain; providing the dopamine precursor (levodopa / L-dopa) may not be enough for many patients to reach ideal dopamine levels. It is essential that each individual achieve optimum dopamine levels in order to reduce to eliminate the symptoms associated with PD.

Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease:

Early warnings signs often appear years before the development and subsequent diagnosis of PD. Detection permits early interventions to optimize dopamine levels and reduce the number of cells that become damaged and die. Early warning signs include but are not limited to:

Chronic constipation

Chronic constipation is a common digestive disorder that is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, difficulty in passing stool, and hard, dry stools. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, lifestyle, medications, and certain medical conditions. Chronic constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and an overall feeling of discomfort.

It can also lead to other serious health issues like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. To help prevent chronic constipation, it is important to maintain a healthy diet high in fiber and water, exercise regularly, and practice good toilet habits. Taking a daily fiber supplement and drinking plenty of fluids can also help to improve regularity. In some cases, laxatives or other medications may be necessary to assist.  With respect to chronic constipation and Parkinson’s, we recommend reaching out to Naperville Integrated Wellness.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that is associated with Parkinson’s disease. It is characterized by an urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations, such as burning, tingling, itching, or aching. Symptoms of RLS can occur at any time, but they usually worsen during periods of inactivity and in the evening or late at night. In people with Parkinson’s, RLS can be more severe and can cause significant disruption to their quality of life. RLS can also affect other parts of the body, including arms, chest, and head. Treatment for RLS includes lifestyle modifications, medications, and exercise. It is important to consult a physician if RLS continues.

Cramping of muscles in the hands and feet

Muscles cramping in the hands and feet is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This is because the disease affects the nervous system, which causes the muscles to become rigid and unable to move. As the disease progresses, it can cause the muscles to become more rigid and contract more often, leading to muscle cramps. In addition, people with Parkinson’s disease often have a lack of blood flow to their extremities, which can contribute to muscle cramps. Finally, certain medications used to treat Parkinson’s can also cause muscle cramps as a side effect. All of these factors can lead to painful muscle cramping in the hands and feet of those with Parkinson’s disease.

Restless sleep

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It can cause a variety of symptoms including tremors, rigidity, and slow movement. One of the lesser known symptoms is restless sleep. This can be caused by several factors. First, Parkinson’s disease can interfere with dopamine production in the brain, which is responsible for regulating sleep cycles. Second, the lack of physical activity caused by the disorder can lead to an increase in energy that needs to be expended at night. Lastly, anxiety and depression, which are common with Parkinson’s disease, can lead to difficulty sleeping. All of these factors can contribute to restless sleep and make it more difficult for Parkinson’s patients to get a restful night’s sleep.

Decreased sense of smell or taste

Studies have found that a decreased sense of smell and taste can be caused by PD. This is because the cells responsible for smell and taste are located in the same area as the cells that are affected by PD. The decrease in smell and taste is usually mild, however, in some cases it can be severe. People with PD may not be able to detect certain smells or tastes, or they may not be able to distinguish between similar flavors. There is also evidence to suggest that a decrease in smell and taste can lead to problems with food intake, which can contribute to nutritional deficiencies.

Voice getting softer

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and speech. For those with Parkinson’s, their voice may get softer due to the effects of the disease. This is because Parkinson’s affects the muscles in the throat, making it harder for the person to produce sounds. Additionally, the disease can cause difficulty in producing certain sounds and can also affect the vocal range and loudness of the person’s voice.

As the disease progresses, the person may find it increasingly difficult to articulate their words or express themselves with the same clarity as before. Additionally, the person’s speech may become more monotone and lack expression. Therefore, it is important for those with Parkinson’s to seek medical intervention in order to help them maintain their conditions.

Handwriting has become smaller

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide variety of physical and cognitive symptoms. One of the most common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease is a gradual decrease in the size of handwriting. This occurs because the disease affects the nerves and muscles responsible for controlling fine motor skills such as writing. As the disease progresses, the patient has difficulty controlling their movements which can lead to smaller handwriting.

Additionally, it can be difficult for the patient to concentrate on writing due to tremors and other symptoms, making it hard to maintain consistent letter sizes. The gradual decrease in handwriting size is an important indicator of the progression of the disease and should be monitored closely by the patient’s physician or functional medicine doctor.

Decreased arm-swing while walking

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. One of the most common symptoms of this disorder is a decrease in arm swing when walking. This decrease in arm swing occurs because Parkinson’s disease causes a decrease in the body’s ability to produce dopamine, which is an essential neurotransmitter for controlling motor functions like walking.

Without sufficient levels of dopamine, the body is unable to coordinate normal movements, including the swinging of arms while walking. Additionally, Parkinson’s disease can cause rigidity and stiffness in the muscles, which further restricts the natural arm swing motion. As a result, people with Parkinson’s disease experience a marked reduction in arm swing when walking compared to those without the disorder.

Tremors

PD is a neurological disorder that is characterized by tremors, rigidity in the muscles, and slow movement. Tremors are usually the first symptom to appear in Parkinson’s disease and are caused by an imbalance of dopamine in the brain. When dopamine levels become too low, the brain has difficulty controlling certain muscle movements, leading to tremors. The tremors can affect any part of the body, but are especially noticeable in the hands. People with Parkinson’s disease often experience tremors that are more pronounced when the affected limb is at rest, such as when the hand is held out or in a fist. Tremors can also occur when the person is feeling anxious or stressed, and can be accompanied by a feeling of weakness .

Decreased dexterity and hand coordination

Yes, it is common for those with Parkinson’s disease to experience decreased dexterity and hand coordination. This is due to the progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that controls fine motor skills. As a result, people with Parkinson’s may find it difficult to complete fine motor tasks such as writing, buttoning up clothing, and manipulating objects. Other symptoms related to decreased dexterity and hand coordination include tremors, stiffness, and difficulty initiating movement.

n some cases, physical therapy and medications can help improve dexterity and hand coordination. However, these symptoms do not usually improve over time and can become more severe if the disease progresses. Therefore, it is important for those with Parkinson’s to receive regular medical care and seek out available support to help manage this condition.

Decreased facial expression

The facial expression of those with Parkinson’s Disease can become limited and rigid due to the neurological disorder. As the nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for controlling facial muscles begin to deteriorate, the patient’s ability to make facial expressions decreases. Because of this, the face may lack animation and appear expressionless.

This can also lead to a decrease in the range of facial movements and expressions, including smiling, frowning, and raising eyebrows. In addition, the facial muscles can become weak and flaccid, leading to drooping eyelids, a sagging mouth, and decreased ability to move the face. All these factors can contribute to a decrease in facial expression for those with Parkinson’s Disease.

Increased muscle stiffness and joint pain

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects the brain and nervous system. It is characterized by an increase in muscle stiffness and joint pain due to a lack of dopamine in the brain. Without enough dopamine, the brain cannot adequately communicate with the muscles, resulting in decreased movement and coordination. This can lead to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, causing them to become stiff and sore.

Additionally, due to the lack of movement, the joints can become inflamed, leading to increased pain. The combination of these two symptoms can cause great difficulty in daily activities and reduce quality of life. Treatment options are available to help reduce these symptoms, but proper management is essential to ensure the best outcome.

Chronic neck pain or stiffness (especially in women)

While PD is most commonly known for causing tremors, but it can also cause chronic neck pain or stiffness, especially in women. This is due to the fact that the disease impairs the body’s ability to regulate posture and movement, resulting in poor posture and muscle imbalances. Women are particularly vulnerable to this type of muscle imbalance because they tend to have weaker neck muscles than men do. In addition, the degenerative nature of Parkinson’s disease leads to a decrease in the body’s natural production of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for controlling movement. This decreased dopamine production further contributes to the muscle imbalances that lead to chronic neck pain or stiffness

Mood changes, irritability, poor concentration or desire to be alone

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that results in a progressive loss of motor control. This causes tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with movement. As the disease progresses, it can also cause changes in mood and irritability. This is due to a variety of factors, including the physical symptoms of the disease, psychological stress, and the body’s response to medications. Physical symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty moving can cause frustration and feelings of helplessness, which can contribute to mood changes.

Psychological stress from the diagnosis and having to cope with the changes in lifestyle can also cause mood changes and irritability. Additionally, the body’s response to medications can cause mood changes, as some medications can have side effects such as

Many of these symptoms are ignored by doctors until obvious signs of PD become apparent. Anyone with a family member that has PD should be particularly familiar with the early warning signs.

Contact Us To Speak About Parkinson’s and Functional Medicine

A great deal that can be done for people suffering with PD and those with early warning signs. While there is no cure for PD, effective symptom management and brain cell protection measures can significantly improve symptoms, quality of life, possibly delay progression of the disease and extend life.

At Naperville Integrated Wellness, we focus on the underlying cause of disease and seek to restore normal body function without the use of medication. For more information about functional medicine and our clinic to go napervilleintegratedwellness.com. If you are looking for a functional medicine doctor in Naperville, Frankfort, Chicago or Geneva, please contact us today!