Parkinson's Disease (PD), a devastating illness, occurs in one of every 100 people over 65.
It is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that results in progressive destruction of brain cells (neurons) in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Death occurs usually as a result of secondary complications such as infection.
One of the mechanisms known to destroy neurons is damage by free radicals or reactive oxygen species - destructive molecules produced by oxidation of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
The Role of Dopamine
The cells of the substantia nigra use dopamine - a chemical messenger between brain or nerve cells - to communicate with cells in another region of the brain called the striatum.
When nigral cells are lost, nigral dopamine levels fall, resulting in a decrease in striatal dopamine.
The typical symptoms of PD - motor function deficiencies characterized by muscle rigidity, jerky movements, rhythmic resting tremors - are the result of low levels of striatal dopamine.
Most dopaminergic drugs used to treat PD, are aimed at temporarily replenishing or mimicking dopamine. They improve some symptoms, but do not restore normal brain function nor halt brain cell destruction.
Dopaminergic drugs are generally effective at first in reducing many PD symptoms, but over time they lose their effect.
They also cause severe side effects because they overstimulate nerve cells elsewhere in the body and cause confusion, hallucinations, nausea and fluctuations in the movement of limbs.
The Role of Antioxidants
When dopaminergic neurons are lost in the course of Parkinson's disease, the metabolism of dopamine is increased - which in turn increases the formation of highly neurotoxic hydroxyl radicals.
The most important free radical scavenger in the cells of the substantia nigra is the powerful brain antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione levels in PD patients are low.
And as we age, levels of glutathione in the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra decreases. This appears to hasten cell death and advance the progression of PD.
At least 80 percent of the substantia nigra cells are lost before symptoms of Parkinson's disease become apparent. This is why it becomes essential to protect or maintain these cells under oxidative stress.
How does Glutathione help in Parkinson's Disease?
Several factors explain why glutathione is so beneficial in Parkinson's disease.
1. Glutathione increases the sensitivity of the brain to dopamine. So although glutathione doesn't raise dopamine levels, it allows the dopamine in the brain to be more effective.
2. Glutathione's powerful antioxidant activity protects the brain from free radical damage.
3. An even more intriguing benefit of glutathione lies in its powerful detoxification ability.
Its a well known fact that most Parkinson's patients are deficient in their ability to detoxify chemicals to which they are exposed.
The unfortunate few who harbor an inherited flaw in their detoxification pathways are at far greater risk to the brain damaging effects of a wide variety of toxins.
Glutathione is one of the most important components of the liver's detoxification system. Glutathione therapy is one of the most effective techniques for enhancing liver and brain detoxification.
Glutathione treatments considerably improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease including difficulties with rigidity, walking, movement, coordination and speech. A marked reduction of tremor has been observed as well as a decrease in depression.
Glutathione and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (a glutathione precursor) have been shown to be very effective in protecting the nerves in the substantia nigra from being destroyed by oxidative stress.
Glutathione Therapy in Parkinson's Disease
The practical problem in increasing glutathione levels is that taking glutathione itself as a supplement does not boost cellular glutathione levels, since glutathione breaks down in the digestive tract before it reaches the cells.
However, intravenous glutathione therapy and taking glutathione precursors are both effective in boosting intracellular levels of glutathione.
Intravenous Glutathione Therapy:
Intravenous glutathione injections have been shown to have amazing and quick results.
Dr. David Perlmutter, a pioneer in this therapy, has developed a protocol utilized at the Perlmutter Health Center for administering intravenous glutathione to Parkinson's patients.
Following even a single dosage of intravenous glutathione - often in as little as 15 minutes - the ability to walk, turn around and move their arms is almost completely restored.
Glutathione Precursors:
Dietary antioxidants and supplements that increase cellular glutathione, such as alpha lipoic acid, NAC, pycnogenol, the herb silymarin (milk thistle), are effective in restoring normal function.
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and un-denatured, whey protein both supply glutathione precursors intracellularly, enhance the body's production of glutathione and aid the detoxification process.
Other nutritional supplements which aid the detoxification process include selenium, vitamins E and C.
Read the detailed report with references on Parkinson's Disease and Glutathione
Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah
_____________________________________________
About the author: Priya Shah is the Editor of The Glutathione Report, a newsletter featuring regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione. Get a Free report on Glutathione in Health and Disease
____________________________________________
There are numerous theories with regard to the causes of... Read More
We are presently facing a health care crisis that is... Read More
The New Age should also be called The Stone Age,... Read More
Massage ?not the areas that hurtSome experts think that arthritic... Read More
Those who have watched the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"... Read More
It seems that almost every day we come across a... Read More
Have you ever read or have been told that "it... Read More
Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More
In Part 1 we discussed the fact that alternative medicine... Read More
You purchase a beautiful area rug. You know just where... Read More
A vast array of after-market insoles has been merchandised through... Read More
It is a sad fact that most people pay little... Read More
Alternative Therapies and alternative medicine has been gaining ground along... Read More
Nowadays is the era of everything that is herbal and... Read More
As each day passes, medical research communities strive to find... Read More
Noni Juice, Morinda CitrifoliaMorinda Citrifolia , a deciduos creeping vine... Read More
I have been reading a lot lately on the subject... Read More
Everyone with a medical condition or allergy should have a... Read More
Here is a list of natural remedies that you can... Read More
Last week the media circus surrounding the flu vaccine reached... Read More
Everyone at some point in time has experienced some form... Read More
From jeweled necklaces to ankle bracelets, and all the tops... Read More
Emotions, food and lack of sleep can all be potent... Read More
Your body should clean itself naturally, but today's diets make... Read More
Herbs have long been an acceptable way to fight common... Read More
Aphrodisiacs are amongst the oldest cures, being ones of the... Read More
You've probably tried everything you can think of to ease... Read More
Tea: It Does the Body GoodStudies that support the health... Read More
Sometimes it can be hard to escape that shivery feeling... Read More
Living in a hectic urban landscape, do you look forward... Read More
I'd like to share with you some basic food combining... Read More
Using crystals in the context of healing has a very... Read More
1. Clean and Fresh AirBacterial allergens and other pollutants constantly... Read More
Reflexology, an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians. Reflexology is... Read More
Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are especially susceptible to... Read More
Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand.... Read More
If you are like most of us, you're tired, maybe... Read More
We all know how annoying snoring can be, both for... Read More
Here's a quick question: You've got a bad cold. Do... Read More
Magnetic energy has been in use for reducing pain and... Read More
Here is a list of natural remedies that you can... Read More
Taking Control of Your Health & Well-being ... Read More
You've seen the stage acts where a hypnotist selects someone... Read More
Aging occurs due to the growth of the tissues and... Read More
Asthma is a respiratory disorder characterized by abnormal lung condition... Read More
It may be an ordinary dance studio during the week,... Read More
Nowadays is the era of everything that is herbal and... Read More
Do you ever think about just how important good health... Read More
For some, it's a familiar scenario. You've been sitting for... Read More
EcologyChypre belongs to the evergreen plant family with needle-like leaves.... Read More
Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the... Read More
Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which... Read More
Every symptom has a certain way of being with which... Read More
In my medical intuitive practice, I have often been consulted... Read More
When thinking about alternative medicine, most people picture plants, crystals,... Read More
Flu can affect 10 to 30 percent of the U.S.... Read More
Bleeding gums can be one sign of periodontal disease, gingivitis,... Read More
Natural, herbal remedies can help arthritis sufferers who have tried... Read More
Some words about anti-aging and disease preventionThe aging process is... Read More
The holistic therapy of reflexology has been used over the... Read More
I discovered something completely, 100% amazing about 5 years ago.... Read More
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland situated under... Read More
Raindrop Technique is a procedure for applying therapeutic grade essential... Read More
My Fun Commandments are more relevant today than ever before... Read More
You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you... Read More
"Magnetic bracelets reduce the pain of osteoarthritis." Those are the... Read More
Alternative Medicine |