Beating Parkinson's

     Doing a lot of thinking today. Here I am. Diagnosed with yet another disease, Parkinson's. This one, like all the others, seems to have a genetic link. My genes are literally dictating my life and my health. I feel like I don't have complete control.      My father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease back in the 1980s. He was 56 at the time of his diagnoses. I am 56. I am the exact same age that my father was when he got diagnosed. Let that sink in. I am the exact same age that he was. It didn't matter what lifestyle choices that I made over the years. My genes have dictated the timing. And he died at the age of 66. I can't help but wonder if I will have a similar fate.       Back in the 1970s there was a lot of debate over "nature vs nurture". What has more influence over a person's health and personality? Can bad genes be over-ridden by living a healthy life-style? Likewise, can someone with really good genes ruin their health w...

     I came upon an interesting article today. There seems to be new research out about the connection between Parkinson's and Crohn's disease. I, of course, have both. It is prevalent among the Ashkenazi Jews. Below is a link to the original article. The research was conducted at Mount Sinai research center.      They found the presence of the LRRK2 gene mutation in Parkinson's and Crohn's disease. The LRRK2 gene mutation is associated with Parkinson's disease.These two seemingly unrelated diseases may just have a connection.      Crohn's disease is a complex disorder with multiple gene mutations as well as environmental factors. Crohn's is found disproportionately among the Ashkenazi Jewish people.      The study found two mutations of the LRRK2 gene. One is called a risk mutation. One is called a protective mutation. People with the risk mutation came down with Crohn's an average of six years earlier than ones with o...

     These are the supplements that I take for Parkinson's as well as Crohn's disease. Please note that a lot of these supplements are natural blood thinners. They can not be taken at the same time as medical blood thinners. Please talk to your doctor first. PB8: This is a probiotic which I take mainly for Crohn's, but it is a good addition to any diet. Omega 3 fish oils: This is good for brain health as well as heart health Green powder: Good supplement to make sure I get my veggies every day. It is supposed to purify the intestines. It also makes it easier to drink more water because I like the taste. Matcha powder: This is ground green tea. I also like this just mixed with water. It is good as an anti-inflammatory and also good for the immune system. It has some natural caffein in it so it perks me up a bit. Bee Pollen: I use this for energy. But it also contains fairly good levels of Tyrosine. Tyrosine is deficient in Parkinson...

     Hello, and welcome to my blog about beating Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is characterized by tremors, joint stiffness, movement disorders and sometimes dementia. There are a host of other symptoms such as shuffling gait, and my favorite, drooling. There is no cure for Parkinson's. The medications are used only to mask the symptoms. They do not slow the progression in any way. This is why I am determined to find another way.      It was over a year ago that I started having symptoms. I thought that I had tendonitis in my left elbow. It was so stiff and sore. I  work in childcare and thought I had done something to strain my arm, such as picking up a large toddler. This went on for several weeks so I went to see my doctor.      She diagnosed it as tendonitis right away. I asked her if it was possible that it was the start of Parkinson's. My father had had it. I was only 55, but that was almost the age my father was whe...