“I take 1200 mg of CoQ10 capsules daily—this has increased my energy levels. I no longer need to have a rest in the afternoons.”
—PAUL S., PWP
Though doctors have made significant advances in the treatment of Parkinson’s with pharmaceuticals over the past few decades, nutritional treatment is still uncharted territory.
There are varying approaches out there, but the most promising appears to be the use of antioxidants to slow the oxidation and damage to the part of the brain called the substantia nigra.
More research needs to be done to learn about the nutritional treatment of PD, but it’s possible that supplements could help reduce the dosage of drugs used to treat the disease and slow its progression.
It is important that you talk to your doctor before adding any nutritional supplements to your diet, but here are some recommendations that researchers have found to help with Parkinson’s.
One study found that a higher intake of vitamin E (from food sources only) reduced the risk of PD.60 Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds, wheat germ, spinach, and other leafy green vegetables.
Your doctor may also recommend an over-the-counter vitamin E supplement. If you have high blood pressure, though, you should limit your intake to no more than 400 IU (international units) daily. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplemental vitamin E, especially if you are taking any anticoagulants (blood thinners).
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and helps in the production of levodopa from the amino acid tyrosine. Human studies have shown that many people with PD have low levels of vitamin C. A few studies have found that supplementing the diet with vitamin C may help a person with PD in the course of their disease.61
People with Parkinson’s often have low levels of vitamin D and a higher risk of developing fragile bones. Reduced mobility can lead to reduced bone mass and a greater risk of falls. Taking vitamin D supplements (400 to 1,000 IU) may be helpful for bone health and also for preventing osteoporosis.
The body uses folic acid, a B vitamin, to make new cells. Some studies have shown that people with PD with low levels of folic acid (also known as folate) are prone to increased levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that may damage the inner walls of arteries, which can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. Folic acid, along with other B vitamins, helps break down homocysteine, so supplementing with folic acid is suggested for those with PD.62
Folic acid naturally occurs in dark green vegetables like spinach, in citrus fruits, and in whole wheat bread. Half a cup of cooked spinach contains about 130 mcg (micrograms) of folate.
Many people with Parkinson’s are magnesium deficient. Magnesium is a mineral that acts as a natural relaxant, so it may help with muscular problems in PD. It may also help you get a better night’s sleep. (Sleeplessness is a common problem associated with PD.)
Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to increase blood circulation, allowing more oxygen to be spread to tissues throughout the body and preventing damage to nerve cells. Selenium can also increase levels of glutathione, whose beneficial properties are discussed in chapter 40. A suggested dose of 50 to 100 mcg a day can be taken with any meal. Selenium is normally found in multivitamin and mineral pills.
Many studies have been done with CoQ10 with the hope of discovering that it is beneficial for people with Parkinson’s. Though studies have found that this nutrient is a safe and healthy supplement, unfortunately none has found conclusive evidence that it can help slow or treat Parkinson’s symptoms.
CoQ10 functions as an antioxidant and has also been found to boost energy and speed recovery from exercise, and taking it at low doses (20 to 50 mg) a few mornings a week with food is an option for people with PD.
Certain types of fats are critical for the body to function properly. These are known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). They are essential because the body can’t produce them on its own so they must come from the diet.
The two primary EFAs are omega-6 (linolenic acid) and omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid). A mix of omega-6 (evening primrose, black currant, borage, and pumpkin seed oils) and omega-3 (flaxseed and fish oils) may be best for helping people with PD (2 tablespoons of oil per day, or 1,000 to 1,500 mg twice a day). The omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects, which may be beneficial because neuro-inflammation is a feature of PD.
Depression is also common in people with PD, and there has been a lot of research into the mood-boosting properties of omega-3s. Several studies have found improvement of depression treated with omega-3 supplementation.63
To get more omega-3s in your diet, consider adding fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, pilchards, and anchovies.
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that also helps generate glutathione. It is not yet known how this supplement interacts with PD meds so it’s best to consult a health care provider with nutritional medicine training about whether this is for you.
The amino acid glutamine (a potent antioxidant and detoxifier) can protect human cells from destruction by free radicals. Supplementing with L-glutamine can help prevent degenerative neurological illnesses like Parkinson’s.
The amino acid tyrosine is a building lock of dopamine. Tyrosine can be obtained from food (e.g., chicken, fish, almonds, avocados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds) or supplements. Supplementing with L-tyrosine can help increase dopamine levels in the brain.
Note: Because tyrosine is a stimulating supplement, it should not be taken after 3 p.m. Also, if you have high blood pressure, this supplement is not for you.
Herbs can be used to help strengthen the body’s systems. Make sure you talk to your doctor before adding them to your treatment plan. Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerin extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts).
Ginkgo biloba has been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine for treating many health conditions. Though results have been mixed, the plant has been shown to boost circulation to the brain, helping to improve memory and alertness in some people. Some studies found that long-term use of ginkgo biloba increased dopamine levels in rats, which resulted in improved cognitive function, memory, and motivation.64 More studies need to be done to find out whether the same result would occur in humans.
Note: Gingko interacts with many medications, including blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) and clopidogrel (Plavix). Don’t take this herb without your doctor’s supervision.
Researchers have found that curcumin, the active ingredient in the herb turmeric, may help fight Parkinson’s disease. Turmeric has been used since ancient times for many purposes.
Research is ongoing into how turmeric can help someone with Parkinson’s, but so far studies have shown that it acts as an anti-oxidant and may be effective at preventing clumping of a protein involved in PD.65
Mucuna pruriens is a natural source of levodopa and has been successfully used in India for centuries. It’s been getting a lot of attention lately, especially among those looking for natural ways to treat Parkinson’s. More clinical trials need to be done for there to be a recommended dose.
Note: Cowhage can interact with other medications, including those taken for diabetes, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. They can also lower blood pressure. Do not take cowhage without your doctor’s supervision, especially if you already take levodopa.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is an antioxidant that contains the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). EPO contains traces of the amino acid tryptophan, which makes levodopa more effective. (Ground evening primrose seeds contain even more tryptophan.)
Some people with PD find that taking EPO helps reduce symptoms such as tremors.
Note: Because EPO contains an amino acid, it can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, so you may want to avoid taking it within an hour or two of any dose of levodopa.
Brahmi is an herb that has been found to help improve the brain’s functioning and reduce anxiety and stress.66
Milk thistle is known for its ability to support and protect the liver by removing toxins from the body. What you may not know is that this herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for Alzheimer’s and PD for over 2,000 years.67
In addition to helping the liver, milk thistle also seems to be able to lower blood sugar, as well as act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Recent research shows that milk thistle may be able to help improve mental function by preventing oxidative damage to brain cells.68 More studies need to be done to determine whether milk thistle is properly absorbed in people with Parkinson’s.
Note: Because milk thistle increases the liver’s ability to metabolize medicines, there is a risk that it will increase the clearance of levodopa, making it less effective.
St. John’s wort is a popular herbal supplement that can be effective in easing mild to moderate cases of depression common in people with PD.
Note: St. John’s wort can interfere with some PD medications (MAO-B inhibitors). Do not take St. John’s wort if you take rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline, or blood thinners such as aspirin, heparin, or warfarin (Coumadin). Also, you should avoid alcohol when taking St. John’s wort. Talk to your doctor if you are considering taking this herb.
Passionflower is believed to work by helping to calm the nervous system. The two compounds in passionflower that provide this effect are the beta-carboline alkaloids, which behave like the MAO inhibitor drugs used to treat PD, and chrysin, which helps relieve anxiety.
By helping to improve the effectiveness of levodopa, passionflower can reduce the passive tremor when used with it. Passionflower has a minimal effect when used alone.
A suggested use is one-half teaspoon of tincture three times a day, but check with your doctor first as the dosage will depend on what other meds you’re currently taking.
It’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate dietary supplements. This means it is essential that you consult with your doctor before adding any of these to your daily regimen.