Similarities of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease

In taking care of my senior client with Parkinson’s and Dementia, I noticed the past and present health issues: constipation, metal toxicity (skin,hair,eyes) as shown in the body, lack of iron, magnesium and potassium, excess sugar consumption, low levels of Dopamine, intestinal health issues and high levels of anxiety/stress.  She had been caring for her husband who is bed-bound for 10yrs and her siser just recently died.

Each day, I find ways to bring her to good health thru massage, whole foods and herbs (turmeric, ginger,rosemary,eucalyptus oil), information, company/conversation and 10-hr caregiving from Motherhealth caregivers in the bayarea ( 408-845-1883 , motherhealth@gmail.com)

Her major health issues include intestinal health, immune system, vision, memory and prescription medications overload.  Her Azheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease are aggravated by more than 10 medications and 1 narcotic which affected her brain size (shrinking). We know that the third cause of deaths in the USA is prescribed medications.

Dopamine level in Parkinson is low

Parkinson’s disease is associated with low levels of Dopamine.  Our intestinal gut produces dopamine which is a neurotransmitter. Common symptoms include mood changes, focus issues, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, and, in particular, compulsive overeating resulting in weight gain. As a brain neurotransmitter, dopamine influences well being, alertness, learning, creativity, attention and concentration. Dopamine also affects brain processes that control movement, emotional response and is the source of the brain’s power and energy.

Foods highest in L-tyrosine (natural building block of Dopamine) include:

  • Fava beans
  • Duck
  • Chicken
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Oatmeal,
  • Mustard greens
  • Edamame
  • Dark chocolate
  • Seaweed
  • Wheat germ

Effect of heavy metals toxins in our thyroid

Even the names of the different forms of thyroid hormone reflect the number of iodine molecules attached — T4 has four attached iodine molecules, and T3 (the biologically active form of the hormone) has three — showing what an important part iodine plays in thyroid biochemistry.

Iodine deficiency is one of the three most common nutritional deficiencies, along with magnesium and vitamin D.

Since iodine is so important for thyroid function, wouldn’t you expect to see an increase in hypothyroidism with insufficient iodine levels?  Yes, and that is exactly what we have seen.

This means that your thyroid problem could actually be an iodine deficiency problem.  If you feel sluggish and tired, have difficulty losing weight, have dry skin, hair loss, constipation or cold sensitivity, it could all be related to hypothyroidism.

More than 100 years ago, iodine was shown to reverse and prevent goiter (swelling of your thyroid gland) and to correct hypothyroidism. But we now understand that iodine’s effects are much farther reaching.

Iodine has four important functions in your body:

  • Stabilization of metabolism and body weight
  • Brain development in children
  • Fertility
  • Optimization of your immune system (iodine is a potent anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti- cancer agent)
  • While iodine levels have fallen, there have been simultaneous increases in rates of thyroid disease, breast cancer, fibrocystic breast disease, prostate cancer, and obesity in American adults, and an increase in mental retardation and developmental delays in American children.

Why are Iodine Levels Dropping?

Iodine deficiency is on the rise in the United States. Simple supplementation may not be the answer as the following issues also need to be addressed.

Recent national survey data suggest that just over 11 percent of the total U.S. population, and over 7 percent of pregnant women, and nearly 17 percent of all reproductive-aged women, are deficient in iodine.

The Total Diet Study, performed by the FDA, reported an iodine intake of 621 µg for 2 year-olds between 1974 and 1982, compared with 373 µg between 1982 and 1991. During this same time period, the baking industry replaced iodine-based anti-caking agents with bromine-based agents.

In addition to iodine’s disappearance from our food supply, exposure to toxic competing halogens (bromine, fluorine, chlorine and perchlorate) has dramatically increased.

You absorb these halogens through your food, water, medications and environment, and they selectively occupy your iodine receptors, further deepening your iodine deficit.

Fluoridation of water is a major contributor to iodine deficiency, besides being very damaging to your health in many other ways.

Additional factors contributing to falling iodine levels are:

• Diets low in fish, shellfish and seaweed
• Vegan and vegetarian diets
• Decreased use of iodized salt
• Less use of iodide in the food and agricultural industry
• Use of radioactive iodine in many medical procedures, which competes with natural iodine

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease can have multifactorial causes from metal toxins (metals in white flour,chlorine,fluoride,mercury,aluminum,others), lack of important nutrients such as Vit D, Calcium and Magnesium,stress,insomia,sugar,and other hormonal and metabolic causes.

We have to nourish our bodies each day with whole foods, oxygen,water,light energy,and positive emotions.

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Contact Connie at Motherhealth Caregivers for bayarea caregivers 408-854-1883 motherhealth@gmail.com for 24/7 care for your seniors.