What you may want to know about Parkinson's and the Food you eat - Fluctuation of Symptoms, may be a result of the Food you eat blocking absorption and lessening the effectiveness of Dopamine Medications and/or Herbs

Have you struggled with fluctuation or on/off symptoms with your Parkinson's Disease?

Ever wondered why one day your symptoms are well controlled and other days you struggle to keep them at bay?

I have been dealing with on/off or fluctuation in symptoms for years now... and the one thing that always seems to play a key role in these fluctuations is "Food".

I know this because... when I don't eat anything early in the day and go without food until late afternoon or evening... my symptoms are almost non existent on those days.

The next day... I will eat earlier in the day... it could be a smoothie or it could be pancakes, or eggs or vegetables or a combination of a variety of foods. Or just fruit.

I take the same amount of my Dopamine that I always take ...no change to the dosage...but my symptoms are not controlled. The only change is that I ate food.

For me, it seems that as soon as I introduce "food" into my system, my body has a hard time using the Dopamine Supplement effectively enough to keep my Parkinson's symptoms at bay.

Symptoms that were non existent the day before ... because of not eating anything...and well controlled by the Dopamine that I take... can now be out of control... tremors, muscle tightness and fatigue...causing Anxiety, Extreme frustration and tiredness.




I know that it is common knowledge that "Protein" is known to interfere with the absorption of Dopamine, in some patients...it is well documented. They suggest waiting a period of time between eating Protein type foods and taking your Dopamine Medication or Herb.

Again for me... it seems that it's not only Protein that affects or interferes with the absorption of the Dopamine to effectively control my symptoms... also Carbohydrates, Fats and Sugar seem to play a key role in symptom control or relief... Not only do I notice fluctuations with these foods. I also notice that the type of "Protein" ie: Fish, Shrimp, Beef, Chicken, Pork as well as Plant sources of Protein have a different affect on the effectiveness of the Dopamine that I take.

I have been writing about how food has a huge effect on me for years... I have done searches on the Internet and have relayed information to the Doctors that I have seen for my Parkinson's and never gotten a satisfactory answer as to what I should eat or why it plays such an important role in keeping symptoms at bay or making them worse.

Being the persistent person that I am ... trying to help myself live my best life possible...living with Parkinson's... I have continued to search for an answer to the Food - Parkinson's -Dopamine connection.

This past year has brought me closer to finding an answer to the Food -Parkinson's -Dopamine connection.

I came across a post that was written by a Registered Dietitian, Kathryn Holden...
In this post a woman with Parkinson's asks her about "the correlation of different foods with Protein and how they can interfere with Dopamine effectiveness in Parkinson's patients. 

Reading this blog post gives a clearer picture of how and why different foods affect or interfere with the Dopamine Supplementation.... whether it is via an Herb or Medication such as Levodopa.

I believe that this Information is extremely important for anyone living with Parkinson's Disease.

Not only do I believe this information is vitally important for Patient's that have been living with the Disease for a long time...(the longer you have the Disease... the more Health Challenges seem to arise) but should be shared with those NEWLY DIAGNOSED with Parkinson's Disease.

The more information that is available to those of us with Parkinson's Disease, the better chance we have in living a more Productive and Happier Life!

Remember we each experience Parkinson's differently. We are all Unique! Food may or may not be a factor or challenge for you in managing your symptoms.

But if it is... their are tools and information available to help you be the best you can be...living with Parkinson's.

Their is no one size fits all  Diet for Patient's with Parkinson's... but with determination and persistence you can strive to be the best you can be... living with Parkinson's Disease.

The following links may be helpful in your quest to find the right Diet for you.

Parkinson's Diet 7:1 Carbs to Protein
For complete information about the Diet ... click the link above and it will take you to

The 7:1 Diet For Parkinson’s Disease: A Nutritionist’s View by Lori F. Lieberman

Rationale of Diet by Lori F. Lieberman
It has been well established by the medical community that diet, particularly protein, has a direct impact on the effectiveness of Parkinson’s disease medications. Levodopa, the active ingredient in most P.D. drugs (such as Sinemet) must be transported across the blood/brain barrier into the brain for conversion to dopamine. Only then can it alleviate the symptoms of P.D. However, the digestion of dietary protein results in certain amino acids, (large neutral amino acids-LNAAs) which compete with levodopa for transport into the brain.
The result is that the amount of protein you eat has a direct impact on the amount of levodopa reaching your brain, and subsequently, on your symptoms of P.D. Dietary carbohydrate also plays a part, lowering blood levels of LNAAs by triggering the release of insulin.
Balancing carbohydrate and protein, specifically in a ratio of 7:1 (7 parts carbohydrate to 1 part protein) results in the most stable blood levels of LNAAs- the goal of dietary management. This allows for a consistent and more predictable response to Sinemet. Studies show an optimal response to levodopa with a 7:1 diet, as compared to either a higher carbohydrate intake (30:1) or lower carbohydrate intake (1.5:1).
The 7:1 balance, therefore, is the goal of dietary modification to enhance the effect of your Sinemet.

Understanding Protein and how it can Interfere with Dopamine absorption
Kathrynne Holden MS, RD 
Registered Dietitian's view on Protein and Parkinson's


Diet and Fiber ...How it could positively affect you and your Parkinson's Disease!
Short video is worth watching... Whole Food Plant Based Diet and Parkinson's Disease may effectively help to control symptom relief!  by Michael Greger  M.D. FACLM

Applying all that we have learned about Diet and it's affect on Parkinson's Disease symptom relief.

Changing to a Whole Food Plant Based Diet 

Here is a link to variety of Nutritious Recipes for following a Whole Foods Plant Diet.

Now that we have learned that how "Diet" may or can affect Parkinson's Disease... how about applying a Whole Foods Plant  Diet to the principles outlined in the 7:1 Diet ... by Lori Lieberman (above) and see if it makes a difference in your symptom management of Parkinson's Disease.

 

 


Keeping the faith,
Laurel

Parkinson's Disease - "Gut Instincts" and the "Brain Gut Connection"-Is the Gut our Second Brain? The Dopamine Connection!

Hi... My Name is Laurel and I have been living with and writing about Parkinson's Disease for about 12 years now.

From the time I was a little girl ... I have always had strong "Gut Instincts".
When I listened to "My Gut Instinct" it usually led me in the right direction and/ or gently guided me to make the right decision. When I didn't listen to it, I could get into trouble..

After doing some research on the Parkinson's Disease "Gut" "Brain" Connection, it seems clear that their is a direct connection via a complex neural Network.
Meet your second brain, the gut!

So when I say, I have been following my "Gut Instincts" with regards to my health my entire life. I really have been following my "Gut Instincts" or "My second brain".

If you have been following my website Blog regarding my journey with Parkinson's ...you know that I have chosen to use an Alternative form of treatment known as the Dr. Marty Hinz Amino Acid Protocol

This was a personal choice made by me to follow "My Gut Instincts".

Following this Protocol has had it challenges... using any form of Dopamine supplement comes with it's own set of challenges. And the longer I have had PD ... the more challenges I have encountered... most via Stomach issues. As well as challenges with certain food interfering with the effectiveness of Dopamine working to keep Parkinson's symptoms at bay. ie: tremors.

I have always thought that what I ate affected the effectiveness of the Dopamine I take... I noted that when I ate Protein it definitely affected the Dopamine. I also noted that it wasn't just Protein that interfered with Dopamine effectiveness... it was also Fats, Carbohydrates and Sugar.

Over the years I have done research on food interference of Dopamine Supplementation and constantly brought up the subject with my Physician. My Physician stated that their was not much information written on this subject, with the exception of the generalized Protein interference that I read about.

I never found much information written about this complicated subject.

 Until Now.....

The following links give some insight into how Food, Digestion, and finding the right diet for yourself can have an amazing effect on someone living with Parkinson's Disease and how to get the most out of Dopamine supplementation.



Particularly Important for Patients with Parkinson's Disease who have "Gut Issues"  "Gut Problems" or "Gastroparesis"

          

Food in general can have an effect on Dopamine absorption

Parkinson's 7:1 Diet

Parkinson's Disease Nutrition Matters

Vegetarian Diet and Parkinson's 

Nutrition you can live with.... finding the best diet for you

Nutritional Considerations in Parkinson's

Brain Function affected by Gut Bacteria

Treating Parkinson's through the Gut instead of the Brain

protein-levodopa-interactions/




Natural treatment for gastroparesis

Dr. Weil Natural treatment for Gastroparesis

Fixing a leaky gut-lactobacillus-plantarum Dr. Perlmutter



My Favorite Morning Smoothie right now!

Enjoy!!!


Blueberry and Spirulina may have health benefits 

Blueberry Spirulina Smoothie

1/2 C Fresh Organic Blueberries
1/2 C Frozen Organic Blueberrie
1/2 tsp Organic Spirulina Powder
1 C Fresh Homemade Organic Almond Milk
1/2 C Purified Ionized Water



Keeping the faith,
Laurel

Parkinson's, Gut health and me.... Gut health Priority number One! Getting started ..... Grass fed bones, water and some vegetables = Beef Bone Broth

Gut Health .... Healing Inflammation ...My Number One Priortiy!

Inflammation and Homocysteine levels ... let's get better! 
High Homocysteine levels may be indicator of ill health!

Herbs and Spices that may help fight Inflammation

Health starts in the Gut... "Is the Gut our 2nd Brain"? Heal the Gut - Heal Parkinson's

Finally it has sunk in... I cannot get well until I heal my Gut!

One step at a time...

Discovering the local Farmer's Markets ...

After moving to Missouri 3 years ago to restore an Old Victorian House ... which turned out Beautiful... but  not the right area for us to live...last year, we decided to move back to Arizona ...specifically to the Tucson area.

This area is new to me so I am just now discovering the local Farmer's Markets.

Three weeks ago ... I discovered a wonderful local Farmer's Market at St. Phillip Plaza located at 4280 N. Campbell Ave in Tucson.

The Market has an array of local vendors with a large variety of local Organic Produce, Eggs, Grass Fed Beef... and other health promoting natural products. The Vendors are helpful and well informed on the Products they sell!

I thought the Market was Awesome!

When I went to the Farmer's Market last weekend ...I went with a specific goal in mind.
I wanted to find grass fed Beef Bones and the ingredients to make my own  Beef Bone Broth.

With my mission accomplished ... Bones and Vegetables in hand...I searched for a recipe to get my Bone Broth started and decided to use a Basic Bone Broth Recipe that I found on Dr. Mercola's website.

On Monday morning I put all the ingredients as directed into a last Pot on my stove and started the cooking process... Cooking time 24 to 72 hours!

Monday night... didn't want to leave my stove on all night without supervision .... I turned the pot off and restarted it on Tuesday Morning!

Tuesday - I let it simmer on low all day... that night I decided to transfer it all to my largest crock pot and let it simmer all night.

Wednesday morning ... the house smells like soup! The smell is making me hungry and I want some of it!

I decide to try some of it.... so I ladled out about 6 ounces into a bowl through a strainer and taste it!

Truthfully, it seemed kinda bland...and a little greasy, it was also hot! Made me wonder if I am supposed to skim off the fat...answer; yes skim off the fat!  So I put it on the counter to cool for awhile...eventually, put a lid on it and set it in the fridge to chill and eat later.

When I went to the fridge to check on my Broth about an hour later... the fat had chilled and risen to the top of the bowl... so I skimmed it off and got rid of it!

Finally...after reheating the broth on the stove in a pan... don't use the microwave...tried the Broth with a little sea salt added for taste!

Still thought it was kinda bland but good!

So my first ever bone broth is a success!  Hooray for me!

Taking it one day at a time... healing will come... I know it will!

Each day I become more focused on what I put into my body... and the more I listen to my "Gut" instincts the more I realize that Good Health comes from eating Healthy real Food. 

"Today, is the first day of the rest of My Life"

I choose to live it the best way I can and make every moment count!



Healing Power of Bone Broth




Keeping the faith!

Parkinson's and Gut Health.... Is our Gut Health related to our Brain Health?

Realizing more and more that my Gut health is directly related to my Brain health...


Seems that I have always had an upset tummy... when I was younger I belched a lot, as a matter of fact my best friend's parents would always comment on my burps... they thought that it was funny!

Over the years... my tummy upsets and belching turned into gas and a distended belly whenever I ate certain foods.

Always on the search to figure out what is ailing me...

My searches have included gut health and brain health...in the past not much information was available.

My most recent search on the topic found an abundance of information available on the topic. Seems to be an up and coming hot topic that deserves some real investigation.

Here are some links that may shed some light on the connection of Gut health and Brain health...

Parkinson's and gut-bacteria: a proven link

Parkinson's disease and the gut: a well known clinical association in need of an effective cure and explanation.

Importance of Gut Health for Prevention and Treatment of “Incurable” Neurological Disorders

Parkinson's-Where does the disease begin?

I encourage everyone to read as much information as possible in order to help yourself... I hope that the above links encourage you to continue investigating the topic more thoroughly for yourselves.

Keeping the faith...

Review -Parkinson's -What's important in managing my symptoms via Dr. Marty Hinz amino acid protocol. Diet-healing your gut and exercise.

Just thought I would give a review of what I am currently doing to manage my Parkinson's.
This is evolving daily...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 13, 2017

UPDATE... This Diet is working for me.... helps to keep my symptoms controlled.   7:1 Diet
Exercise has always made me feel better!
Here is a New Program that I just became aware of via a good friend...


 New form of Boxing helps Parkinson's Patients. It's called Rock Steady Boxing! 
 I am going to check it out ....  This sounds really promising!!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My latest update on the "Gut Connection" and Parkinson's

I use Dr. Marty Hinz Amino Acid Parkinson's Protocol
Doctor Supervised treatment that I have used since April 2009.
I do not take any prescriptions drugs I only take what is prescribed via the Hinz Amino Acid Protocol under the direction of my Physician.
This is not a cure and does have it's challenges... if you've been following my blog or have read my website... you have read about my challenges.  It is also $$$Costly$$$
Products can only be purchased through a licensed Practitioner.
To find a Doctor near you call NeuroResearch Clinics at 877-626-2220

I am using Parkinson's Diet 7:1 Carbohydrate/Protein to help manage a more stable Dopamine level.... this eases tremor fluctuations, muscle rigidity and other PD associated symptoms.
I have always known that Food affects how I feel and is particularly important in management of PD symptoms. It is only recently that I found this 7:1 Parkinson's Diet ... been about 1 month since I have implemented it.... so far it does seem to help level out my Dopamine fluctuations.
I try to eat clean... incorporating more of a vegan, vegetarian lifestyle.  I do eat grass fed beef and wild caught fish.
I am not perfect... but if I get off track ... I try to get back on it at the next meal!

Exercise - Walking, swimming, light weights
I have found that exercise is as good as gold ... helps with all symptoms and improves flexability and mood.

I take Probiotics and eat fermented vegetables to help heal my Gut ......Healing your Gut
more information becoming available with regards to relationship of Gut health and Parkinson's. 
This topic shows great promise in treating many of today's health challenges. 

I read and research about all available treatments for Parkinson's Disease. Including all Allopathic, Alternative and Naturopathic treatments.

Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain-For Life
Interesting Book that is a worthwhile read!

Please remember that I am a Parkinson Patient sharing my personal experiences. We all experience Parkinson's in our own way... no one treatment can treat every person with similar results. I encourage everyone to do your own research. Read as much as is available on the topic!
With Persistence and Perserverance you can live your best life possible... with Parkinson's.

Keeping the faith,
Laurel






 

Parkinson's - Diet is KEY.......7:1 Diet(Protein:Carbs) for Parkinson's Disease ... Can it help manage symptoms?

My mind is all  over the place with excitement.... whenever I find information that is new to me and gives me hope .... I can't contain myself.  And this morning I have new hope!

If I can manage my symptoms more easily .... this gives me more energy to do the things that I like to do... and want to do in my everyday life.
The 7:1 Diet may be a long term answer.

Let me start out by clarifying that I am just a Parkinson's Patient ... I have no Degrees in anything... I consider myself a true Investigator and Specialist of sorts in my own journey with Parkinson's.
"I know me better than anyone."
And my inner me has always guided me toward seeking out the best in myself....

My journey with Parkinson's began in 2004.

It's been 12 years now since my original Diagnosis. It hasn't been an easy road. The longer I have Parkinson's... the more my body changes with it and the challenges it brings can make daily life difficult to manage.

I have always been affected by the food I eat... with Parkinson's it is pretty much an immediate reaction with regards to symptom relief and or control. I can be calm or I can be out of control shakey and rigid.

We are all different and Unique and experience Parkinson's in our own Unique way.

 "Diet" is key in Parkinson's for me....What I eat has an affect on the Dopamine that I take for symptom control....ie: tremors and rigidity/pain are dominant for me.

Understanding Parkinson's take a quick look at this page...it gives a clear picture of how the Brain works and how Dopamine/Acetylcholine are affected in Parkinson's Disease. It kinda puts a link to why food affects us.... at least it made the connection easier for me to understand.

Every food we eat creates a reaction in our body.

The 7:1 Protein:Carbs Diet may be helpful in keeping levels of Dopamine more even throughout the day....

I have only been doing this for a short time now... but the results are pretty amazing! At least they are for me...
I use an herb to help control my PD symptoms and have always had fluctuations in my symptoms.
I am finding that Vegetarian or Vegan foods in 7:1 Protein:Carb ratio are helping to maintain my dopamine levels throughout the day with minimal tremors and or symptoms. If this can be maintained for long periods of time.... Wow!!! what a relief it is on my body and mind.

I am extremely hopeful that this will something that I can do long term!

The only problem is that it seemed like it was going to be difficult to try and determine the Nutrition factor every time I wanted something to eat!

Luckily we live in an amazing world of technology that can help me...


Apps for everything!

Making it easier to track Proteins, Carbs, Fats and Calories for every meal .... I downloaded an app (My Fitness Pal) it is Free
Their are many others that do the same thing... choose an app that is simple to use.

What I look at when determining what to eat...

7:1 Protein to Carb

example:   10 grams of Protein would need approx 70 grams of Carbs

This balance seems to work for me.... you will need to determine the right balance for yourself.
From what I have read it can be between 5:1 to 10:1 Protein to Carbs 

I would love to hear from anyone out their using this Protocol to help manage symptoms more evenly.

Keeping the faith
Laurel


May 11, 2016

Just wanted to give an update on the 7:1 Protein to Carb balancing diet.

When I follow the 7:1 rule ... it does seem to help considerably in controlling and/or minimizing my tremors.
 While we are different and unique ... it might be worth investigating for yourself ...  see if it makes a difference for those of you who experience a lessening of effectiveness in dopamine after eating a meal.

Keeping the faith

Diet is the key ....7:1 Parkinson's Diet ...Carbs:Protein diet... helps keep Dopamine levels more even...... giving you better management of symptoms

Starch Solution Diet not quite the right fit for me..felt low energy and gained weight.
It did help with tremors ... but overall didn't feel quite right on this diet over a period of time.

Keeping up my search for the right diet for me and my PD....

I discovered that finally after all these years... someone has done the research and put together a diet specifically targeted for the Parkinson's Patient.
I don't know how many searches I have done in the past with relationship to Diet and PD...  never came upon this 7:1 Diet until just this week.
So glad I didn't give up....

The 7:1 Diet focuses on keeping Dopamine levels even ... Balancing.... Carbs:Protein with the hope that dopamine levels could be maintained at a level that would allow for greater PD symptom control and relief.

I always knew that what I am eating affects me tremendously... finding the right balance is key in my symptom relief .... just need to find the right balance ... maybe this will be it!

Can't wait to give it a try!




Diet and Parkinson's-


Parkinson's -Nutrition Matters

Parkinsons-7-1 diet 

Keeping the faith,

Laurel

Parkinson's - Dopamine delivery and calming tremors.... following the "The Starch Solution" - while trying not to cave in to my cravings!

May 13, 2017

UPDATE ...."The Starch Solution Diet",  did not work for me !  Remember we are all different, what works for one, does not work for all!

7:1 Parkinson's Diet ...
This is what has worked and I am continuing to learn how to make this a part of every meal and morsel I put in my mouth!

Following "The Starch Solution Diet" to see if it helps to minimize my tremors ....

Well ... here's what I have come up with so far!

I didn't exactly  follow the Diet in it's entirety... I did eat some great Vegan Low Fat Recipes from the
Low Fat Vegan Chef

Soup was my main staple during the week... along with Salad and whole Baked potatoes and  steamed Broccoli.

Butternut Squash, Corn and White Bean Soup
Really good and very simple to make!
Did you know that you can buy Frozen  Organic chopped Butternut Squash in your grocer's freezer section....for those of you who don't have fresh squash or just want to make the soup fairly quickly with out the fuss of chopping up a fresh Butternut Squash!

Cream of Buckwheat Cereal ... cooked as directed on Package .... I also added a 1/2 frozen Banana to the Cereal at the end of cooking ... let it melt into the cereal, during the last few minutes of cooking ... then added Cinnamon and Turmeric to taste.
This is similar to Cream of Wheat in texture and appearance....but has no wheat in it!


While I did not follow the Diet completely...

I did note that when I had the Starchy Meals with no additions of dairy, fat, or sugar ... my tremors were noticeably less!

When I added the listed items below in  moderation... I had noticeable tremors 1/2-2 hours after I ate the
items. I also noted some bloating and gas after eating these items!

I ate the following in moderation ... typically  not allowed on the Diet.
These are items I  had on hand and that I normally would eat ,,,I am working on eliminating them from my diet!
They were on hand and I had not gone to the grocery store to get more permissible items for the Diet.
So I am a work in progress right now!

Raw Almonds - Almond Butter on a Apple
Pistachios  -
Store bought ....Poppy Seed Salad Dressing with Oil and Sugar
Avocado in a Salad

Sunflower seeds in a Salad
Hemp seeds in a Smoothie
Olive oil
Dark Chocolate
Organic raisins
Brown cow yogurt-Blueberry, Strawberry

I did not eat any Meat, Chicken or Fish this week!


I didn't really miss not eating the Meat, Chicken or Fish.... it's the other things ...  like Dairy, Fat and Sugar that are my real down falls!

Next week I will work on eliminating Dairy .... and see how it goes!!

Keep the Faith.....

Parkinson's and The Starch Solution .... Getting Started and What do I eat???

I got a slow start to the "Starch Solutuion Diet" ... Over the weekend.... we attended a Wedding on Saturday.
 


This probably sounds weird but in order for me to have a good day... dopamine working and tremors under control... In the past, I would usually not eat or eat very little when I knew I was going to be out and about ... then their would be no interference in my dopamine delivery.
So  ... while I was out doing what I wanted to do... in this case go to the Wedding and feel calm.... I didn't eat much...I had a Homemade Vegan- Oil Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free,  Pumpkin Carrot Muffin that I had made early in the day.
Felt pretty calm most of the morning and afternoon.
Dinner was at 7:00 p.m. by then... I was starving! Dinner consisted of  a Salad, Bread, Steak, Chicken, mixed squash and mashed potatoes.
Normally, I would have eaten the Bread/butter with my salad... but this time I only had the Salad and a small amount of Ranch dressing.
I then ate the mixed squash and potatoes... still feeling really hungry .... I ate the Steak (about 5-6oz)

Around 9-9:30 p.m.- my tremors started in my left leg and arm....tremors started out mild and increased to pretty intense...  this effect was noted about 1-2 hours after eating dinner with Meat Protein.
This is and has been a pretty standard noticeable effect for me after eating a Meat Protein inclusive meal.

The tremor connection is not something new ... most Doctors and Parkinson's suffers know that Protein interferes with  Dopamine delivery and even recommend not eating Protein til late in the day... so any negative effects would be felt late in the day.

Hence, the reason for trying the Starch Solution Diet.... I am tired of not eating or eating very little in order to have my dopamine work.  Eating this way... has not been healthy!
I think that eating / or not eating ...then eating too much of the wrong things because I was starving... contributed to my increase of Cholesterol level and Sugar level.

My hope in following the Vegan/Starch Solution Diet is to find a more well  rounded and healthier way of eating.... that will allow me to feel my best and be the best that I can be living with Parkinson's.

Recipes seem abundant ... once you start doing a search on the Internet.... it also stimulates my creative side ... inspiring me to create my own recipes or modify the ones that I like!

Here 's a great place to start low fat vegan chef
 ...What I ate
Monday Oct 5th 2015


Mcdougall Smoothie

1/2 Frozen Banana
1/2 cup Frozen Strawberries
1/2 cup Frozen Pineapple
1/2 cup Orange juice



Blended in my Vita Mix ... tasted great!
and I also ate

1 Pumpkin Carrot Muffin (note:I added 1 T chia seeds to the recipe)I made these Gluten Free by using Mehl's flour 
Mehl's flour is a great substitute for traditional wheat flours .... you basically can substitute it cup for cup.

I ended up eating another Pumpkin muffin and some leftover soup that I had made earlier in the week for lunch.... Soup was combination of Potato, carrot , celery , onion, vegetable broth, miso paste, seasoned to taste with Turmeric and Cinnamon. Cooked until all veggies soft then thrown into my vita mix blender.

 Mcdougall Split Pea Soup

The soup was delicious... I wondered how it would taste without the traditional Ham/ham bone that I usually make it with... but no problem ... it was delicious!  Very filling .... did not feel hungry at all later in the evening.
Note: I added 1 1/2 teas of smoked paprika and did not add the tomatoes or herbs... didn't miss them at all!

I had a pretty calm day...  tremors hardly noticeable most of the day.

Anyway ... that was day one of following a primarily plant based diet high in Complex Carbohydrates.

If anyone reading this... and I know your out there... I see the stats on my Blog
Would love to hear your thoughts and comments!

Keeping the faith...



  

Parkinson's Disease ... "The Starch Solution" Could it be possible...After 11 years of researching food/diet... and Parkinson's... I may finally be on the right path!

"Let food be thy medicine, and let thy medicine be food." Hippocrates

 

100daysofrealfood

real life/real people... changing their DIET -changed their Health! Broad Spectrum of Health challenges...not specific to any one illness!

Maybe it's time for my real life change...After all "you are what you eat"  and I am not healthy...right now! 
The Starch Solution - Free access to site ...information on how it works and recipes
 
If you have been following my blog and website since the beginning of it's creation... you would have noticed  that my focus has always been on food and how it reacts with my body.

What ever I put in my body triggers a reaction... whether it be good or neutral (no obvious upsets. ie; stomach distress, hives, bloating, brain fog or noticeable tremor increase) or Bad ( obvious upsets.  ie;stomach distress, hives, bloating, brain fog or noticeable tremor increase... note: this is a big deal when you have Parkinson's).

Food triggers a chemical reaction in my body and BRAIN...
If you are having difficulty controlling tremors, like I am... than this is important reading for you!

I discovered over the years ...since being diagnosed with Parkinson's...that when I eat certain foods...Protein for example...seemed to interfere with the effectiveness of Dopamine (I use an herb, but research shows that it also affects those taking prescriptions). Particularly affecting my tremors.... making them much worse!
I also found that when I had meals high in Fat and/or Simple Carbohydrates like sugar, fructose, lactose and sucrose... I also noticed an increase in tremors.
I tried eating at different time intervals...away from taking my Dopamine. ...I found that this was only somewhat effective for me. Most of the time I would still struggle with tremors...only the intensity would change...making them somewhat less dramatic, but still existent!
Feelings of frustration constantly plaguing me! I would tell my Doctor... and she would make her suggestions!  I would try again to figure out how to get better results of controlling my tremors. But never finding a definitive answer... I had to keep eating, obviously...and have bounced around from Diet to Diet trying to figure what would  help me! Again, if you have followed my blog you will see what I am talking about....
Always on the search to feel better....and becoming more and more aware of how food seems to affect my shake, rattle and roll... I continued with my Internet searches and mentally noting how I felt after eating certain foods.

Protein in the form of Fish, Meat, Chicken, Seafood ... not a good choice for me! I tried the Paleo Diet and for me it was not a good fit!....I had obvious severe increase in tremors! Simple Carbohydrates... same result... shakey! Too much Fat....same result ....shakey! And when I have all of these ...Protein, Simple Carbs, and too much Fat! Forget it! My tremors go out of control!

The one thing that I did notice over the years is that if I ate a Baked Potato, no butter, just steamed broccoli for lunch and/or dinner or ate mostly Complex Carbohydrates on a particular day...or went to the extreme of not eating for most of the day ...my tremors would be non-existent and unnoticeable for long periods of time.
Note: I was taking the same amount of Dopamine in the form of herb that I have taken for a long period of time. No increase or decrease!

I have mentioned this food interaction numerous times to different Doctors over the years... since being diagnosed with Parkinson's... but didn't get any feedback that made me think that there might be something positive about eating a certain way and it's relationship to my tremors!

Frustration over the tremor/food connection ...makes me feel helpless!
I am one who finds solutions to problems!

Trying to figure out my own plan of eating, but never quite pulling it all together ... has led me to where I am now.

Recent blood work shows increased Cholesterol and higher than normal sugar readings.
I have always struggled in the past with low sugar/hypoglycemia type symptoms... actually fainted once as I was waiting in line at a Chipotle's restaurant ....due to low sugar. But... now...new reading shows elevated sugar level.... and that is not a good thing!

Putting my Investigating cap back on... I have been on the search to figure out what I need to do to seriously make a difference in my health challenges... Not only Parkinson's diagnosis... but a pre-diabetes warning from the doctor too!
With the above mentioned new information my search on the internet now included Parkinson's and Diabetes Diets that can have a positive effect on my health.
It also brought me back to re-reading my posts from 2005 ... when I was following recipes from the "Stop Inflammation Now" program. Recipes consisted of mostly Complex Carbohydrates (starches)and low fat entrees.
Which eventually led me to a You tube video suggesting the Mcdougall Diet/The Starch Solution

I purchased the ebook and starting to read "The Starch Solution" ... how and why it works. Reducing Inflammation in your body.

Immediately a light bulb went off in my head... it was like stars bursting in my head... finally a connection to why and how when I eat a Baked Potato with only steamed broccoli ...it doesn't interfere with the Dopamine I take for my PD.
Now that I have a reference and guidelines to follow via the "The Starch Solution"-recipes
I am on my way to what I believe that I discovered by accident.... noting my reactions to food and my tremors...  A lifestyle that will compliment my treatment plan and allow me a better level of comfort and control of my tremors!

I am not saying this is going to be easy... I am sure it will be difficult! After all I am just human ... with all my flaws.... Food is more than sustenance!


Note: I am a Parkinson's Patient sharing this information for those of you who would like to investigate further how diet may or may not help you in your quest to feel better! We are all unique and what is good for one is not good for all..

"Elevated Homocysteine levels" .... Should we be asking our Doctor to include checking for elevated "Homocysteine" levels in our next routine blood test? ... Inflammation, High Homocysteine levels may be indicator of certain disease' s...Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Arthritis, Lupus etc.

I have written about elevated Homocysteine levels and it's relationship to inflammation and illness on my website  back in August of 2005... At the time I was reading and studying a book written by Dr. Richard Flemming called "Stop Inflammation Now".

Patient's following his "Primarily Plant based Diet" ... where able to reduce elevated "Homocysteine levels.



Reducing Inflammation may be key to a healthier you... the role of enzymes.

Homocysteine: One of the Best Objective Markers of How Healthy You Are

Posted By Dr. Ben Kim 

• Natural Health Care

As a general marker of overall health status, few tests carry greater predictive weight than homocysteine.

The amount of homocysteine in your blood is one of the best objective indicators of how healthy you are and how long you are going to live.

A high blood level of homocysteine is a reliable risk factor for each of the following:

• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Thyroid-related health challenges
• Neurological conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
• Depression
• Infertility
• Chronic Pain
• Digestive Disorders

Diet,... You are what you eat! You can make a difference.

For Inspiration to a healthier you...
Here is a link to a recipe for Low Fat Vegan PumpkinCarrotRaisin Muffins...
I have made this twice now and can tell you that they are delicious...

I added small amounts Chia seeds, Flax meal and Hemp seeds for an added boost of nutrition.

Keep the faith,

Laurel

Parkinson's- Plant-based Nutrition - Fasting Optimizing Healing for Degenerative Diseases

This page is a resource for those of you who would like to do some research on how a raw food diet may help you feel better.... provides specific documented information for those of us struggling with degenerative disease's.

Impacting PD and MS into Permanent Remission" by Jim Tibbetts 


Plant-based Nutrition  -  Fasting   Optimizing Healing for Degenerative Diseases

Can degenerative diseases be cured? or at least put into remission......Curing the incurables  Parkinson's, MS???


Keeping the faith,

Laurel

Immune System and Parkinson's ... Bacterium Nocardia?

Continuing my research...

How the Immune System and Gut Health play a important role in maintaining my health.

I started reading a new book today... Perfect Health Diet... don't let the name fool you into thinking that this is another "Diet book".

This book is well documented with over one thousand citations to scientific literature written clearly and simply for the layman (me) to understand.

I came across some interesting information that correlates with what I have previously blogged about..."How the Immune system and Gut health" play an important role in health... and possibly how the Bacteria known as "Nocardia"- Nocardia/Parkinson's may be related to Parkinson's Disease Symptoms.


Parkinson's - Another look

Parkinson's- Pesticides

Parkinson's - Glyphosate Trichlorethylene

Neurotoxicity 


 Parkinson's disease and exposure to infectious agents and pesticides


I could go on and on with more documentation... but I think you get the idea... The Environment seems to play a big part in overall health problems.

My question is "What can I do about it to help myself?"

I don't have any  answers for you ... That is why I keep researching and reading about every possible link that could have caused my illness.

You may ask Why?  The reason is simple.... having Parkinson's Disease can  be and is exhausting!

I keep thinking and hoping that maybe someone will come up with a non drug approach to curing this devastating illness called Parkinson's.

In the meantime ...
I can try to do my best to reduce inflammation in my body through alkaline anti-inflamdomatory diet, exercise and supplements.

Breakfast Smoothie today- blend in high speed blender

1/2 Avocado
1 T cacao powder
1 T honey
6 500 mg chlorella tablets
Handful of Spinach
1 T chia seeds
1 C Almond milk
ice

Lunch

flax crackers
guacamole dip

Keep the faith, keep moving

Ketogenic diet... not working for me!

After only 3 days I have given up on the Ketogenic diet.... It seems to interfere with the effectiveness of the supplements and herbs that I use to control my Parkinson's symptoms.


I was going to blog everyday and give you updates on symptoms... but my tremors have been almost uncontrollable... making it almost impossible to do much of anything.

Remember we are all individual and you could have a more or less positive experience with this diet.
This is just me sharing my personal experience!

So back to Alkaline recipes... hopeful  to get tremors under reasonable control soon!



Breakfast today

Green Smoothie - Blend all in high speed blender

1 C Almond Milk  (homemade)
1/2 avocado
Spinach,,, Handful
1 T raw honey
1 T chia seeds
1 T cacao powder
6  500mg Chlorella tablets
ice

Ketogenic Diet and Parkinson's ... taking a closer look

Ketogenic Diet and Parkinson's

Seems to deserve a closer look ... researching this week about the how the Ketogenic Diet may have beneficial positive affect on symptom relief of Parkinson's symptoms.

Lots of  really interesting information on this topic... well worth reading and researching for yourself.

Dr. Perlmutter - Neurologist  

Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet

ketogenic-diet-for-epilepsy-and-other-neurological-disorders/ 

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles 

Neuroprotective and disease-modifying effects of the ketogenic diet

Clinicaltrials and Ketogenic Diet 

perfecthealthdiet.com/category/disease/parkinsons/ 

www.eat2think.com/2013/03/the-coconut-oil-dementia-diet.html 

coconutketones.com/pdfs/VanItallie_Parkinsons_Ketogenicdiet

Day 1 Coconut Ketogenic Diet... I started this yesterday and am going to try and do my best to document my journey.  It takes a lot of thought and preperation.  All meals are homemade and prepared by me based on the ketogenic diet and using coconut oil and coconut flour and flax seed meal... along with other  non traditional items.

Difficulties that I see are going to be cutting out sugar and addition of Protein at each meal.

Sugar, hopefully I will experience some good things after the initial withdrawal symptoms... this could be tough!

Protein, this has proven to conflict with my supplements in the past... but willing to give it a chance... I will let you know how this goes.

Coconut Oil - adding coconut oil, taking by the spoonful prior to my meal and use in cooking

Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's) 2 T 3 x per day to help aid in digestion

Breakfast Day 1

1 slice homemade pizza (Coconut flour and flax meal crust)

1/2 avocado

1 poached egg

Lunch

1/3 c coconut milk

2/3 c almond milk (homemade)

1 scoop Chocolate Whey Protein powder(purchased from The  People's Chemist)
ice

Dinner

Roasted Chicken
Yellow squash -olive oil and butter

Salad- greens, cucumber, radish, red pepper


Day 2

Breakfast

2 slices Bacon  (grass fed)
2 eggs (free range)
1/2 avocado

Lunch

1/3 c coconut milk

2/3 c almond milk (homemade)

1 scoop Chocolate Whey Protein powder(purchased from The  People's Chemist)
ice

Dinner

Pulled Barbecue Pork ( homemade from scratch)
steamed yellow squash with olive oil and butter

Recipe for Pulled Barbecue Pork (no sugar added)
1 pkg boneless pork ribs (not grass fed)
1 box organic vegetable broth

Cook ribs in large pot with vegetable broth for several hours until pork is tender.

Cook the sauce in separate sauce pan for at least 1 hour, then blend smooth in blender, add to large pot with cooked pork and cook for several more hours.

1  20 oz can organic crushed tomatoes
1  small can organic tomato paste
1 20 oz can pineapple chunks with juice
1 T raw honey
1 yellow onion diced
4 cloves garlic smashed
1 T organic Worcester sauce

Seasoning to taste:  Turmeric powder, garlic powder, cayenne powder, cumin powder, crushed red pepper, paprika

Listening to my inner voice...My body seems to know what it needs!

I got woke up this morning with my inner voice telling me to get up and make some soup... so I did!

The recipe follows:

I used all Organic Vegetables and Seasonings
Chopped all veggies into  large chunks


1  Yellow Squash 
1  Medium head of Cauliflower 
1/2 Yellow Onion
1 Clove Garlic

I put all of the above veggies in a medium pot, adding about 1 cup of Spring water so they could
steam/simmer for about 10-12 minutes.

I then carefully took the hot soup ingredients and ladled it into my Vita Mix Blender. 
Blending the ingredients to a smooth consistency.

Once blended I added the following:

1 Can Organic Coconut Milk
1 T Miso Paste
Turmeric powder, Kelp seasoning and Cayenne pepper .... to taste! I didn't measure these spices... just a dash of each based on taste.

It turned out PDG (pretty darn good!)

After looking at the ingredient list I used above... I realize that most are on the alkaline food chart.

My body seems to be telling me something ....getting more Alkaline may help me feel better... so I will listen to it!  

Going for my morning walk....  gotta keep moving!

Move it or lose it!

Keep the faith
Laurel

Paleo/Ketogenic recipe....A non traditional pizza crust.. Pretty Awesome!

Craving Pizza and not wanting to make a traditional wheat crust .... trying to stay away from Gluten.
I have been looking at Paleo recipes for Pizza...

This recipe looked simple and I had the ingredients on hand.


Paleo recipe for a thin crust pizza made from Flax meal and Coconut Flour. It called for the following ingredients:

1 C Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 T Flax meal
1 T Coconut flour
1 Egg
1/8 t Baking soda

I mixed all of ingredients together, it formed a moist dough... rolled it into a ball/ then pressed it out onto a piece of parchment paper with my palm to form a thin crust. Placed on a cookie sheet and put this into hot oven/450 degrees for about 8 minutes ... then flipped it over and baked another 5-8 minutes until it got a crispy golden brown color. Pulled it back out of the oven and added my toppings of

Marinara sauce (homemade leftover)
Fresh Spinach
Chopped Green pepper and Green onion
Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese (shredded)

I then popped it back in the oven for about 10 minutes... until cheese melted and started to brown.

It tasted Awesome!  I couldn't believe how good this was.... The crust was crispy around the edges and firm enough to pick up and eat like real pizza slices. And I didn't get a belly ache like I normally would have if I had eaten a traditional crust with Gluten in it!

The recipe makes a thin crust pizza approximately 8"x10".  I ate about 2/3 for lunch and ended up having the last piece for dinner.

Will be making this recipe regularly... no more  missing out on Pizza for me!

Ketogenic Diet may prove beneficial for Parkinson's and Alzheimer patient's.

Coconut Ketogenic Diet  this makes interesting reading! Using Coconut Oil may be beneficial to your health.

This is my journey... I share it with you!

Apple Cider Vinegar- What is it good for...?

ACV or Apple Cider Vinegar - Specifically- Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar

What is it good for?

Maybe....Absolutely everything!

Apple Cider Vinegar has been highly regarded throughout history. In 400 B.C. the great Hippocrates, Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing health qualities.

I have been using Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar for years now ... making my own Salad Dressing's and occasionally taking a tablespoon in water when I happened to think about it... usually when I am having digestive issues. 

After re-reading about the positive benefits Apple Cider Vinegar can have on health. I have decided to add to my regular routine ...2 T in water in the mornings and 2 T in water prior to each meal. 

I will get back to you in a few weeks to let you know if I notice any changes in my body.

Meanwhile...

Breakfast today

Homemade Flaxseed crackers and Avocado with lime juice.

Flax oil benefits may surprise you...   Good Health via what you eat...Worthwhile reading!

Keep the faith
Laurel

Probiotics and Fermented foods... do we need them?

Probiotics...  Studies are showing that taking Probiotics may be beneficial to health!


Neurological health


Does Parkinson's begin in the gut?

Women's health  


If you suffer from Bladder and/or Vaginal Infections...
Probiotics may or may not prove beneficial in helping to prevent future infections.

Finding the right one for you ...Not all alike!
Seem's like this is going to take some investigation on the consumer's part...Probiotics can contain many different strains of bacteria...
Read the labels and do the research... find out which one may work better for the condition your trying to treat!

Fermented Foods 

Healing your gut may help in healing whatever else is ailing you....

Eating Fermented Foods may prove beneficial!

Juice this morning... heavenly!

Apple, Beets and Carrot...who ever thought that this combination could taste so good! And the health benefits... not so bad either!

No recipe needed here... just push apple, beets and carrots through your juicer to extract juice, then combine juices in a nice glass cup (no plastic, please!)... drink immediately and enjoy!

For some added nutritional punch ... I have added any one or all of the following to my Apple, Beet and Carrot juice.

Lemon 

Fresh Ginger

Kale

Turmeric  according to recent research... this herb could be particularly beneficial to Parkinson's sufferer's.

Cayenne combined with Turmeric may help to enhance the positive effect of Turmeric. FYI... just remember a little goes a long way!

Kelp seasoning


Came across this article today... thought it was worth sharing!
Longevity... a few tips from the People of Okinawa!


People of Okinawa, an island southwest of Japan's main landmass, are known for their longevity.



Thinking ahead  for my week ...

I am making home made Flax crackers

I am soaking 2 cups of flax seeds in 2 cups of water they will soak overnight.  Tomorrow I will add some pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, grated onion, grated carrot with a little shake of Turmeric, Cayenne and Kelp seasoning.  I will then spread this mixture onto to dehydrator sheets and place in the dehydrator for about 8-10 hours.
These make great flax crackers... I eat them with a variety of dips, salsa's and guacamole throughout the week!

Keep the faith