The primary problem in Parkinson’s is the breakdown of L-dopa before it can reach the brain where it can be converted into dopamine.  Science estimates that 1 percent of L-dopa reaches the brain where it can be converted into dopamine (Ref. Robert K. Murray, MD, Ph.D., Daryl K. Granmer, MD, Peter A. Mayes, Ph.D., D.Sc., Victor W. Fodwell, Ph.D., Harper’s Biochemistry, 25^th Edition, Appleton & Lance, Stanford, Connecticut, 2000, Page 840.)

 Thus methods that can preserve L-dopa until it reaches the brain can help in Parkinson’s.  The primary method that breaks L-dopa down into other metabolites before it can reach the brain is by oxidation.  Oxidation is a chemical process in the body involving oxygen and the transfer of electrons.  One method to neutralize oxidative processes is to add back oxygen.  Also oxidation involves the loss of electrons.  Increasing compounds in the body that can replace the loss of electrons can decrease oxidative stress.  Antioxidants are an excellent example of supplements that can help replace the loss of electrons in oxidative processes.

Supplements that can increase oxygen levels in the bloodstream and tissues: All of the following supplements are described throughout the Parkinson’s section. 

1.      Ginseng with G-115

2.      Hydergine- a prescription drug

3.      Ginkgo Biloba

4.      Carnosine

5.      Creatine monohydrate

Antioxidants can help decrease oxidation processes.  Consider the primary antioxidants, which are found in almost every cell of the body.  They are vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, glutathione, and alpha lipoic acid.  Pycnogenol may not be a primary antioxidant, but it seems to help the other primary antioxidants work better and longer.  For more information on the primary antioxidants go to the anti-aging section of the web site and link to the article, Dr. Bob’s Antiaging Program.  Go to number 15 to read more about the primary antioxidants.  Remember that Parkinson’s is a disease of high stress.  This means high doses of supplements such as antioxidants may be necessary.  For this reason consider consulting a nutritional specialist or orthomolecular doctor for supplementation in Parkinson’s Disease.  There is a listing of orthomolecular doctors on this web site.  Orthomolecular doctors are MD doctors that specialize in supplementation of natural substances.

Another important point, increasing fatty acid levels in the bloodstream increase oxidative stress.  Thus controlling the level of blood fats can help decrease oxidative processes that can damage L-dopa.  Consult with a nutritional specialist on methods to decrease blood fats if they are too high in a Parkinson’s patient.  Modern medicine agrees that the most effective method to decrease fats in the bloodstream is using the supplement niacin, 3-6 grams in divided doses daily.  A smaller dose may not result in lowered blood fats.  Consult with a nutritional specialist before beginning any supplementation.  Good luck.

Note – The supplement N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is often used to help raise glutathione levels.  There may be low absorption of glutathione, thus NAC can help enhance glutathione levels.

Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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