Parkinson’s patients should consider limiting red meat and chicken, in their diets.  Red meat stimulates the sympathetic system of the autonomic nervous system, it inhibits important compounds that synthesize dopamine, it can lower histidine levels, and it requires large amounts of enzymes to digest, which can inhibit an already weakened parasympathetic system.     

The autonomic nervous system is the aspect of the nervous system that regulates the functions you do not need to control.  For example, your heartbeat, your digestion, your thyroid hormones, and so on.  The autonomic nervous system is broken down into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.  The sympathetic system controls the functions that react to stress, such as blood pressure, heartbeat, increased blood flowing away from the skin and to the muscles and brain, and so on.  The parasympathetic system controls the functions and organs associated with the digestion, such as the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, and so on.  The two systems work together, but antagonistically to each other.  For instance, in an emergency the sympathetic system will be stimulated in response to the situation, while the parasympathetic system will be inhibited, with blood flow from the organs of digestion diverted to muscles and the brain.    

The adrenals are part of the sympathetic system.  The adrenals respond to stress.  In Parkinson’s Disease the motor symptoms are stressful to the body and highly stimulating to the sympathetic system.  The involuntary muscle control day and night of a Parkinson’s patient demonstrate the over stimulation of the sympathetic system and the adrenals.  As discussed, the sympathetic and parasympathetic system work together, although antagonistically.  Thus, the overstimulated sympathetic system will by its nature inhibit the parasympathetic system.    

Red meat stimulates the sympathetic system, which increases stress from the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system.  Red meat and chicken help to produce acid pH.  Acid pH stimulates the sympathetic system.  Alkaline foods such as leafy green vegetables and fruits, especially citrus fruits, can help to balance acid pH and help inhibit the sympathetic system.    

Science believes the primary cause of Parkinson’s is lower levels of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine.  Dopamine is synthesized from the amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine.  The amino acid methionine competes with both, inhibiting them.  They all require the same transport molecules, which they compete to gain access.   A primary source of methionine is meat.  Other sources of methionine are beans, eggs, fish, garlic, lentils, onions, soybeans, seeds, and yogurt.  Thus eating meat and other foods that contain methionine, can result in lower dopamine levels.    

“Methionine can lower histidine levels (James F. Balch, M.D., Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2^nd edition, Avery Publishing Group, 1997, Page39).”  Histidine is the only amino acid in the body that can buffer at normal pH of about 7 (Ref. Pamela C. Champe, Richard A. Harvey, Biochemistry, 2^nd Edition, Lippincott-Raven Publishers, 1994, Page 12).  An overly stimulated sympathetic system is acid and histidine or its metabolites (compounds made from histidine) can buffer this acid pH.  A buffer is a solution that resists change in pH following the addition of acid or base.  This can help to inhibit the sympathetic system.  Also compounds from histidine, such as carnosine, can be a buffer for muscle tissue.  The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s can increase protons rapidly, which results in acid pH.  Carnosine can act as a buffer for muscle tissue, which can help muscle tissue stay stronger for longer periods of time.  This can help to relax muscles, which can decrease motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Methionine can decrease levels of histidine, which can reduce levels of carnosine and its ability to result in buffering muscles.    

Meat is difficult on digestion.  Meat requires more enzymes to help with digestion then many easier digested foods.  Someone with Parkinson’s will likely have a weak digestive system, due to the imbalance of the overstimulated sympathetic system to the inhibited parasympathetic system.  It is likely that a Parkinson’s patient will have lower digestive enzyme levels than normal.  Eating meat can deplete enzyme levels further.  This can increase the stress from Parkinson’s.    

Thus, eating meat and other foods that stimulate the sympathetic system can increase the stress in Parkinson’s.  One method to decrease stress in Parkinson’s is to find appropriate strategies for its symptoms.  Decreasing stimulation to the sympathetic system and increasing balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems are two methods to neutralize some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s.  You can consider reducing levels of methionine as one strategy to neutralize the effects of Parkinson’s. 

Note- A digestive enzyme protocol can be considered when the parasympathetic system is weak.  Heartburn, constipation, bloating, gas, and other digestive symptoms indicate the parasympathetic system may be weak and needs to be improved.  A digestive enzyme protocol, with bicarb to help produce an alkaline environment for the enzymes (digestive enzymes need alkaline pH to digest food properly), can possibly strengthen digestion.  We will offer the digestive enzyme protocol of Dr. Bob.  Also, in the Dr. Bob’s Orthomolecular Methods section of this web site, there is an orthomolecular method to stop constipation.  You can consider these methods to help strengthen the parasympathetic system when it needs strengthening. 

Dr. Bob was a MD internal medicine, orthomolecular doctor, MD psychiatrist, chiropractor, and healer 65 years.  He was a diabetic who lived to 108 years with only 1 side effect 2 years before he passed away.  Dr. Bob practiced a system of medicine called orthomolecular medicine.  It is a system of medicine that uses mainly natural substances that are non-toxic and safe in wide range of doses.  It uses mainly herbs and minerals/vitamins. 

 Dr. Bob’s orthomolecular method to help improve digestion: 

1.      30 minutes before meal - 1-3 tablets of pancreatic compounds.  Some pancreatic enzyme tablets Dr. Bob advised are papaya, bromelain, and pepsin.  The reason for starting the pancreatic enzymes 30 minutes before eating is to help the pancreas not overreact to food. 

2.      At end of meal (the last bite) - 1/4 tablespoon of supplement OKG and 2-3 pancreatic capsules.  Read the article, "Supplements for Exercise and Diabetics," on this web site to learn the beneficial effects of OKG supplementation for some diabetics.  In addition, Dr. Bob advised 1 tablet of calcium pyruvate at the end of meals. Dr. Bob advised calcium pyruvate because it helps burn fat, which aids in blood fat metabolism.  Calcium pyruvate is recommended only A.M. and P.M. 

3.      45 minutes after your first bite of food - after you take your first bite of food the following should occur close to 45 minutes afterwards.  Dr. Bob advised 1-4 pancreatic tablets and 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water.  The baking soda helps produce an alkaline environment for digesting food.  A slightly alkaline environment optimizes digestion.  The digestion needs to be alkaline about 45 minutes after you begin eating.  

4.      During mealtime - Dr. Bob advised adding 5 grams of "multi" fiber at every meal.  

Ideas to help improve digestion and metabolism: processing and handling of nutrients. 

1.       Consider eating raw foods as often as possible, they contain enzymes

2.       Consider eating less cooked foods, they often lose their enzymes through the cooking process.

3.       Consider eating organic foods whenever possible.  Foods with pesticides add to the total load of toxins in the body. 

4.       Consider drinking pure water, called distilled water.  Spring water, mineral water, and all other water that are not pure adds to the total load of toxins.

5.       Consider eating 5 or more smaller meals each day.  Smaller meals are easier to digest and require fewer digestive enzymes.

6.       Consider supplementing 25-100 mg vitamin B6, in divided doses, each day.  Vitamin B6 is necessary for the digestion of protein.  Vitamin B6 is necessary to help digest protein and properly utilize it.  Consult with a nutritional specialist when supplementing vitamin B6 in Parkinson’s.

7.       Consider supplementing ion-exchange whey protein concentrate.  It is a pre-digested protein supplement that contains 98% high quality protein.  This means it contains almost all the essential amino acids you need each day to build tissue and help fight against wasting.  It is easy on digestion, it is pre-digested!

8.       Test your Basal Metabolic Rate, called the BMR, at a doctor’s office.  The BMR measures metabolism.   This simple test can let you know if your metabolic rate is declining.  If it is declining, you need to consider methods that increase the respiratory processes of cells.  Increasing respiratory processes will normalize the BMR measurement.  Read the articles in the Parkinson’s section and the article “Brain Degeneration” on this web site to understand methods to improve respiratory processes.  You need to optimize your metabolism to help process the food you eat. 

A.     Consider supplementing soy protein powder to increase BMR.  The thyroid hormones are vital in helping to regulate metabolism.  Dr. Ronald Klatz, president of the anti-aging doctors, the fastest growing group of doctors in the United States, wrote the book, ­­­Growing Young with HGH.  He describes soy protein; “It naturally boosts the levels of thyroid hormone.”  He also says it contains genisten, “a powerful antioxidant and a protease inhibitor that provide a double whammy against cancer (page 244).”  Supplement the soy and whey at separate times, since they compete against each other.  

9.       Consider the supplement TMG.  TMG helps restore the chemical process called methylation.  Improper or inadequate methylation results in improper metabolism of protein.  Supplementing TMG may result in proper metabolism of some proteins. 

In conclusion, improving digestion and metabolism is a strategy that can decrease stress in Parkinson’s.  Decreasing stress is an effective method to battle disease.  Good luck.   

Note – In order for these nutritional 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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The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluate any of the statements contained on this web site.  The information contained in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  Remember each person’s body is different and will react differently to various herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements.  Therefore, any supplementation must be administered on an individual basis.  Use the information found on this web site as precisely that: Information.  You and your doctor must make any final decisions.  This information is not meant to replace any doctor and patient consultation.  This information should in no way replace your personal physician’s advice. 

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