FASTING CURE FOR PARKINSON´S DISEASE
A PROMISING APPROACH FOR AN ACTIVE LIFE
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects older people. It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system in which the dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually die off. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the coordination of movement and other cognitive functions. The lack of dopamine leads to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
There are different types of Parkinson's disease based on different causes. The most common are:
- Idiopathic Parkinson's syndrome (IPS): This form of Parkinson's is the most common and occurs without a known cause. It is the typical form of the disease in which the symptoms progress slowly and gradually become more severe.
- Genetic forms of Parkinson's: In rare cases, Parkinson's can be caused by genetic mutations that pass the disease on in families. These forms are known as familial Parkinson's disease.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary from person to person, but can worsen over time. The most common symptoms include:
- Postural instability (balance problems): Parkinson's can affect balance and lead to unstable postural reactions. This increases the risk of falling, especially when changing body position or on uneven terrain.
- Mask face: Another typical characteristic is the mask face, in which the facial muscles are slowed down and the affected person has an expressionless or mask-like facial expression.
- Muscle stiffness (rigor): The muscles of Parkinson's patients may feel stiff and not relax properly. This stiffness can cause discomfort and restrict freedom of movement.
- Trembling (tremor): A characteristic feature of Parkinson's is a rest-induced tremor, usually in the hands, arms, legs or jaw muscles. The tremor occurs when the affected person is relaxed and often disappears during conscious movements.
- Bradykinesia (slowed movements): Parkinson's patients suffer from a slowing of their movements. Everyday activities such as walking, getting up from a chair or writing can feel difficult.
- Micro handwriting (changes in handwriting): The handwriting of Parkinson's patients can become small and illegible, also known as micro handwriting.
Parkinson's can also cause a variety of non-motor symptoms such as depression, sleep disorders, constipation (sometimes an initial symptom of the disease), memory problems and mood swings.
HOLISTIC FASTING CURE
POTENTIAL SUPPORT FOR PARKINSON'S PATIENTS
Therapeutic fasting is a medically supervised approach that involves abstaining from solid food for a limited period of time. Instead, juices, broths and water are consumed to relieve and detoxify the body. In the context of Parkinson's, therapeutic fasting is seen as a complementary therapy to improve the quality of life of those affected and alleviate symptoms. Benefits of therapeutic fasting for Parkinson's:
Weight regulation:
Therapeutic fasting can help maintain a healthy body weight, which is important for Parkinson's patients to improve balance and mobility.
Anti-inflammatory effects:
Fasting reduces inflammatory processes in the body that could play a role in Parkinson's disease. A lower inflammatory load can help to alleviate symptoms.
Improvement of intestinal health:
There is a strong connection between the gut and the brain (gut-brain axis). Fasting can have a positive effect on the gut microbiome and promote gut health, which may have a positive effect on Parkinson's disease. Accompanying digestive problems can also improve.
Neuroplasticity and neuroprotection:
Therapeutic fasting has the potential to promote neuroplasticity. This is the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. Fasting can also have neuroprotective effects that protect nerve cells from damage.
Improvement of cell cleansing (autophagy):
Fasting promotes autophagy, a natural process in which the body breaks down and recycles damaged cells and proteins. This could help to reduce the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain that play a role in Parkinson's disease.
Therapeutic fasting is a useful complementary therapy option for people with Parkinson's disease. Symptoms can improve, even if the disease itself cannot be cured. Before starting therapeutic fasting, Parkinson's patients should always consult their doctor as to whether therapeutic fasting is suitable for them and take individual needs into account.
Malteser Klinik von Weckbecker
Rupprechtstr. 20
97769 Bad Brückenau
Tel. (09741) 83-0
Fax ( 09741) 83-800
weckbecker@malteser.org
