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3 tips to help manage Parkinson’s disease

3 tips to help manage Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive nervous system disorder that affects over 10 million people worldwide. The first signs of the disease typically include unintended or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known yet, but low levels of dopamine in the brain may be responsible for its development. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes that can help manage Parkinson’s disease:

Explore treatment options
Doctors typically explore several treatment methods to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. These include:

Carbidopa-levodopa
This combination treatment is one of the most effective remedies for Parkinson’s disease. It can help combat common symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty in moving. While levodopa helps replace the missing dopamine, carbidopa helps prevent levodopa’s side effects—nausea and vomiting. Another function of carbidopa is to prevent levodopa from getting converted into dopamine too early, so more of it can enter the brain. This combination treatment is sold under the brand name Rytary®, among others. Rytary® is an extended-release treatment that reduces the amount of “off” time each day in people with Parkinson’s while improving the performance of motor functions. Some common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and insomnia.

Opicapone
Opicapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor and is used together with carbidopa and levodopa to lessen the total amount of “off” time in those with Parkinson’s disease. The COMT inhibitor prevents levodopa breakdown, allowing more of it to reach the brain and turn into dopamine. Opicapone is commonly sold under the name Ongentys®, which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of the disease. It’s usually taken orally once a day. Potential side effects include uncontrolled dizziness, hallucinations, constipation, and low blood pressure.

Foods to eat and avoid
Making changes in your meal plans can help minimize the severity of symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.

Foods to eat

Salmon
This fatty fish has high omega-3 fatty acid content, which can slow Parkinson’s symptoms by decreasing nerve inflammation, improving neurotransmission, and slowing neurodegeneration. Omega-3s have also been linked to improved brain function, better cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of dementia.

Fava beans
Fava beans contain levodopa, the same compound found in Parkinson’s treatments. Some people believe fava beans may help ease the disease’s symptoms. However, there’s no concrete scientific evidence that suggests that this food can reduce symptoms.

Blueberries
These tiny fruits are packed with antioxidants, which can reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress may contribute to the development of Parkinson’s, so loading up on blueberries and other antioxidant-rich foods like cherries, walnuts, and broccoli may help manage the disease.

Spinach
This leaf is packed with antioxidants and contains lots of essential nutrients, such as iron, potassium, folate, and vitamin A, C, and K. Spinach may help ease symptoms of Parkinson’s while improving overall health.

Foods to avoid

Beef
Beef is loaded with protein. While moderate amounts of protein may be fine, too much can interfere with certain Parkinson’s treatments. It’s best to speak to a doctor when it comes to protein intake, as some people may only need to change their timing of eating high-protein foods like beef.

Dairy
Dairy products have been associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s as well as faster disease progression. Researchers are unsure why dairy products have these effects. Avoid dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.

Canned foods
Canned foods, such as beans, diced tomatoes, and meat, typically contain lots of sodium or salt. Excess sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure, making Parkinson’s symptoms worse. Canned foods also come in the category of processed foods, which have been linked to a more rapid progression of the disease. In addition, these foods may lead to poor gut health, which can aggravate the symptoms.

Lifestyle changes to manage Parkinson’s disease
Lifestyle changes can vastly improve the quality of life with Parkinson’s. These changes must include:

Drinking plenty of water
It’s vital to maintain adequate hydration levels throughout the day. Water helps ease constipation, reduce weakness, and decrease the risk of dehydration, all of which commonly occur with some Parkinson’s treatments. In people with the disease, urinary frequency and urgency problems can make it difficult for them to drink enough water. However, they can set reminders or use any other technique that reminds them to drink enough water each day.

Sleeping longer and better
A good night’s sleep helps boost dopamine levels in the brain, reducing symptoms to some extent. One can also take a short nap during the day to recharge their body and mind if they’re feeling tired. However, the issue is that most people with Parkinson’s struggle to get good sleep. To improve sleep quality, practice good sleep habits, such as avoiding screens 2-3 hours before bedtime and ensuring the bedroom is cool and dark.

Exercising regularly
Regular physical activity is crucial for living well with Parkinson’s. Exercise helps improve movement, build strength, and alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression. Health experts recommend engaging in approximately 2.5 hours of physical activity each week. These activities can include brisk walking, swimming, running, biking, strength training, and stretching.

Minimizing stress
Excess psychological stress can exacerbate tremors, stiffness, and other Parkinson’s symptoms. A great way to manage stress is by practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, tai chi, or yoga. Tai chi and yoga can calm the mind while improving balance and flexibility.

Patients with Parkinson’s can manage treatment costs through various Medicare programs. While most insurance options do not provide coverage for Parkinson’s disease, patients can still find a handful of Medicare plans that cover the condition. These options will provide coverage for therapies, treatments, and even services that will help address the condition and treat its symptoms.

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The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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3 ways to manage osteoporosis and boost bone health

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle with age. Daily activities like bending or coughing can cause minor fractures in the wrist, hip, or spine. The symptoms appear as soon as bones become weak, followed by a noticeable stooped posture, back pain, or even loss of height over time. Here are some healthy meal tips, treatment options, and lifestyle changes that can help manage this condition. Treatment options  Prolia This treatment option is for postmenopausal women who experience physical problems due to weak bones, are at high risk of fracture, and cannot use other osteoporosis treatment methods. Prolia uses targeted therapy that blocks the bone-removing cells from causing any damage to the bone. However, be mindful of taking this treatment if you have low blood calcium, are pregnant, or planning to conceive in the near future. There are certain side effects of this treatment, so consult a health professional and get a detailed report on related steps. Evenity Evenity, a sclerostin inhibitor, helps prevent bone damage by targeting a protein that enables its repair. This treatment option is used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at a high risk of bone fracture. Like Prolia, this treatment option is not viable if one has low calcium levels in the blood. Also, if the patient has had a heart episode like a stroke or an attack in the last 12 months, Evenity cannot be used. Speak to the health professional about any side effects that may be high risk. Hormone therapy This works differently for men and women. Estrogen hormone is known to help with bone density and maintain its level; however, this therapy increases the risk of breast cancer and blood clots. If needed, estrogen therapy is used for younger women or for those whose menopausal symptoms also require treatment. If estrogen is not an option for some women, another product that mimics the benefits of estrogen in bone density is used for treatment in postmenopausal women. This may, however, lead to some side effects like hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots, but it may also reduce the risk of breast cancer as opposed to taking estrogen therapy. For men, it is understood that osteoporosis is linked to a decrease in the level of testosterone in men with age. Testosterone replacement therapy can be used. However, according to research, treatments, and products specific to osteoporosis are more effective than just replacement therapy. Both can be used under the advice of a health professional. Clinical trials This may not be an ideal option for everyone, but this can be helpful for those with a severe case of osteoporosis and failed treatments. This may be another way to manage the condition and its symptoms under supervision. Also, note that these trials may not always have a high success rate.  Foods to eat and avoid Calcium and vitamin D are especially important as the former helps in bone building and the latter helps in the calcium absorption process. Dairy products such as low-fat cheese, yogurt, and milk are excellent sources of these nutrients. Canned sardines and salmon with bones are also advised, along with mackerel and tuna that have substantial amounts of Vitamin D. In fruits and vegetables, collard greens, kale, okra, mustard greens, broccoli, turnip greens, dandelion greens are known to be loaded with calcium. If you want to try fortified foods, make sure you check if they have added these minerals and vitamins to the product. These can be found in breakfast cereals, soy or rice milk, some snacks, and even some brands of juices. Magnesium, potassium, vitamin C and K are also essential for bone health, and they can be found in vegetables like spinach, beet greens, tomatoes, plantains, potatoes, sweet potatoes, collard greens, and okra. Fruits like bananas, papaya, raisins, oranges, and prunes are also good sources that can be included in the meal plan. Avoid processed meats and foods as they may have high sodium content. Carbonated drinks with phosphorous content promote calcium loss in the body, affecting bone health. Hence, it is best avoided.  Lifestyle changes and remedies There aren’t many home remedies except the inclusion of proper nutrition and exercise in daily routine. Follow a daily exercise routine Weight training or high/low-intensity activities can help increase bone density over time. This may help in the prevention of the early onset of osteoporosis. Activities like running, walking, aerobics, dancing, climbing stairs, tennis, and weight-lifting are good options too. Following these activities thrice a week for about thirty to forty-five mins will decrease the risk of osteoporosis. Many people enjoy bicycle rides and elliptical machines for exercising, however, these activities only work on maintaining heart health. Find a good balance in your exercise regime with the help of a professional. If you still have issues with bone health, ensure you switch to low-intensity workouts. Make sure you do not stop exercising as it may have adverse effects, causing further complications.  Quit unhealthy lifestyle choices Quitting unhealthy lifestyle choices will also come a long way in ensuring your health is not compromised as you get older. Make sure that you eat the right food and lead an active life to boost bone health. If you are unsure about any of the listed tips, consult a nutritionist and a healthcare expert for a holistic approach to treating osteoarthritis. 

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