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Beneficial and harmful foods for Parkinson’s disease patients

Beneficial and harmful foods for Parkinson’s disease patients

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that occurs due to damaged nerve cells, which causes an imbalance in the dopamine levels in the brain. Nearly 1 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a condition closely related to the dopamine levels. So, apart from being aware of the symptoms and the treatment options for the disease, it is imperative for patients to make the right dietary choices to get relief from the symptoms.

Foods to eat with Parkinson’s disease
Here are some foods that should be eaten to keep the symptoms at bay:

  • Foods rich in antioxidants
    Eating foods rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which is defined as the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses. When a person has Parkinson’s disease, the reduced dopamine levels can result in tissue damage, but foods rich in antioxidants can help alleviate this. Some antioxidant-rich foods that should be included in the diet are tree nuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, pecans, blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, cranberries, spinach, and kale.
  • Omega-3-rich foods
    Foods like salmon, oysters, halibut, soybeans, kidney beans, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve cognitive function. Regularly consuming these can help relieve symptoms like confusion and dementia, which are commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Calcium-rich foods
    Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and fragile, and it is also one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Increased severity of the neurological disorder is also linked to osteoporosis, so experts suggest vitamin D and calcium intake to help build stronger bones. Some foods that are great sources of calcium are sardines, canned salmon, beans and lentils, almonds, broccoli, and leafy greens like spinach and kale.
  • Co-enzyme Q10
    The enzyme is naturally present in small amounts in a wide range of foods like oily fish, soya oil, offal, and beef and can help relieve the symptoms of this neurological disease.

Foods to avoid with Parkinson’s disease
It is also important to know which foods to stay away from to avoid worsening the disorder. The following is a list of foods that one should keep off their plates if suffering from Parkinson’s disease:

  • Dairy
    Studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease patients who consume dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk face a higher risk of worsening the symptoms. Medical researchers suggest that consuming dairy could reduce uric acid levels, which increases the risk of Parkinson’s.
  • Iron
    It can bind with Parkinson’s disease medications, reducing the amount of medication absorbed by the system.
  • Vitamin B6
    The nutrient can interact with Parkinson’s disease medications and reduce their effects. However, health experts suggest that this might not be possible if an individual is taking a combination of medications to fight the disease.

The symptoms can vary from one person to another, so the type of diet and treatment approach also differ accordingly. It is imperative to discuss which foods should be included in or left out of the diet to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Apart from making nutritional adjustments, some medications, like those mentioned below, can be helpful in treating Parkinson’s.

Ongentys (Opicapone)
Ongentys is often used by doctors along with a common dopamine replacement agent such as levodopa and carbidopa. Opicapone, an ingredient in Ongentys, inhibits the activity of COMT. This, in turn, enhances the effect of levodopa, which is commonly used as a primary line of treatment for Parkinson’s patients. The available dosage of Ongentys for Parkinson’s treatment is between 25 to 50 mg daily. The patient is supposed to take the medication orally to stop the breaking down of levodopa and carbidopa.

RYTARY®
RYTARY is an extended-release capsule that can be taken orally to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. A single capsule contains both carbidopa and levodopa that help manage symptoms like poor muscle control, muscle spasms, stiffness, and tremors. The capsule contains both immediate release and extended time release beads that deliver a steady dose of the medication throughout the day. RYTARY helps lower the risk and frequency of “off” time one might experience during the day.

FYCOMPA
Parkinson’s disease can also cause seizure attacks, which can be treated with medications. FYCOMPA (perampanel) is one such medication that can be used to treat seizures due to Parkinson’s disease. It is an anticonvulsant that comes in the form of tablets as well as off-white opaque liquid. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor. FYCOMPA for Parkinson’s can be bought at discounted prices using Rx coupons available on various websites.

In addition to these options, a crucial step in disease management is securing the patient and their family’s financial future by buying the best life insurance for seniors. Such policies offer additional benefits and unique coverage and prices based on seniors’ needs. One can check out USAA Life Insurance Company and its policies, with premiums starting at just $12 a month.

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Addictions when left untreated can turn into crippling conditions. One can be addicted to smoking, binge drinking, or even shopping. Once addicted, one willfully submits to urges, despite having satisfied them before. However, addictions can be managed and to a great extent treated to full recovery. But, the post-recovery phase is crucial where both the mind and body are put to test and can trigger a relapse. Continue reading to know more about the most common triggers for addictions and how to deal with them.Stress Stress is commonly the root cause of many problems and addictions, both physical and psychological. One can become an addict as a way to manage the stress that may stem from strained relationships or priorities. The best way to avoid a relapse during recovery is to make lifestyle changes that don’t trigger a return to addictions amidst a stressful situation. One can practice mindfulness, engage in relaxation techniques, manage one’s time to avoid stressful situations, and imbibe healthy eating habits and exercise in their daily routine. EmotionsThere is an umpteen number of triggers that invoke a positive or negative emotional response. However, the stress associated with dealing with emotions daily can trigger urges without one even realizing. Often, one turns to a glass of alcohol or relies on prescription medications to put the mind at ease. It is not a permanent solution and prolonged use of these substances can cause more harm in the long run. One must learn and explore productive ways of controlling emotions better to avoid a relapse during recovery. For example, writing and maintaining a journal that contains one’s feelings and thoughts can act as a healthy outlet. Similarly, there are other healthy ways to channel one’s energy and manage emotional responses.Positive conditioningPeople who have addictions such as smoking or drinking may often find themselves in situations where a lit cigarette or a glass of wine can trigger a relapse. This is understandable considering these substances were the primary source of comfort and relaxation. However, with positive reinforcement and reconditioning one can train the mind and curb such urges. Relaxation doesn’t always mean techniques like yoga or meditation, it can also be pursuing your hobby. Counseling for group gatheringsBirthdays, parties, New Year’s events, and any celebration in general call for alcohol consumption and smoking. At times, these could be the very addictions one is recovering from, and in a social gathering, such temptations can be strong. However, a recovering addict should refrain from indulging in any of these as even a taste can turn into a relapse. For instance, a recovering alcoholic must avoid having a single drink as that could put him/her on a slippery slope to relapse. Here, one-on-one counseling can help prepare the mind to resist the urge. It is never healthy for a recovering addict to simply avoid socializing fearing a relapse.

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5 common types of sleep disorders and their treatment

Adequate and quality sleep is extremely important for mental and physical well-being. People struggle with various kinds of sleep disorders that can cause extreme discomfort and prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. This, in turn, can make them feel tired during the day, affect their concentration levels, and even cause depression. Let’s take a look at some of the common sleep disorders people suffer from and understand how they can be treated.Types of sleep disordersHere are the five most common types of sleep disorders:InsomniaInsomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder among adults and is characterized by the inability to fall or remain asleep for long. It is often the result of anxiety, stress, digestion issues, or other underlying health conditions. For some people, insomnia can last for a few years, while others may only experience a few sleepless nights at a time.Sleep apneaSleep apnea is a serious medical condition that can be chronic at times. A person with sleep apnea may stop breathing for a few seconds multiple times at night, which reduces the oxygen levels in their blood and triggers them to wake up and breathe normally again. This leads to disturbed and low-quality sleep.ParasomniasPeople with parasomnia display a quirky behavior while they’re asleep. People around them could often find them sleepwalking, sleep talking, groaning, having nightmares, bedwetting, grinding their teeth, or clenching their jaw. Sometimes, parasomnia is caused by underlying sleep disorders like sleep apnea, and treating the underlying condition can stop the parasomnia episodes in such cases.Restless leg syndromeSome people can’t sleep without moving their legs throughout the night. This is known as the restless leg syndrome and occurs when the individual experiences aches or a burning or tingling sensation in their legs. The exact cause of this sleep disorder is not yet known, but experts say that it can be triggered by underlying causes like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease.NarcolepsyPeople with narcolepsy suddenly feel extremely tired during the daytime, which can make them fall asleep without warning in the middle of another activity. Narcolepsy can result in sleep paralysis, meaning an individual cannot easily make bodily movements right after waking up. Experts say that it can be the result of neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis.Treating sleep disordersThe treatment varies based on the type of disorder an individual is diagnosed with. The doctor will most likely put them on medications and recommend lifestyle changes to improve their sleep quality and patterns. Here’s how sleep disorders can be treated:Lifestyle modificationLifestyle changes can be more effective than medicines for the treatment of sleep disorders, and they don’t have any side effects either:Create and stick to a sleep scheduleAvoid taking naps during the dayRefrain from caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol consumption in the eveningDrink less water before going to bedAvoid having a heavy meal late in the dayInclude more vegetable and fish in the dietWork out to reduce stress and anxietyMedical treatmentsMedical treatment for sleep disorders generally involves one or more of the following, depending on the type sleep disorder:Sleeping pillsMedicines for allergies or coldMedications for any underlying health issuesBreathing device or surgery, usually for sleep apneaMelatonin supplements

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