Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a central nervous system disorder in which the region of the brain that controls movement deteriorates. This neural deterioration results in decreased dopamine levels, the brain chemical that controls coordinated movement.
Dopamine plays a major role in a variety of mental and physical functions, which includes the following:
- Voluntary movement
- Cognition
- Mood
- Memory
- General behavior
Below we’ll see how physical activities and healthy food can prevent Parkinson’s in the future;
Physical activity improves motor and non-motor activities.
According to studies – physical activities reduce the risk and chances of Parkinson’s disease (PD). A study of 143,325 participants from CPS-II-N found that vigorous activity was associate with PD in men and women. In contrast, a PD risk was reduced through moderate to vigorous activity.
Multiple physical activities can improve motor and non-motor. Dancing is such an activity that can help with PD. Dancing has the benefit of balance and mobility in PD patients. The rhythmic music used in dancing could activate neurons conducive to motor control, accompanied by increasing blood flow in the hippocampus, frontal, temporal, and parietal cortex.
Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, one of the best Neurosurgeon in India says that dancing helps in the promotion of neural plasticity which improves body movement, balance, and cognition.
Tai Chi and Qigong could upgrade the motor function and balance ability of patients with mild to moderate PD. Yoga provides modest improvements in motor functions, mobility, balance, flexibility, and strength in the upper and lower limbs.
Physical exercise can enhance mitochondrial function.
Mitochondria are the essential dynamic organelles responsible for the production of a large number of cellular energy molecules. Mitochondria undergo fission, fusion, and biogenesis and maintain tubular networks under normal conditions. The common hallmark of Parkinson Parkinson’s disease is impaired function of mitochondria.
Aerobic exercises enhance and repair mitochondrial function. Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines to improve all elements of fitness, says Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai.
Aerobic exercises that you can try include:
- Running
- Swimming
- Walking
- Kickboxing
- Jump rope
- Cycling
- Skiing
Reduces Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Accumulation of the α-syn protein in neurons leads to inflammation in the brain. The main function of α-synuclein would appear to be controlling neurotransmitter release.
Oxidative stress also increases the chances of a PD. Oxidative stress is a phenomenon cause by an imbalance between the production and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the ability of a biological system to detoxify these reactive products
Studies show that regular exercise like jogging or walking helps in reducing oxidative stress.. Studies have also shown that essential oils such as oregano and sage have proven to reduce damage caused by oxidative stress.
Eat fresh vegetables
Studies show that increased amounts of the B vitamin folic acid, found primarily in vegetables, can significantly reduce the risk of Parkinson’s. Folic acid is essential for proper brain function. Folic acid is also essential in the development of tissues and cells. Folic acid also helps produce DNA and RNA, your body’s genetic components.
Some of the foods rich in Folic acid include
- Spinach
- Beetroot
- Beef liver
- Root vegetable
- Dark leafy vegetables
- Salmon
- MilkAccording to research published by Lancet and PubMed central, a study regarding Parkinson-its’s risk factors and protective factors was studied from 2005 to 2018.
- Parkinson’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease all over the world. Most patients are of the elderly age (between 50 to 60 years old).
- In this article, Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai will talk about some preventive methods to prevent Parkinson’s disease from occurring in the future.
- Currently, there isn’t a known cure, and it’s not fully understood what causes the dip in dopamine. However, we know that aging is the single most important risk factor for PD, with inflammation and stress contributing to cell damage.
- What is Parkinson’s disease?
Eat omega – 3 foods
Omega – 3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are strongly implicated in preventing cell degeneration and death. A 2008 study in Canada proved the effectiveness of omega-3 fats in preventing Parkinson’s.
There are three omega- b3 fatty acids: EPA, DHA, and ALA.
EPA and DHA are found in fishes, while ALA is found in plant sources like nuts and seeds.
Dr. Gurneet Sawhney suggests that you aim to eat non-fried, oily fish high in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids at least two times a week. Try to include fishes like mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna, and anchovies.
Good food sources of ALA are:
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil
- Chia seeds
Because there is no known cure, we must prevent the disease before symptoms arise. Granted, thanks to recent advancements in modern surgical procedures, some safe surgeries can mitigate some of the more severe symptoms associated with PD. The most common one is deep brain stimulation, in which they implant an electrode into the brain that can stop some of the more severe symptoms of Parkinson’s.
The fewer drugs and surgery we can have in our lives, the better, says Dr. Gurneet Sawhney, one of the best neurosurgeons in Mumbai.
