Antioxidants And Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic disease of the nervous system. Antioxidants might help treat and prevent PD by destroying harmful substances that contribute to the disease. More research is needed regarding the relationship between antioxidants and PD, but individuals with PD might benefit from eating an antioxidant-rich diet or taking antioxidant supplements.

Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a progressive, chronic disorder of the central nervous system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), PD occurs when nerve cells in the brain break down and do not produce enough dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement. Symptoms of PD include tremors, loss of balance, stiffness and rigidity, slow movement, memory loss, dementia, breathing and speech problems and a stooped posture. The cause of Parkinson's is unknown, and there is currently no cure for the disease.

Antioxidants and Free Radicals

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) says antioxidants are substances that prevent chronic diseases caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells. They get produced when the body breaks down food or is exposed to toxins such as smoke or radiation. The NCCAM says free radicals are thought to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's, cancer, eye disease, heart disease, arthritis and Parkinson's.

Food

The NCCAM says antioxidants are in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, nuts, teas and legumes. Specific antioxidants that are found in foods include anthocyanins, beta-carotene, catechins, coenzyme Q10, flavonoids, lipoic acid, lutein, lycopene, selenium and vitamins C and E.

Vitamins C and E

Antioxidants that are of particular interest for PD include vitamins C and E, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation (NPF). The UMMC says more research is needed regarding vitamins C and E and PD; however, studies have found that high doses of vitamin C (1,000 mg three times a day) and vitamin E (800 I.U. four times a day) delayed the need for prescription PD medications.

The NPF says foods naturally high in vitamin E include whole grains, wheat germ, avocados, nuts and vegetable oils. Vitamin C is in all fruits and vegetables but is highest in citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, bell peppers and green leafy vegetables.

Glutathione

Glutathione is strong antioxidant found in the brain. The body produces glutathione, but according to the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation (NPF), glutathione decreases with age, and PD and is one of the earliest, measurable changes of the disease. Scientist are currently looking at whether replacing glutathione in the body might help prevent or treat PD. The NPF says over-the-counter oral glutathione supplements can be purchased, but they might not be readily used by the body. A more effective way to supplement glutathione might be through IV injections. The downside to IV injections is that they require a prescription and can be timely and costly.

Considerations

The most natural way to get antioxidants is by eating a healthy, plant-based diet, but the NCCAM says antioxidant supplements are generally considered safe. Individuals at risk for PD or with PD should not replace traditional treatments and prescription medications with antioxidant supplements. Antioxidants are still being researched and have not been confirmed as a standard treatment for the disease. Consult a physician before taking any supplements with PD because supplements are not federally regulated and might have unknown side effects.