5 Ways to Boost Your Wellness When You Have Parkinson’s Disease

There’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD), but there are many ways to feel better despite its debilitating symptoms.

Our board-certified neurologists at Advanced Medical Care in Queens and Brooklyn, New York, help patients reclaim their lives from PD’s grip. We’ve compiled these practical tips that can make a real difference in your day-to-day life and up your wellness quotient while living with PD. 

1. Get glutathione

Oxidative stress and Parkinson’s disease often go hand in hand. It occurs when you have an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, which damages your cells. So, if you have Parkinson’s, managing oxidative stress can help you slow its progression.

Glutathione is one of the most powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress. Unfortunately, glutathione levels are often lower in people with PD.

You can increase your glutathione levels by eating foods rich in sulfur, like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli and Brussels sprouts). 

You can also get more glutathione at Advanced Medical Care. Our intravenous (IV) drip delivers the antioxidant straight into your bloodstream to boost your body’s natural defense system and protect your cells from oxidative damage.

2. Prioritize your nutrition 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another antioxidant that could help with PD. It generates energy in your cells and has been shown in some studies to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.

Fat-rich fish (like salmon and mackerel), organ meats, and whole grains are among foods high in CoQ10. However, because of their low bioavailability, oral CoQ10 supplements have a limited effect. 

Other essential nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, and vitamins B6, B12, and folate, which support brain health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can go a long way in managing your symptoms and boosting your energy levels.

3. Keep your body moving 

PD affects the area of your brain that controls movement, so you may experience tremors, jerking motions, or rigid muscles. It’s hard to exercise with those symptoms, but exercise is one of the best things you can do for PD.

You don’t have to become a bodybuilder or run marathons, but yoga and tai chi can do a lot of good because they focus on flexibility, balance, and strength, all of which address your PD symptoms.

Specifically, yoga increases flexibility and reduces muscle stiffness. It also aids in relaxation and stress reduction. 

Tai chi, known for its slow and deliberate movements, enhances balance and prevents falls. 

Bonus: Exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood.

4. Log in quality sleep

Sleep problems are common with Parkinson’s disease, so you probably feel fatigued throughout the day. Improving your sleep hygiene can make a difference. To start, establish a consistent sleep schedule that includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Do what works for you: read, listen to calming music, or take a warm bath. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime, as they can interfere with your sleep.

Our specialists can identify any deficiencies that may be hindering your sleep quality and develop a customized IV therapy just for you. Your personal formula closes any nutritional gaps and enables you to sleep better at night, which gives you more energy during the day.

We also offer expert sleep medicine services to help you identify the culprit behind your restless nights and help you solve them.

5. Consider the healing power of massage therapy

Massage therapy, part of our comprehensive physical therapy services, reduces muscle stiffness, alleviates pain, and improves circulation — antidotes to PD’s complications. Regular massage sessions can also reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, so you feel better, less stressed, and happier.

At Advanced Medical Care, we take a holistic approach to Parkinson’s disease that includes diet, exercise, sleep, and alternative therapies. 

For more personalized guidance, call Advanced Medical Care or book online. Together, we can increase your wellness despite Parkinson’s disease.