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Hi, I am a new dietitian in Ontario. I have a client with PD. She wants to know what she can take to decrease the amount of mucus she produces. Any suggestion for us? Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Dear Friend, Mucus is a problem that is not at all uncommon among folks with PD. Here are a couple of suggestions; one or the other has worked for most people: 1) Alkalol: Medications, breathing through the mouth, sleeping with the mouth open, using medications that cause dry mouth, and other conditions can sometimes lead to a buildup of sticky mucous that's difficult to swallow. If so, ask your dentist whether it might be helpful to try swishing the mouth, or gargling, with a mouthwash called Alkalol. Alkalol is a mucous solvent; ingredients include thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, camphor, benzoin, potassium alum, potassium chlorate, sodium, bicarbonate, sodium chloride, and oils of sweet birch, spearmint, pine, and cinnamon, plus 2/100 of 1% alcohol. It is commonly used as a mouthwash, nasal spray, and gargle, to cut mucous. People with sleep apnea, singers with throat irritation, and others use Alkalol, but it's fine as a daily mouthwash also. Alkalol is available at most U.S. drugstores; if your dentist agrees it might be useful, ask the pharmacist to point it out. If they don't carry it, the pharmacist can order it: The Alkalol Company Taunton, Massachusetts 02780-0952 or, online by the case (I have no personal experience with the following company, and do not endorse it, nor receive payment from it): Case of 12: $33.58 http://www.medichest.com/alkalolliquidcaseof1.html For an article that describes various ways of irrigating, as well as use of Alkalol and other solutions, please see: http://www.allergybuyersclub.com/faqs/faq-sinusitis.shtml Best regards, Kathrynne --- A Listfriend comments: Sips of pineapple juice (not pineapple drink or juice with sugar, just plain juice or papaya (the fruit) will help relieve the throat of mucous and excess saliva. Another Listfriend's comment: I have used Alkolol for about six weeks now and find it very helpful. I bought a salt water nasal spray bottle and emptied it and filled it with straight Alkolol for sinuses. I only use it a couple times a week as needed. For gargling I find it takes a tiny swig out of the bottle. Just a little bit cuts through all the dry mouth and throat build up. Its great and inexpensive. 2) The combination of fenugreek and thyme has helped a number of people who have problems with drooling or excess mucus. It can be obtained in capsule form at many health food stores. _________________ Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn