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Thanks Ray. Interesting. Moneesha 2009/10/25 rayilynlee <[log in to unmask]> > I thought the gum treatment would be easy and harmless to try out so I did. > I could actually speak better after chewing - why is that? but too soon to > tell. > > I get my groceries on line so I Iooked into ingredients of gums most all of > which had warnings re "phenylalanine". In looking it up I found this. > don't know who wrote it but thought it interesting that phenylalanine it is > claimed to be chemically similar to dopamine. > > (I think in my post-cancer pre-PD life panic attacks I suffered from excess > adrenaline or I depleted it) > > Maybe someone on he List can shed some light on this: > > Ray > > "Phenylalanine is an amino acid found naturally in breast milk of mammals > (including humans) and in meats, cheeses and nuts. It is chemically similar > to adrenaline and dopamine and as such has been marketed as a supplement to > combat depression and pain. > > One source of phenylalanine is the artificial sweetener 'aspartame' which > is most likely the source quoted on the back of your chewing gum. Despite > some controversy, aspartame has been found safe for human consumption by > over 90 countries worldwide. > > However, there is a genetic condition called 'phenylketonuria' (literally: > phenylketones in the urine) that prevents the body from breaking down > phenylalanine and can lead to mental retardation. However, heel prick tests > at birth can detect the condition early enough to implement a suitable diet > regime facilitating normal brain development. > > There is no 'cure' but a number of therapies including gene therapy show > promise. > > If you had this condition you'd know by now or it would be truly remarkable > you were able to write this question given the level of cognitive impairment > you'd have suffered. In short, chew as much as you like. > > You might consider looking for a gum that uses xylitol as the artificial > sweetener though, as it tricks the acid-producing bacteria in the mouth into > thinking it is sugar - they try to eat it, starve to death and consequently > your oral health is improved. > a.. 6 months ago " > 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 > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn