 |
 |
NIGEL COCKLE wrote: > > I have had PD for around 12 years and have reached the point where I am > very dependent on l-dopa. It is only in the last year or so that milk has caused a severe problem,> At best, it seems to take about 40 minutes before a dose of sinemet becomes effective - I assume that this is the time taken for the drug to pass the > various barriers between gut and brain. However, cows milk can bring on an 'off' period more quickly than this leading me to think that something in the milk has a more direct action on the brain. Strangely, cheese made with sheep's milk does > not produce the same reaction. Perhaps I should experiment with goats milk! Nigel, I assume you are aware that you own levels of dopamine may be diminishing, causing you to rely more and more on sinemet. And that the protein in the dairy foods requires the same "carrier" from the blood to the brain that sinemet does. This means that the protein competes with the sinemet for carriers to get to the brain. If too much protein binds up the carriers, the L-dopa gets shut out, causing the "off" phase. Some of my clients are unaware that they can control this somewhat by distributing their protein intake throughout the day. Have you tried taking sinemet 45-60 minutes before eating? This gives it a chance to make it to the brain before the competing protein arrives. I've also found that not everyone is aware of the "7 to 1" plan. It involves a ratio of 7 parts carbohydrate to 1 part protein, and distributes the protein throughout the day. Though these measures don't necessarily work for everyone, they could be worth a try. Especially since you have narrowed it down to milk. It would be fairly simple to redistribute your milk intake. A registered dietitian can help you plan meals and snacks that prevent nutrient deficiencies; and can help you experiment to find a ratio that's right for you: 7:1, 5:1, 9:1, whatever. I hope this helps. Best regards, -- Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Editor-in-Chief, "Spotlight on Food--nutrition news for people 60-plus" Tel: 970-493-6532 Fax: 970-493-6538 http://www.fortnet.org/~fivstar Contact Better Business Bureau of the Mountain States, < [log in to unmask]>