 |
 |
Janet I have read with interest your ideas on allergies relating to Parkinsons symptoms. With interest because I share in part your views and interpretation. Firstly my history and observations. My symptoms became obvious about 10 years ago and diagnosis about 8 years ago. This has been followed by fairly typical use of sinemet and parlodal which generally allow me to maintain a functional lifestyle (working, driving etc). A month ago I began to investigate research literature relating to symptoms and related issues. Two weeks ago I subscribed to the pd listserver mostly out of curiosity and notice that on my own I seem to be better in control than most sufferers. For a none related reason I began to investigate allergies. For the past 3 or 4 years I have suffered at times from significant eczema on my body (mostly back and arms). Early 1996 I read by chance a book on ADD in children and related issues which indicated that histamines and high potassium levels could contribute to skin problems by producing high levels of kinines. So I gave up bananas and my skin cleared up completely in a few days. That one incident has convinced me that what we ingest via food, drink, washing, clothes, air and general environmental conditions has a direct effect on our health. Next I gave up dairy foods completely and I was able to go back to bananas in moderation without skin problems. I had also suffered with a runny nose whenever I ate food. This problem stopped when I gave up dairy foods and I seem to remember in retrospect someone mentioning that cheese could cause a runny nose. About this time (mid 1996) I noticed that my Parkinson symptoms were not as severe when I was on vacation. Someone even commented on my improved appearance after I had stayed out of the city at a beach shack for 4 days. At the end of 1996 a naturopath mentioned that liver stress is a general cause of allergic reactions. So I began and continue with a liver friendly diet. This involves minimising simple carbohydrates (sugars), stimulants (caffiene) and animal products (meat and dairy products). The emphasis is on whole grain products and lightly cooked vegetables (stir fried). Two immediate observations with this change of diet. Occasional breathing difficulties disappeared. I had been bothered with the aroma of onions on my skin when I included them in my diet. This completely cleared up. The next problem to investigate was why some days were good while some were diabolical. On a few occasions when I had reason to be awake all night (parties), aside from being rather tired, I would have NO Parkinson symptoms the next day. I have for some years noticed an unexplained tiredness and other symptoms which I realise now align with chronic fatigue syndrome. A sleep study in June 1996 revealed nothing unusual. Of course I see now that it was conducted under clinical conditions while sleeping in an upright position. Using an oximeter at home in recent months I have recorded sleep apnea conditions when the staturated oxygen level in the blood has dropped to around 85% from the usual range of 95% to 100%. Not significant but indicative. Of interest here is that I began to snore about 12 years before PD diagnosis and occurences of sleep apnea about 3 years before dx. This agrees with a study in which 38% of subjects with a diagnosed sleep disorder went on to develop Parkinsons symptoms 4 years later. I will send a copy of the abstract when I find where I put it. As you are well aware there are many variables and everyone is different. However Janet, I believe you are moving in the right direction on allergies. For example I know I am exposed on a daily basis to many allergens such as mould, pollen, cat fur, dust mites and pollution. There are many insidious agents which most people may not consider. These include chlorine in wash water, detergent residue on clothes and eating utensils, electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone towers and high voltage transmission lines and chemicals in building materials (formaldehyde). After about 3 days of detox from this suburban environment I feel much more human. A few more of my symptoms are low blood pressure, difficulty finding the right word, headaches for the past 20 years and waking at night. Here are a few observations you might like to consider. Vitamin B6 increases the level of seratonin and dopamine while reducing histamine and eosinophil levels. Full spectrum daylight stimulates the production of taurine (a sedative and neuro transmitter) and seratonin. Salicylates reduce the level of taurine. Soy beans contain high levels of B6, Zinc and methionine which all help to reduce the level of histamines. Low levels of thiamine (B1) can allow pyruvic acid to increase which lowers the blood oxygen level. Tannins (in tea, beans, peas, carob) can inhibit the absorption of Zinc, Manganese, Iron and Thiamine(B1). Low levels of Zinc, Manganese and thiamine can lower the level of cholinesterase which in turn increases acetylcholine which lowers dopamine levels. Cholinesterase inhibitors include apples, celery, strawberry, pumpkin, raspberry, tomoto, potato and orange. Vitamin B6 can be found in fish, poultry, soybeans, brown rice and bananas. Bromocryptine causes hypotension (low blood pressure). I hope this can be of some assistance to you and I have a few questions for you all. Do you take stimulants (tea, coffee, chocolate, cola) on a daily basis. Do you include animal products and sugars in your daily diet. Have you sufferered any form of sleep disorder (especially prior to PD dx). Do you have animals (especially cats) in your immediate environment. Do you suffer from any form of allergic reaction. If you answer yes to any of these then I would suggest some remedial action. As a follow up to this is there support among the 1500 members of the list for a formal survey of the type of questions above. I am prepared to create a survey form, collate replies, and summarise the results for your elucidation. My background is in computing and data analysis. I believe Janet's ideas have some basis and a survey would be one way to begin to clear up the muddle. Here endeth my story which has turned out to be longer than I expected. Time flies like an arrow and fruit flies like an apricot. Alan Pearce 50/8 Perth, Western Australia