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 The
Facts About Glutathione and Parkinson's Disease
by Priya Shah
Copyright © 2004 Priya Shah
Parkinson's Disease (PD), a devastating illness, occurs in one of every 100
people over 65.
It is a slowly progressing disease of the nervous system that results in
progressive destruction of brain cells (neurons) in an area of the brain called
the substantia nigra. Death occurs usually as a result of secondary
complications such as infection.
One of the mechanisms known to destroy neurons is damage by free radicals or
reactive oxygen species - destructive molecules produced by oxidation of the
neurotransmitter dopamine.
The Role of Dopamine
The cells of the substantia nigra use dopamine - a chemical messenger between
brain or nerve cells - to communicate with cells in another region of the brain
called the striatum.
When nigral cells are lost, nigral dopamine levels fall, resulting in a decrease
in striatal dopamine.
The typical symptoms of PD - motor function deficiencies characterized by muscle
rigidity, jerky movements, rhythmic resting tremors - are the result of low
levels of striatal dopamine.
Most dopaminergic drugs used to treat PD, are aimed at temporarily replenishing
or mimicking dopamine. They improve some symptoms, but do not restore normal
brain function nor halt brain cell destruction.
Dopaminergic drugs are generally effective at first in reducing many PD
symptoms, but over time they lose their effect.
They also cause severe side effects because they overstimulate nerve cells
elsewhere in the body and cause confusion, hallucinations, nausea and
fluctuations in the movement of limbs.
The Role of Antioxidants
When dopaminergic neurons are lost in the course of Parkinson's disease, the
metabolism of dopamine is increased - which in turn increases the formation of
highly neurotoxic hydroxyl radicals.
The most important free radical scavenger in the cells of the substantia nigra
is the powerful brain antioxidant, glutathione. Glutathione levels in PD
patients are low.
And as we age, levels of glutathione in the dopaminergic neurons of the
substantia nigra decreases. This appears to hasten cell death and advance the
progression of PD.
At least 80 percent of the substantia nigra cells are lost before symptoms of
Parkinson's disease become apparent. This is why it becomes essential to protect
or maintain these cells under oxidative stress.
How does Glutathione help in Parkinson's Disease?
Several factors explain why glutathione is so beneficial in Parkinson’s
disease.
1. Glutathione increases the sensitivity of the brain to dopamine. So although
glutathione doesn't raise dopamine levels, it allows the dopamine in the brain
to be more effective.
2. Glutathione's powerful antioxidant activity protects the brain from free
radical damage.
3. An even more intriguing benefit of glutathione lies in its powerful
detoxification ability.
Its a well known fact that most Parkinson’s patients are deficient in their
ability to detoxify chemicals to which they are exposed.
The unfortunate few who harbor an inherited flaw in their detoxification
pathways are at far greater risk to the brain damaging effects of a wide variety
of toxins.
Glutathione is one of the most important components of the liver’s
detoxification system. Glutathione therapy is one of the most effective
techniques for enhancing liver and brain detoxification.
Glutathione treatments considerably improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's
disease including difficulties with rigidity, walking, movement, coordination
and speech. A marked reduction of tremor has been observed as well as a decrease
in depression.
Glutathione and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (a glutathione precursor) have been shown to
be very effective in protecting the nerves in the substantia nigra from being
destroyed by oxidative stress.
Glutathione Therapy in Parkinson's Disease
The practical problem in increasing glutathione levels is that taking
glutathione itself as a supplement does not boost cellular glutathione levels,
since glutathione breaks down in the digestive tract before it reaches the
cells.
However, intravenous glutathione therapy and taking glutathione precursors are
both effective in boosting intracellular levels of glutathione.
Intravenous Glutathione Therapy:
Intravenous glutathione injections have been shown to have amazing and quick
results.
Dr. David Perlmutter, a pioneer in this therapy, has developed a protocol
utilized at the Perlmutter Health Center for administering intravenous
glutathione to Parkinson's patients.
Following even a single dosage of intravenous glutathione - often in as little
as 15 minutes - the ability to walk, turn around and move their arms is almost
completely restored.
Glutathione Precursors:
Dietary antioxidants and supplements that increase cellular glutathione, such as
alpha lipoic acid, NAC, pycnogenol, the herb silymarin (milk thistle), are
effective in restoring normal function.
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and un-denatured, whey protein both supply glutathione
precursors intracellularly, enhance the body’s production of glutathione and
aid the detoxification process.
Other nutritional supplements which aid the detoxification process include
selenium, vitamins E and C.
For a detailed report with references on Parkinson's Disease and Glutathione
visit:
http://www.1whey2health.com/parkinsons_glutathione.htm
About the Author
Priya Shah is the Editor of "The Glutathione Report"
For regular updates on the health benefits of glutathione
subscribe here
http://www.glutathione-report.com
For a free report on Glutathione in Health and
Disease visit http://www.1whey2health.com
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