Monday, September 12, 2011
Overview
Parkinson's disease is a brain condition involving nerve degeneration. This progressive health problem affects between 4 and 6 million people throughout the world, reports the National Parkinson Foundation. The Foundation also notes that 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed annually. Diet and nutrition may be helpful in treating some Parkinson's disease symptoms, such as insomnia, although you should always check with your doctor before using nutrition therapy for this purpose.
About Parkinson's and Insomnia
Common signs and symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease include tremors, lack of facial expression, muscle aches and constipation. Insomnia, notes a 2007 study by M.D. Gjerstad and colleagues published in the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry," is a common complaint among people with Parkinson's disease, varies in severity over time and may be caused by numerous factors. Many people who have Parkinson's disease-related insomnia may also be depressed, note the researchers.
Helpful Dietary Practices
Some dietary practices may be helpful in treating your insomnia. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," consuming certain foods in the evening -- dates, figs, bananas, milk, nut butters, tuna, turkey, yogurt and whole grain crackers -- may be useful for this health purpose, as these foods contain sleep-promoting substances. Balch suggests avoiding consumption of large meals within two hours of bedtime and avoiding intake of caffeine and alcohol four to six hours before you go to sleep.
Highlighted Food
Turkey may be a particularly helpful food in treating your insomnia. Turkey, notes nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," is a concentrated source of sleep-promoting tryptophan -- an important amino acid that must be obtained through your diet. Turkey is rich in numerous nutrients, including selenium, protein, phosphorus and vitamins B-3 and B-6. More scientific research evidence may be needed to evaluate the true efficacy of this food for this health purpose.
Additional Information
Insomnia by itself does not necessarily mean that you have Parkinson's disease, but you should not avoid visiting your doctor if you develop this health problem. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and order relevant tests, refer you to other healthcare practitioners and counsel you on your treatment options. Diet alone may not be enough to alleviate your Parkinson's disease-related insomnia, but it may be a helpful adjunct therapy for this health purpose. Ask your doctor if dietary changes are appropriate for you and your health problem.
References
- National Parkinson Foundation: Parkinson's Disease Overview
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry"; Insomnia in Parkinson's Disease; M.D. Gjerstad et al.; May 2007
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
About this Author
Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician and freelance writer based out of Durham, N.C. He writes about health, fitness, diet, lifestyle, travel and outdoor pursuits. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.
Read more:http://www.livestrong.com/article/539464-the-best-diet-to-alleviate-insomnia-in-parkinsons-patients/#ixzz1XkuxGbzh
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