Parkinson's disease affects the nervous system. It is a debilitating disease which affects both the personality and mind of the sufferer. The condition actually occurs as a result from the degeneration of the nerve cells in the portion of the brain which controls movement. Noticeable signs of the disease are trembling of the hand and stiffness in one limb and feelings of weakness may also be present.

Eventually, the symptoms become more progressive and noticeable and co-ordination and balance starts to deteriorate. Depression may occur and certainly, there may be a degree of emotional problems as this occurs.

The statistics show that Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive disease which affects approximately one person in every 250 people who are over the age of 40. It also affects one person in every 100 who are over the age of 65. The main problem is that even though the disease is not life threatening per se, but that Parkinson's disease is more relative to the quality of life

Symptoms vary but include:

• Muscle stiffness and rigidity
• Stooped Posture
• Slower movements
• Facial Expressions
• Speech Changes
• Loss of some motor skills

Certain food types are beneficial such as:

• Vegetables (including leafy greens)
• Vegetable Juices (especially carrots)
• Sprouted grains
• Raw seeds
• Seaweeds

Avoid the following food types where possible:

• Coffee
• Processed food
• Sugar
• Tobacco
• Tea

Whilst medical treatment and advice should always be sought, it is worth checking out some alternative remedies such as :

Digestive - Enzyme

Often those people with Parkinson's disease have trouble digesting and assimilating the nutrients from their food so it is useful to take a digestive-enzyme supplement.

Coenzyme Q10

Taking Coenzyme Q10 will help to prevent free-radical damage.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil can be beneficial as it has important fatty acids and these are quite often lacking in those who suffer with Parkinson's disease.

Multi Mineral Supplement

Taking a multi-mineral supplement is very beneficial providing it contains trace minerals and calcium and magnesium.

B Vitamins

Ensure that a B-Complex supplement is taken as this is very important for brain and nerve function.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is wonderful for healing and Vitamin C including bioflavonoid and may help prevent one-off attacks.

Meditation

Meditation can be helpful to soothe and calm any aggressive or irritable tendencies. It can also help to bring a sense of peace and inner calm which may be especially important for those with Parkinson's disease. Anxieties may also be controlled with regular practice.

Ginseng

Take Ginseng, hops, passionflower, valerian root, skullcap and horsetail and these may be useful to soothe any of the symptoms experienced.