Egg and Its Relation with Stroke

Egg, probably the most affordable nutritiously rich food in the world, does a bit more than just providing the body with the essential proteins and vitamins. The regular consumption of egg could be the reducing factor of so many health conditions. This is the reason why the saying ‘An egg a day keeps the doctor away’ is so popular.

Many medical researches have been conducted on the health benefits of the egg. While it remained to be the major source of protein, it has also the capability to reduce the risk of getting a stroke by 12 percent on a daily consumption. Few researchers have claimed that egg reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases but further studies need to be conducted to reveal the truth.

As per the studies conducted by two medical universities in America and China respectively, if you take an egg in your breakfast you will reduce the chances of getting a stroke and cardiovascular diseases, significantly. Read more to learn if this is true.

According to the study published in the American College of Nutrition Journal, consuming an egg every day has no significant impact on reducing the cardiovascular diseases but it does help you to reduce your risk of a stroke. The results have proven that having 2 eggs per week can help the body in tackling the fatal, ischaemic and hemorrhagic types of strokes.

On the hind-side, the scientists also claimed that the people who have consumed the eggs could have consumed the other dietary supplements that favor the body in reducing the risk of the stroke.

What Makes Egg a Complete Nutrition -

It’s no secret that eggs are good for health. One medium-sized egg contains 76 calories, 7.5g protein, 5.1g fat and 1.4g sat fat. In addition, eggs are rich sources of Vitamin A, B2, B5, B6, B12, E, D, E and K, folate and selenium, zinc, Calcium and healthy fats.

They also contain cholesterol but it is high-density lipoprotein that is known as the good cholesterol. People who have the high levels of this cholesterol are less likely to get the coronary artery and cardiovascular diseases. Even though eggs are high in cholesterol but eating this cholesterol does not bump up the blood pressure.

Most importantly, the choline which is a nutrient that group up with the Vitamin B, is essential in building the cell membrane. Also, this property is essential in producing the signaling molecules in the brain, a process that will get reduced due to the age factor.

Eggs are often referred as the complete source of protein as they contain all the 9 amino acids at a sufficient level. As the egg is a source of many healthy nutrients a significant amount of research needs to be conducted to establish the exact relationship between eggs and stroke. The Egg is dietary mainstay that supply all the essential nutrients to the body. With science on its side, egg prevents the chances of getting a stroke but also numerous health disorders and ensure the body functions at its optimum.

How the Targeting of Enzymes in Immune System can delay in Parkinsons’ Progression

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a long-term and age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Approximately 10 million people have PD worldwide. PD affects the central nervous system as the nerve cells in the brain don’t produce enough of dopamine. This causes impairment of the body’s motor functions. People with PD normally have symptoms that begin gradually, mostly on one side of the body. Subsequently, it affects both the sides.

PD usually arises in people above 60 years of age. It is chronic and progressive. Parkinson’s disease Pathogenesis shows that various environmental causes along with genetic risk factors contribute to its occurrence. Yet the exact causes are being investigated.

Parkinson’s Disease symptoms include - 

• Tremors in  hands, arms, legs, jaws and face
• Stiffness and rigidity  of the arms, legs and trunk
• Slowness of movement
• Poor balance and coordination

As symptoms worsen, PD patients may face trouble in walking, talking and even executing simple tasks. They may also experience other health issues like depression, sleep problems or difficulties in chewing, swallowing or speaking. Though PD has no permanent cure, a lot of research is going on slowing its progression.

Delaying Parkinson’s Progression by Targeting Enzymes in Immune System

Recent studies reveal that autoimmunity may have a role in the progression of PD. There is an enzyme called HDAC2 that is found in the immune cells of the brain. This enzyme regulates a crucial cellular mechanism known as epigenetics which controls the availability of certain genes. These genes are either read and translated into active proteins or silenced and hence made unavailable. According to the latest research, inhibiting the activity of this enzyme may prevent degeneration and death of nerve cells as seen in PD cases.

HDAC2 plays a key role in acting as potential therapeutic targets for several neurodegenerative diseases including PD. It is found that samples of microglia (immune cells) and dopamine-producing nerve cells in brain tissues collected from PD patients have high levels of HDAC2. This is in comparison to the corresponding levels in similar samples of healthy people.

It is interesting to note that HDAC2 levels correlated with the amount of LN3 (a marker of microglia activity) in PD samples. This is suggestive that HDAC2 may be linked to the greater pro-inflammatory and abnormal activity of microglia, when transitioning from protective brain cells to ones that attack and thereby damage healthy nerve cells.

Experimental cells replicating microglia behaviour also show increased levels of HDAC2 when pushed to a pro-inflammatory state. For quite some time now, it has been known that within pro-inflammatory environments microglia are responsible for the constant regulation and release of neurotoxin cytokines. Such environments are found in the substantia nigra in PD cases.

Thus the research findings support that HDAC2 may be specifically targeted and inhibited for reducing the effects of genes which cause neuroinflammation. Specifically, targeting HDAC2 gene expression levels in substantia nigra’s microglia can assist in reducing the progression of PD.

Latest medical innovations and evolving knowledge suggest various interventions and rehabilitation techniques for PD. This gives a new ray of new hope to patients living with this progressive neurological disease along with their families. PD is a complex disease that affects each individual differently. So PSP can help in deploying customized strategies and techniques applicable in daily life for coping up with PD limitations. PSP involves a comprehensive approach to the patient’s medical, functional and behavioural needs. This includes nursing care, nutritional counselling, rehabilitation techniques, speech and occupational therapies and fall -prevention measures.

PSP’s focus thus promotes independence and safety of PD patients for leading a better quality of life with lesser constraints.

Aromatherapy for Parkinson’s Disease

Aromatherapy is known for its benefits when it comes to progressive neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease. Aromatherapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses fragrant and aromatic essential oils to ease the ailments associated with the health condition. 

Massages with essential oils help the individuals to manage the pains and muscle cramps, effectively. It is unfortunate that there is a very fewer number of individuals who choose this therapy to ease their symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease.

Many types of researches have proven that essential oils help in fighting cancer and other therapeutic conditions. They are believed to be beneficiary not only on the body but also on the senses and on the spirit. Many essential oils are being employed to treat the health complications that are associated with Parkinson’s Disease. 

You could avail the Aromatherapy if you are experiencing the following the symptoms:

• Muscle spasms
• Insomnia
• Depression
• Anxiousness
• Restlessness

Many individuals with Parkinson’s Disease use the lavender essential oil. However, we are listing down few other oils that help you in easing your symptoms.

• For Managing Relaxation and Depression
• Lavender is the best remedy for the relaxation and restlessness.
• Lavender oil not only makes you feel less anxious but also makes you sleep better.
• This is the first choice of essential oils for many people with Parkinson’s Disease.
• This will also help with other symptoms such as restlessness and tired feel.
• Lavender is anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal, which could make the best solution for the individuals with minor cuts on the skin.
• Depression and Lack of Energy
• Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease may feel depressed more than often due to the symptoms of the disease and the other psychological factors.
• They may also feel that the energy is drained.
• A regular massage with the energizing and stimulating oils would help them to negotiate with these conditions.
• Citrus oils such as lemon, lime and orange oils are best to treat the depression.
• Also, mint oils such as peppermint and spearmint are helpful in cheering up the mood and restoring the energy.
• For Appetite Stimulation
• It is common to hear seniors with Parkinson’s complain about the loss of appetite and the medications are the ones to blame.
• Using essential oils for appetite stimulation is proven to be effective.
• Try inhaling the ginger and peppermint oils at least half an hour before taking food.
• These two oils also help individuals who are suffering from nausea and vomiting sensations.
• For Headaches
• To ease the headaches, use the lavender oil for a gentle massage on the temples.
• Oils such as peppermint and marjoram are also effective for headaches that are associated with Parkinson’s Disease.
• Use these oils and massage gently on the aching area for a better relief.

Also, you could use oils such as lavender, jasmine and Roman Chamomile for sleep-related issues such as insomnia.

A section of essential oils that work for an individual does not necessarily work for others. You may need to explore the best oil that suit to your body condition, as the body reaction to the oils differ from person to person. 

Most doctors do not consider the Aromatherapy as a treatment option for Parkinson’s but few doctors believe that it is, in fact, effective to alleviate the symptoms. However, it is advisable for you to consult your doctor first before undergoing the therapy sessions with aromatic oils. Especially, if you have any allergic conditions, it is important to check with your doctor to know the oils that suit your body.

Tears and Its role in diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease

Medical researchers are in constantly exploring to find the best solutions for Parkinson’s Disease. It is the time that is opening gates for various treatment and diagnosis processes that help the people with Parkinson’s Disease.  

According to the American Academy of Neurology findings, tears can be used in the diagnostic process of Parkinson’s Disease. However, these are preliminary findings and lot of research need to be conducted on this front. 

If the research proves to be positive about the tears involvement in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease may lead to cost-effective diagnosis process that way lesser than the current costs. In addition, the initial researches have proven that the test results are reliable and can be produced in a short span. 

How it Works? 

Patients of Parkinson’s show the symptoms of Lewy body triggered by the protein alpha-synuclein. It is a protein whose function is yet to determine. Few compelling results show that this is the reason for neurological disorders.  

As a result of the pathological changes due to this degeneration of brain cells, the nerve function will be impacted. The tear glands are stimulated by the nervous system. This leads to the various alterations of the contents that are in the tears.  

As part of the research, the tears of a healthy person and the person with Parkinson’s have been analyzed for the protein level differences. As expected by the scientists the level of non-clumped alpha-synuclein is lower in the Parkinson’s patient than the average levels. However, the level of unhealthy and aggravated alpha-synuclein are higher in Parkinson’s Disease.  

The chronic neurological disorder is characterized by the constant loss of brain cells in the region called substantia nigra. The cells are responsible for producing dopamine that helps the body in motor and non-motor functions. This is the reason why the individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s tend to experience the balance related issues. 

The Uses of This Diagnostic Process - 

• The ease of finding Parkinson’s Disease with the help of tears will simplify the diagnostic procedure. 
• As this process is completely non-invasive, people could easily find if they are suffering from this disorder. 
• The practices in place for diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease take considerably long time and in many cases the disorder could not be found in the initial stages. 
• However, the new innovation may result in the favor of millions of people who are being affected by this neurological disorder.  

The positive news is that so much data on biomarkers is being collected on various fronts. The researches are on a constant drive for finding the clues that lead to the solution we have been longing for. As of now, the progress in curing Parkinson’s Disease still remains unresolved. 

Samples that include DNA, RNA and blood plasma are being collected from the Parkinson’s patients for various tests. This list now includes tears – probably the first sample that is being collected for Parkinson’s diagnosis in a completely non-invasive manner.   

Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s is difficult and any individual alone could not fight this disorder. They require constant medical, physical and moral support to live a normal life despite the disorder.

5 Reasons Why Homeopathy is Effective in Treating Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease, just like the other chronic neurodegenerative disorders, remains as the unresolved mysteries in the world of medicine. Though there are a few conventional treatment methods that are helping the patients to find short-term relief from this disorder, it is unfortunate that there is no permanent cure for it.

The widely practiced allopathic approach increases the body resistance after a point, forcing the patient to use the increased dosages. This will have a negative impact on the functionality of the body by showing side-effects.

Homeopathy treatment, on the other hand, is proven to be effective in Parkinson’s and the best part of this approach is that it shows no side-effects on the body. Yet, as per its aesthetics, treats the individual in a natural way, quickly and comprehensively.

Here are a few reasons why Homeopathy is a better treatment along with the names of the medicines that are widely being used to treat Parkinson’s Disease.

So, Why Homeopathy-

It’s Comprehensive – The unique characteristic of homeopathy is that the treatment is not just focused on the affected area but the whole body. The treatment approach is holistic and before starting the treatment procedure, the complete family history of the person, including his characteristics is taken into consideration for better results. 

It’s Quick – The results of this treatment are quick and you could start feeling the difference in a short period of time, in contradiction to the popular belief that Homeopathy is slow. However, this again, depends on the intensity of the disease and its stage. The earlier the better!

The Side-effects are Next to Zero – This treatment does not show any side-effects and the dosages remain the same, unlike the conventional allopathic treatment where the patients require to take increased doses based on the resistance of the body.

Safe and Suits All Ages – As mentioned earlier, the treatment shows no side-effects and Homeopathy treatment for Parkinson’s suits all age groups and genders.

Prevents Relapses – As Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder, there will be more than expected chances for reversions of the symptoms. However, Homeopathy treatment is proven to be effective in preventing the relapses.

Here are a few effective medicines that are available and are being used across the world for Parkinson’s Disease.

Gelsemium Sempervirens – This homeopathic medicine is considered as a boon for the individuals who are suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. This medicine functions effectively on the nervous origins of the brain, stimulating the parts of it that control speech, movement and emotions. It works wonders for not just the Parkinson’s Disease but also for all the neurodegenerative disorders.

Causticum – Extreme rigidity of the muscles and joints is one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. This medicine will help the person to increase the balance levels by easing rigidity of the joints and muscles.

Zincum Metallicum – This homeopathic medicine is effective to treat tremors in the hands and limbs. It improves the communication between the hands and the brain by strengthening the nervous system.

Plumbum Metallicum – Bradykinesia or slowness of movement is a serious symptom faced by the Parkinson’s patients. The speed of physical and cognitive activities of the person may get reduced at a higher level. Plumbum Metallicum helps the person to increase the speed of body movements.

Apart from these, medicines such as Mercurius Solubilis, Argentum Nitricum and Calcarea Carbonica show a great impact on the Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and bradykinesia.

Homeopathy is a natural way of treating Parkinson’s Disease in the most effective manner. Though this treatment approach shows no side-effects on the body and safe, it is advisable for you to consult your doctor before using any of the medicines mentioned above.

Types of Exercises that should be a Part of a Parkinson's Patient's Life

Exercise, undeniably, plays a pivotal role in the life of those individuals who are affected by Parkinson's disease. It is not only good for their health, but also an essential factor that helps them to maintain body balance and enhance their mobility as Parkinson's is a Neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe mobility issues. 

According to a recent research conducted on Parkinson's disease revealed that daily exercise will help the individuals in mitigating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease at a greater level. Daily exercises reduce the stiffness and improve the mobility, posture and balance.  Here are few of the exercises that benefit the people with Parkinson's disease.

1. Exercises that Focus on Body Balance:
   Losing control over the limbs is one of the major issues Parkinson’s disease patients face. Simple exercises such as walking and stepping over minor obstacles help people in reducing the stiffness of their muscles and limbs. Few physical activities that involve in our regular life, such as climbing staircases will also help.
   
   
2. Strengthening Exercises:
   Strengthening Exercises, also known as 'Resistance exercise', help the individual to improve their muscle mass and rate of metabolism. Include physical activities such as squats, planks (only if your body supports) and jumping jacks on your exercise calendar.
   
   
3. Endurance Exercise:
   Endurance exercises such as jogging, cycling and swimming can benefit at a great level if practiced on a regular basis. These exercises improve the breathing pattern and cardiovascular functionality which indirectly helps in better oxygen reach to the brain.
   
   
4. Flexibility Exercises:
   Flexibility issues in Parkinson’s patients make the day to day life challenging. The elders will find it difficult even to perform simple physical activities such as sitting on or getting up from a chair, with Parkinson’s disease. Practicing yoga and tai chi every day will help in enhancing the body and limb flexibility.

Apart from these exercises, focus on physical activities such as dancing, aerobics and Jazzercise will help you in deriving the results in a faster way. Also, consider joining in yoga and meditation centers as mental Peace is as important as the regular exercises. Defensive arts such as Karate and Kung Fu will not only help you to improve your physical ability, but also motivates you to fight the Parkinson’s disease.

This is the very reason why few Parkinson's Support Agencies in the western countries encourage their patients to practice defensive art such as boxing and taekwondo with an objective to maintain the physical ability that is empowered with strong positive attitude.

Consistency is the key to derive the best results through these exercises. If performed on a regular basis, these exercises will start showing the results only after 3-6 months. Parkinson’s is tough and the only way to manage it effectively is by being tough on it.

Early Onset or Young Onset of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease develops gradually over time. It is generally diagnosed at the age of sixty. Nearly 10% of overall Parkinson’s affected patients are diagnosed before the age of fifty or younger and these people have shown the early onset of Parkinson’s disease. The disease will grow in the brain and affects the entire central nervous system. The disease can be diagnosed once it got developed and people with young onset PD will show the symptoms sooner than the normal age, which is sixty. Putting things in succinct, the condition of young people having Parkinson’s disease is called the early or young onset of Parkinson’s disease. 

Causes of young - onset of PD

Parkinson’ disease is caused due to loss of cells in the brain that produce dopamine, which controls the motor senses of your body. There are no tests available to detect the Parkinson’s disease. The doctors will evaluate your system and analyze them to determine the presence of Parkinson’s in you. Still, there is neither a particular reason for the occurrence of the disease nor a precise explanation on what causes the disease. Neurologists say the causes might be due to certain genetic factors or environmental problems such as exposure to toxins, harmful chemicals or other hazards. In some cases, early onset of PD is found to be hereditary given that the family members of the affected patients had a history of Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms of young - onset of PD

Generally, all types of PD have the same Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The time in which you show the symptoms of PD determines it is an early onset or not. Different people show different symptoms of Parkinson’s. 

• In case of young PD, the first ever symptom might be dystonia, unintended muscle contractions
• Depression, stress, anxiety, abnormal mood swings
• Tremors, sudden involuntary movement or shivering of muscles
• Imbalance while walking or doing things and absolute lack of coordination in everything
• Memory loss or early stages of dementia
• Sudden weight loss
• Low blood pressure
• Insomnia or disturbed sleeping, lack of proper REM cycle while sleeping
• Constipation and lack of bladder control

Diagnosis of young – onset PD

The above said conditions are the symptoms of young PD but some of the patients might not show some important symptoms like tremors and other motor associated symptoms and yet have the disease. Young PD is a progressive disease and it is incurable. The growth of PD will be very slow in younger patients. Once affected, it will be there for your entire life and may affect your lifespan. Young PD is affecting mostly the men. Doctors diagnose young PD differently from the normal, elderly PD because normally young PD may not show the normal symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease. Their diagnosis is usually based on the genetic nature of the disease. 

Treatment of young - onset PD

Normally, younger PD patients have the more physical strength and less additional health complications. They can withstand the hard physical therapy treatments given to Parkinson’s disease, unlike the older patients. The treatment also will be based on the genetic condition of the disease like gene testing, gene therapy etc. 

The medicine prescribed by the doctors for the early signs of Parkinson’s disease is levodopa and other dopamine inducing drugs. But these drugs have their own side effects and not advised for adversely affected patients. 

There are various therapies and programs to provide support for Parkinson’s patients. These support programs will help the patients with their disease and give all the necessary aids in both medical and therapeutic needs.