I continue to find information which impacts my decisions concerning how I choose to supplement. This time, I found a talk given in a conference in the UK by a doctor from Mayo Clinic in Minnesota; Dr Eric Ahiskog…..’Nuts and Bolts of Parkinson’s Disease Management’
Although the prescription source for dopa had caused nausea, the movement specialist had encouraed me to try the natural form … Macuna Pruriens. I understood there is a question of quality control with ‘alternative’ non prescription products. As I looked at the labels I chose a product made from just seeds, instead of the ones that included the stems of the plant. Then, I had decided since the replacement of Dopa was to relieve the symptoms of tremors… which are not an issue for me.. I didn’t need it.
What I learned from Dr. Ahiskog’s talk was related to Dystonia. He explained dystonia as an abnormal muscle tone resulting in muscle spasms resulting in the turning in of the feet or abnormal posture. Plus, he said, “replacing the dopamine would relieve the symptoms.” He also spoke about dosage and timing.
I put it to the test! I had Macuna Pruriens on hand. I had previously taken three capsules at a time. I’ve upped it to four capsules 3 X’s a day, with noticeable results. During the day I was free from the normal tightness in my feet. But even more remarkable, during the night [when the cramping is usually the worst] I was able to flex my toes AND no cramps!! 🙂
Standing up to Parkinson's 