Parkinson's Disease: A Functional and Integrative Approach

In this follow-up to their previous Parkinson’s Disease (PD) episode, Dr. McMinn and Coach Lindsay explore how functional and integrative medicine can complement traditional treatments for PD. They emphasize that their goal is not to replace conventional medicine, but to “fill in the gaps” with evidence-based holistic therapies that address the root causes and improve patient quality of life.

They define functional medicine as a root-cause approach that asks "why" a disease occurs, and integrative medicine as the use of non-conventional tools—like acupuncture or diet—to enhance care beyond drugs and surgery.

For PD, traditional medicine plays a vital role, especially in treating motor symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia). However, functional and integrative approaches can address underlying contributors and may be especially useful for non-motor symptoms.

*Root Causes & Risk Factors of PD Discussed:

-Genetics & Epigenetics: Genetics increases risk, but lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role in gene expression, via epigenetics.

-Toxins: Pesticides, solvents like TCE, heavy metals, mold, air pollution, and microplastics have all been linked to increased PD risk.

-Head trauma, especially from sports like football and soccer, increases PD risk.

-Gut-brain axis: Emerging evidence shows PD often starts in the gut, years before classic Parkinson's motor symptoms appear.

*Functional Prevention & Lifestyle Strategies:

-Diet: Mediterranean and MIND diets lower PD risk and delay symptom onset.

-Coffee: Regular consumption may lower PD risk by ~40%.

-Exercise: Reduces risk and helps with motor/non-motor symptoms. Boxing (e.g., Rock Steady Boxing), tai chi, yoga, walking, and especially dance (ParkinDance) improve motor control, cognition, and mood.

-Connection with Nature lowers PD risk.

-Avoid toxins and head injuries.

*Integrative Treatments for Non-Motor Symptoms:

-Constipation: Addressed via diet, hydration, and handouts available at www.McMinnMD.com.

-Fatigue: Covered in a previous 2018 fatigue-focused episode.

-Sarcopenia: Counteracted with resistance training, diet, TRT, and vitamin D.

-Urinary issues: Pelvic floor therapy and fluid strategies help.

-Sleep disorders: Melatonin, sleep hygiene, CBT-I, light therapy, acupuncture.

-Mood issues (anxiety, depression): Yoga, tai chi, CBT, group support, soci

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