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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This episode of Wellness Connection MD celebrates Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Dr. McMinn welcomes two extraordinary guests to shine a compassionate and informed light on Parkinson’s disease. Nurse Practitioner Laura Lieb, a Parkinson’s specialist at UAB and community coordinator for the American Parkinson's Disease Association, joins the conversation alongside caregiver, support group leader, and former Care Navigator for the Parkinson's Association of Alabama, Cindy McMinn, NP. Together, they explore the evolving science of Parkinson's and discuss early warning signs, symptoms, gut-brain connections, root causes, cutting-edge therapies, and the lived experience of caregiving. From practical lifestyle tips to insights on neuroinflammation and support networks, this episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by Parkinson’s Disease. Whether you're a patient, provider, or care partner, you’ll find cutting-edge information, clarity, resources, and hope.

Want more? Visit McMinnMD.com for links, bios, and a complete resource guide.

Support the show

Please CLICK ON THIS LINK to support the show.

-Check out our website at https://mcminnmd.com for other IMPORTANT LINKS, including social media links. You can find these at the bottom of the main page under the heading "Helpful Links."

-Click on the following link for our FULLSCRIPT dispensary for a 10% discount on physician-grade supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jmcminn/signup
FullScript Dispensary is an affiliate from which I receive a commission.

Check out Dr. McMinn's Wellness MD Blog at
https://mcminnmd.com/wellness-md-blog-1

Go to https://mcminnmd.com/reviews to see How to rate and review this podcast on an iPhone

You can contact Dr. McMinn at DoctorMcMinn@yahoo.com to leave comments or to make suggestions for future shows.

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What if the root cause of your dizziness, brain fog, fatigue, anxiety, rapid heart rate, blood pressure swings, chest pain, gut issues, and post-Covid funk wasn’t “just anxiety”—but a hidden autonomic nervous system dysfunction? In this compelling episode of The Wellness Connection MD, Dr. McMinn and Coach Lindsay welcome back nutritionist Tyler Mathews for an eye-opening conversation about dysautonomia—a commonly overlooked, often misunderstood condition that may be affecting millions more than we realize.

Tyler shares his incredible recovery journey from debilitating dysautonomia to vibrant health using a blend of functional medicine strategies, which include targeted nutrition (including a radical dietary shift to carnivore), thiamine, red light therapy, vagus nerve stimulation, and more. This isn’t just theory—it’s lived experience backed by solid science.

Whether you’re a patient, provider, or caregiver, this episode is loaded with practical takeaways and is a must-listen for anyone facing chronic fatigue, long COVID, or other chronic unexplained health symptoms.

👉 Ready to take back your health? Visit DysautonomiaRecovery.com to access Tyler’s course and recovery tools, and even to access one-on-one coaching. Also, check out McMinnMD.com for free resources, documents, and more. Don’t just survive—learn how to thrive.

Support the show

Please CLICK ON THIS LINK to support the show.

-Check out our website at https://mcminnmd.com for other IMPORTANT LINKS, including social media links. You can find these at the bottom of the main page under the heading "Helpful Links."

-Click on the following link for our FULLSCRIPT dispensary for a 10% discount on physician-grade supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jmcminn/signup
FullScript Dispensary is an affiliate from which I receive a commission.

Check out Dr. McMinn's Wellness MD Blog at
https://mcminnmd.com/wellness-md-blog-1

Go to https://mcminnmd.com/reviews to see How to rate and review this podcast on an iPhone

You can contact Dr. McMinn at DoctorMcMinn@yahoo.com to leave comments or to make suggestions for future shows.

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