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ALZHEIMER’S & PARKINSON’S DISEASES
by Anna M. Salanti
In an extensive and well documented report “Environmental Threats to Healthy Aging: With a Closer Look at Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases” (Report), the Greater Boston Physicians for Social Responsibility and Science and Environmental Health Network explore the various factors that cause Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Published in 2008, it can be found at www.agehealthy.org (where it can be downloaded for free).
In each disease, there are elements of genetic susceptibility. However, according to the Report the key factors are environmental toxins, which include:
- Inflammatory & Neurotoxic Pollutants
- Environmental Exposure
- Dietary Exposure
- Inflammatory Nutrients
For Alzheimer’s disease, metals such as lead, aluminum, zinc, copper, and iron are key factors. Additionally, PCBs, pesticides, inflammatory diet, obesity, diabetes/hyperglycemia, inactivity, and stress can play important causative roles.
In the case of Parkinson’s disease, pesticides play a primary role. PCBs, solvents, metals (particularly manganese, dietary iron, and lead), air pollution, and infectious agents can contribute to its onset as well.
Consequently, reducing exposure to these various factors, eating well, being physically and mentally active, and reducing stress are key to avoiding both diseases. The Report addresses various areas that might be helpful in this effort: individual, social, and public policy.
But what can be done to assist one’s body in eliminating the various toxins that have accumulated, irrespective of one’s health status? Our personal experience since 1994 indicates a fairly simple and relatively inexpensive process. We have not had encouraging results with IV chelation, EDTA suppositories, and various orally ingested chelating agents including DMSA/Alpha Lipoic Acid. For an excellent comparison, go to http://www.scienceformulas.com/compare.html.
For reducing virtually all toxins, a comprehensive amino acid blend has worked wonderfully for us. While there are many products that are on the market, our recommendation is Synerplex (originally formulated by people at Knowledge Through Solutions and currently available through Emerson Ecologics). It is by far the most comprehensive amino acid blend we have found. (For a list of the ingredients, see Table 1 below.)
The amino acids stimulate clearing of the Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle (Cycle), the body’s biochemical engine. The Cycle is roughly analogous to an eight-cylinder engine. Over the years, or even in utero, toxins accumulate and plug one or more of the cylinders. In the process of normalizing the Cycle, the cylinders are cleared thereby significantly reducing the toxins in the body and allowing it to function more efficiently. (For a more detailed description of the Cycle, see Table 2 below.)
For focusing specifically on reducing metal toxins, Chelorex is by far the best product in our experience. Formulated by Alan Greenburg, MD to address his metal toxicity issues, it is gentle and well-balanced. An extensive exploration of Chelorex and issues related to metal toxicity can be seen at www.scienceformulas.com. (For a list of the ingredients, see Table 3 below.)
Synerplex and Chelorex are gentle and effective. A cautionary note: chelation must be done carefully. Not only should you be careful about the dosage and frequency that you are taking the remedies, you must stay mineralized. When your body excretes the heavy metals, other minerals can, and usually are, excreted as well. It is imperative that you maintain sufficient levels of minerals in your body.
Additionally, we have found it essential to use remedies that facilitate drainage, Pekanas specifically (See www.bioresource.com). They help the body move the toxic debris to the various exit points (skin, urine, bowels, etc.). The Pekanas are herbal spagyric formulations in fluid.
Staying hydrated and maintaining bowel tolerance (just short of diarrhea) are also very important, even if you are not on a toxin eliminating protocol. To maintain bowel tolerance is important because toxins have a tendency to reabsorb into the body otherwise. Vitamin C has been the best means we have found. While the dosage and frequency vary with each individual, you should also note that not all Vitamin Cs are created equal. In our opinion, Pure Encapsulations has the best available. The company provides independent testing results for its products. Because we have had to deal with a variety of challenges including allergies and sensitivities, multiple surgeries, significant dental issues, malignant melanoma, porphyria, and chronic fatigue syndrome, Pure Encapsulations has been the purest and most cost effective as well.
A well rounded diet (preferably organic), pure water, exercise, and consistent good night’s sleep form the foundation for gaining and maintaining your health. These are the underpinnings of an effective, long-term toxin elimination protocol is based and only on which it can be successful.
Table 1: Synerplex Ingredients
- Alpha ketoglutarate
- Amino Blend from collagen and added sources
- Folic Acid
- L-alanine (free-form)
- L-arginine HCl
- L-glutamine (free-form)
- L-glycine (free-form)
- L-histidine (free-form)
- L-isoleucine (free-form)
- L-leucine (free-form)
- L-lysine HCl monohydrate
- L-methionine (free- form)
- L-phenylalanine (free- form)
- L-proline (free-form)
- L-serine (free-form)
- L-taurine (free-form)
- L-threonine (free-form)
- L-tyrosine (free-form)
- L-valine (free-form)
- Magnesium (as glycinate)
- Pyridoxal 5ąphosphate (activated B6)
Table 2: Krebs/Citric Acid Cycle
Reactions of the cycle: (biochem.siuc.edu/bmb_courses/.../mbmb451b_tcacycle.pdf)
- Citrate synthase
- Aconitase
- Isocitrate dehydrogenase
- α-Ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
- Succinyl-CoA synthase
- Succinate dehydrogenase
- Fumarase
- Malate dehydrogenase
Table 3: Chelorex Ingredients
- Vitamin E (as d-alpha-tocopherol succinate)
- Selenium (as sodium selenite)
- Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid)
- Zinc (as zinc citrate)
- Magnesium (as magnesium aspartate)
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid
- Taurine
- Cracked Cell Chlorella
- Cilantro (aerial parts) (from 10:1 extract)
- MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
- L-Glutamine
- NAC(N-Acetylcysteine)
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