Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disease that primarily affects specific brain stem cells responsible for the production of dopamine. Dopamine is necessary for the transmission of impulses from one nerve cell to another. Inadequate dopamine levels result in specific neurological symptoms that characterize Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, simply taking a dopamine supplement won't work because dopamine can not cross the blood-brain barrier.
Although there are many theories, there is no known cure for Parkinson's disease so treatment has primarily consisted of therapies that increase dopamine levels in the brain, which improve the transmission of nerve impulses. This is usually accomplished by using L-dopa (levodopa) which, unlike dopamine, can pass through the delicate blood-brain barrier. Once there, L-dopa is converted to dopamine.
Possible Causes for Parkinson's
Pesticides and herbicides could be possible causes for Parkenson's. Individuals who spray insecticides inside the home have twice the risk of developing Parkinson's when compared to those who don't. Studies have also shown that farming communities where drinking water is contaminated with these chemicals have a higher rate of the disease. Pesticide levels in brain tissue are higher in victims of Parkinson's than in the general population. [Neurology 98;50:1346-50]
Animal studies have consistently shown that Parkinson-like symptoms and physical changes in the brain identical to those of Parkinson's sufferers develop with exposure to certain chemicals. Aspartame (NutraSweet) and monosodium glutamate (MSG) are two chemicals that break down into compounds that are thought to cause damage to nerve receptors in the brain. Some people experiencing the beginning stages of Parkinson's have reportedly returned to normal after switching to sugar instead of aspartame but there are no studies that document this effect.
Coincidence or Design?
Although the Vatican has never acknowledged the fact, it is obvious that Pope John Paul II suffers from Parkinson's disease. Over the last few years, his speech has become slurred, his left hand has developed a tremor, and he has difficulty moving about.
In June, the Pope was visited by Dr. Luc Montagnier, the president of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention. Dr. Montagnier is the co-discoverer of the AIDS virus, along with Dr. Robert Gallo back in 1983. The purpose of the audience was to try and convince the Pope to relax the Catholic Church's stance on the use of condoms for AIDS protection.
Apparently, during his audience on June 10th, 2002, with the Pope, Dr. Montagnier gave the Pontiff a papaya extract to take to help improve his Parkinson's disease. The Vatican won't confirm or deny that the Pope is using the product. What has been confirmed, however, is that, since Dr. Montagnier's visit, there has been a remarkable change in the Pope's symptoms. Whether the change is related to an act of God, the extract, or something else, can't be determined.
In August, the Pope traveled to Canada and Poland. In Poland, the Pope was able to deliver his own speech for the first time in several months. Reporters traveling with the Pope have also confirmed that his speech is much stronger and clearer. He has more stamina and energy. Reports from the Vatican say only that he is feeling much better.
Behind the Scenes
What Dr. Montagnier gave the Pope is a product called Immun'Age FPP (Fermented Papaya Preparation), which is manufactured by a Japanese company called Osato. Immun'Age is produced from non-genetically modified papayas that are grown in Hawaii. The papayas undergo a fermentation process and are then dried and ground into a fine powder. The final product is packed in 3-gram foil packs. Immun'Age was first developed in 1969 and has been on the Japanese market for about the last 10 years. It is sold primarily as an immune booster.
Dr. Montagnier feels that the product's ability to scavenge free radicals is what makes it effective in helping Parkinson's disease. He has also started testing the product in AIDS patients in Africa. So far, the studies have been on very small groups but the results appear to be very positive. When used in combination with AIDS drugs, it seems to stimulate immune activity. There are also indications that it helps with weight gain and improved hemoglobin levels. Larger, more extensive trials are currently being planned.
Dr. Montagnier recommended that the Pope take two sachets, or packets, of the powder daily-one in the morning and another in the evening. For best results, the powder should be dumped under the tongue and taken on an empty stomach. Dr. Montagnier says that whenever he first feels a cold coming on he immediately takes two sachets, which stops the cold before it gets started. This seems to work only if it is taken at the very first sign of a cold.
Hard to Find
Outside of Japan, the product isn't that well known. If people begin to see a difference in their Parkinson's symptoms, that may change. The product isn't cheap. One box of 30 sachets cost $60. A month's supply at the dosage Dr. Montagnier recommends (two sachets a day) would run about $125 with shipping. Discounts are available for volume purchases which can drop the price as low as $54 or lower.
Unfortunately, more research is needed on the product. However, it's natural and there haven't been any reports of serious side effects. Another plus is that it seems to work rather quickly. You should be able to tell within a couple of weeks if it's going to help you. For more information about FPP and toll-free numbers on where to purchase it, go to the Product Guide on this web site.
Self-treatment for Parkinson's is not recommended because, regardless of therapy, it is a disease that needs monitoring.
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