ModerateGBS: 76 (Moderate-High Risk)nutrition

Parkinson's Integrative Support

Developer: Laurie Mischley, David Perlmutter

Ongoing disease management, goal to slow progression

Protocol Overview

Integrative protocol to slow progression and manage symptoms alongside conventional treatment. Combines nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle factors to support dopaminergic neurons.

Conditions Treated

Parkinson's disease

Protocol Steps

Continue conventional treatment: Carbidopa/levodopa or other Parkinson's meds - don't discontinue, this protocol is complementary

Diet: Mediterranean + MIND diet (combines Mediterranean + DASH for neurodegeneration), organic to reduce pesticide exposure (Paraquat, rotenone linked to PD), adequate protein but separate from levodopa by 30-60 min (protein interferes with absorption), avoid iron-fortified foods/supplements (iron accumulation in substantia nigra)

Mucuna pruriens: 15-30% L-dopa extract - natural levodopa source, may allow lower pharmaceutical dose (work with neurologist, don't combine without supervision)

NAC: 600mg 2x/day (increases glutathione - Parkinson's has severe glutathione depletion in substantia nigra)

Glutathione: Liposomal 500mg 2x/day OR IV glutathione (effective for some - not oral glutathione which doesn't absorb)

CoQ10: 1200-2400mg daily (high-dose studied in Parkinson's, mitochondrial support) - ubiquinol form

Vitamin D: Optimize >50 ng/ml (low D associated with PD, neuroprotection)

Omega-3: 2-3g EPA/DHA (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective)

Curcumin: 1-2g daily (anti-inflammatory, crosses BBB, neuroprotective)

Vitamin E: 400-800 IU mixed tocopherols (antioxidant, studied in PD)

B-vitamins: Methylated B-complex (levodopa depletes B6, support methylation)

Probiotics: GOS/inulin prebiotics + probiotic strains (constipation is major issue, gut-brain axis, alpha-synuclein in gut)

Avoid: Iron supplements (unless anemic), high-dose B6 >25mg (can reduce levodopa efficacy - controversial), antipsychotics (worsen PD), MSG

Exercise: Critical - forced exercise (cycling, boxing, dancing) shown to slow progression, resistance training, tai chi for balance (LSVT BIG program for PD-specific PT)

Sleep: Address REM sleep behavior disorder (common in PD - treat), melatonin 3-12mg (RBD and neuroprotection)

Environmental toxins: Avoid pesticides, well water (test for toxins), reduce heavy metals

Ketogenic diet: Emerging evidence - ketones as alternative brain fuel, may be neuroprotective

Medical cannabis: CBD:THC combinations for tremor, pain, sleep (individualized, not for everyone)

Red light therapy: 670nm red light shown to improve mitochondrial function in PD animal models, human pilot studies

Key Resources

Natural Therapies for Parkinson's Disease by Laurie Mischley, "Grain Brain" by David Perlmutter, Parkinson's nutrition research

Contraindications & Risks

Mucuna: Can interact with levodopa (monitor with neurologist), glutathione IV needs medical setting, high-dose CoQ10 can affect blood thinners

Important Notes

Parkinson's is complex - dopaminergic neuron loss in substantia nigra. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, protein misfolding (alpha-synuclein), and glutathione depletion all implicated. Nutrition matters: Pesticide exposure linked (Paraquat, Rotenone), iron accumulation problematic. Glutathione depletion is hallmark - NAC precursor or liposomal/IV glutathione. High-dose CoQ10 studied but results mixed. Exercise is medicine - forced exercise (beyond what patients would choose) shows neuroprotective effects. Boxing programs (Rock Steady Boxing) popular. Mucuna pruriens is natural L-dopa but must coordinate with neurologist. Timing of protein with levodopa important (protein competes for absorption). Constipation/gut issues major - alpha-synuclein in gut precedes brain (gut-brain axis). REM sleep behavior disorder often precedes PD by years. Mitochondrial support crucial. Ketogenic diet emerging as potential therapy. Red light (photobiomodulation) showing promise. Integrative approach complements pharmaceuticals, may slow progression.

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Herbs

Mucuna

Mucuna pruriens (Kapikacchu)

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 76 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score76 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperLaurie Mischley, David Perlmutter

DurationOngoing disease management, goal to slow progression

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.