Parkinson’s disease has become an extremely common neurological condition throughout the world. Eight and a half million people have Parkinson’s today, twice as many as in 2000. And, experts estimate that in the next 25 years, the number will nearly triple to 25.2 million.
People with Parkinson’s disease tend to struggle with balance and suffer from tremors and stiffness. Their brain neurons atrophy and their ability to move suffers. Unfortunately, there is no cure.
Are you likely to get Parkinson’s. Experts believe that only about 13 percent of people with Parkinson’s are genetically disposed to it. Researchers are still pinpointing other causes, but lifestyle and environment likely play a significant role. People are eating or breathing chemicals that increase their risk of Parkinson’s.
What can you do to reduce your risk? Exercise, eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods and, if possible, avoid polluted environments. In addition, drink coffee or tea. Caffeine has been found to lower people’s risk. Studies have shown that you can reduce your risk by 25-30 percent if you drink two cups of coffee or tea every day, even if you have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
Use a dry cleaner that does wet cleaning. Stay away from the dry cleaning solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), which is a carcinogen, as well as perchloroethylene (PCE). If your dry cleaner uses these chemicals, be sure to air your clothes outside of your home before bringing them inside. Of note, California bans them.
Use a water filter. Water filters with activated carbon and reverse osmosis can minimize your pesticide exposure. TCE and PCE chemicals are sometimes also found in drinking water. Stay away from pesticides. Inhaling pesticides also has been found to increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Ziram, maned and paraquat should be avoided. Eat organic foods and, if you don’t, wash your fruits and vegetables. Lastly, if possible, don’t live near a golf course. They tend to look good because they are maintained with pesticides.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Can Parkinson’s disease be treated?
- Have you gotten a bone density test?
- Why women are doubly likely to get Alzheimer’s as men
- What are the health benefits of eating organic foods?
- What counts as enough exercise?
