[camlet]

Hi from Australia

I'm new here and hope I get a better response than on another Brain Talk site.

Most of us ,if not all join there sites to give and receive help

My question today is this

Has anyone tried to reduce their Sinemet intake ?

If so let us know

I have been on Antioxidants for two weeks and have been able to reduce mine by 50%

Jim

[made it up]

Originally Posted by camlet

Hi from Australia

I'm new here and hope I get a better response than on another Brain Talk site.

Most of us ,if not all join there sites to give and receive help

My question today is this

Has anyone tried to reduce their Sinemet intake ?

If so let us know

I have been on Antioxidants for two weeks and have been able to reduce mine by 50%

Jim

Hi Jim,
Hope you don't mind me asking this but....
How long have you had P.D.?
How long have you been on Sinemet and how many milligrams of it were you taking previously?
Glad to hear the anti oxidants are having a positive effect on you.
Cheers,
Lee

[camlet]

Originally Posted by made it up

Hi Jim,
Hope you don't mind me asking this but....
How long have you had P.D.?
How long have you been on Sinemet and how many milligrams of it were you taking previously?
Glad to hear the anti oxidants are having a positive effect on you.
Cheers,
Lee

Thanks Lee for your quick response
In answer to your questions
I was told I had Parkinson on my birthday 1998
put on a yellow I don't recall the name of then changed to Sinemet the next year. I started with 4 Sinemet which were OK until 2 years ago then I moved up to 5 per day. When I saw my Specialist a month ago he booked me in for DBS. During my visit he happened to mention he has some patients on 22 per day, so I decided to help myself.
now I'm down to 4 x 1/2 to 5 x 1/2 Sinemet per day

hope that helps

Jim

[imark3000]

Originally Posted by camlet

Hi from Australia

I'm new here and hope I get a better response than on another Brain Talk site.

Most of us ,if not all join there sites to give and receive help

My question today is this

Has anyone tried to reduce their Sinemet intake ?

If so let us know

I have been on Antioxidants for two weeks and have been able to reduce mine by 50%

Jim

Hello Jim,
WELCOME TO THE FORUM , I joined not so long time ago and found the most friendly crowd on earth (with a bit of exageration )
I am Iraqi and take load of antioxidants, herbs and supplements but not yet on sinement or any other PD regular medicine after 16 months of diagnosis.
My symptoms have worsened over this period but still mild enough not to force me to take sinemet.
It is impossible for me to assess if the anioxidants, herbs and supplements are doing a difference for me Because I have not tryed to stop them and see.
What you are telling us is very important because you provide a scale of comparison (i.e. reducing PD medication).
Can you please provide more information : for example what antioxidants you are taking, etc,

[camlet]

Originally Posted by imark3000

Hello Jim,
WELCOME TO THE FORUM , I joined not so long time ago and found the most friendly crowd on earth (with a bit of exageration )
I am Iraqi and take load of antioxidants, herbs and supplements but not yet on sinement or any other PD regular medicine after 16 months of diagnosis.
My symptoms have worsened over this period but still mild enough not to force me to take sinemet.
It is impossible for me to assess if the anioxidants, herbs and supplements are doing a difference for me Because I have not tryed to stop them and see.
What you are telling us is very important because you provide a scale of comparison (i.e. reducing PD medication).
Can you please provide more information : for example what antioxidants you are taking, etc,

In reply
Daily I take a the following combination of
Cellular Energizers and Antioxidants

co enzyme Q10
Vitamin E
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Omega 3 Fish Oil
DHEA
Ginko Biloba
Alpha lipoic acid
Acetyl-L-Camitine
Melatonin

regards
Jim

[lou_lou]

you are very correct -what made you think of doing this ?

here is an article that will back up what you have done -well done!

Antioxidants and Free Radical protection
ANTIOXIDANTS
Everyone, old and young alike, need antioxidants. People with active as well as sedentary lifestyles need antioxidants. No one is safe from the ravages of the environment, the erosion of the earth's ozone layer, processed foods, and even our body's own metabolic process.

Did you know breathing each day causes oxidation internally in your body, similar to a car rusting, and a fresh cut apple turning brown? You can bolster our body's defenses by eating the right foods, but if you have a hard time doing that, just take Oxygen Plus (see below)!

FREE RADICAL PROTECTION
There are seven different types of free radicals and several nutritional substances with antioxidant capabilities for each type.

Scientists now believe that by increasing the body's intake of antioxidants we can actually delay or prevent much of the deterioration and illness caused by aging; even, perhaps add five to ten years to our life span. The challenge: finding the right antioxidants, in the right amounts, to effectively target the different types of free radicals in the body.

Physicians and Biochemists in research centers such as UCLA, USC School of Pharmacy and Mt. Sinai Medical School has discovered:
Free radicals can cause cancer
Free radicals can cause atherosclerosis
Free radicals can cause emphysema
Free radicals can cause cataracts and glaucoma
Free radicals can cause high blood pressure
Free radicals can cause immune system deficiencies
Free radicals can cause heart disease
Free radicals can cause arthritis
Free radicals can cause stroke
Free radicals can cause Parkinson's Disease
Free radicals can cause various dermatoses
Free radicals can cause premature aging of the skin

OXYGEN PLUS is a combination of vitamins, minerals and special herbs in capsule form that help protect our body from free radicals that can cause damage to your cells, impairing the immune system and leading to various degenerative disease. Oxygen Plus counteracts seven known species of free radicals.

OXYGEN PLUS is a natural anti-aging, antioxidant breakthrough
Ingredients:

Bilberry - Its chief action as an antioxidant is its powerful synergy with Vitamin E. On the most basic level, it increases the resistance of blood capillaries and reduces their permeability.

Bilberry anthocyanosides also favorably affect the operation of crucial enzymes in the enzymes in the retinal cellular metabolism and function. It shows excellent anti-inflammatory action, it also inhibits cholesterol-induce atherosclerosis. Bilberry inhibits serum platelet aggregation (clotting). (25 mg)

Green Tea Extract - A health promoting and life prolonging antioxidant. It is rich in polyphenols that have been shown to inhibit the action of many common cancers causing chemicals and in protecting arteries against the damage caused by high fat diets. (250 mg)

Ginkgo Biloba - Improves memory loss, brain function, depression, cerebral and peripheral circulation, and oxygenation and blood flow. Good for tinnitus and glucose utilization. (25 mg)

Glutathione - A powerful antioxidant that inhibits the formation of free radicals. It protects against damage from cigarette smoking and radiation, helps reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and x-rays, and combats alcohol poisoning. As a detoxifying agent of metals and drugs, it aids in the treatment of blood and liver disorders. (1000 mcg)

Milk Thistle - Used for all liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Milk Thistle contains some of the most potent liver-protecting substances known. It prevents free radical damage by acting as an antioxidant; thus, protecting the liver. It stimulates the production of new liver cells and prevents the formation of damaging leukotrienes. It protects the kidneys and is beneficial to those with psoriasis. (25 mg)

Selenium - Is a vital antioxidant, especially when combined with Vitamin E as an antioxidant; selenium protects the immune system by preventing the formation of free radicals, which can damage the body. Selenium and vitamin E act synergistically to aid in the production of antibodies and help to maintain a healthy heart. This trace element is needed for pancreatic function and tissue elasticity. A partner/synergist with vitamin E, selenium is essential for the key enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (each enzyme molecule contains four selenium atoms). It stimulates increased antibody response to germ infection. (200 meg)

Beta-Carotene (vitamin A precursor)- This supplement prevents night blindness and other eye problems as well as some skin disorders such as acne. It enhances immunity, may promote gastrointestinal health, protects again pollution, and is needed for epithelial tissue maintenance and repair. It is important in the formation of bones and teeth, aids in fat storage. This important vitamin also slows the aging process. Without this supplement, the body cannot utilize protein. When food that contains beta-carotene is consumed, it is converted to vitamin A in the liver. Beta-carotene aids in cancer prevention, according to recent reports. No vitamin overdose can occur with beta-carotene, although the skin may turn slightly yellow-orange in color.

Vitamin A is necessary for healthy mucus cells and promotes germ-killing enzymes. Beta-carotene and vitamin A destroy carcinogens (cancer-producing substances). (2500 I.U.)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) - Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland functions, and healthy gums. It protects against the harmful effects of pollution, protects against infections, and enhances immunity.

It also may reduce cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis. Essential in the formation of collagen, vitamin C protects against blood clotting and bruising and promotes the healing of wounds and the production of anti-stress hormones. It also aids in interferon production.

It is needed for the metabolism of folic acid, tyrosine, and phenylalanine.

New evidence indicates that vitamin C and vitamin E works synergistically, that is, when they work together, they have a greater effect than when they work separately. Vitamin E scavenges dangerous oxygen radicals in the cell membrane, while vitamin C breaks free radical properties in biologic fluids. Both these vitamins greatly extend antioxidant activity.

In addition to increasing interferon production, vitamin C is a potent stimulator of T-effector cell activity. Vitamin C reduces lipid production in the brain and spinal cord, which frequently incur radical damage. These sites can be protected by significant amounts of vitamin C, which is needed to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Vitamin C acts as a more potent free radical scavenger in the presence of a bioflavonoid called hesperidin. (100 mg)

Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol succinate) - Vitamin E is an antioxidant. This supplement improves circulation, and is useful in treating fibrocystic breasts and premenstrual syndrome. It also promotes normal clotting and healing, reduces scarring from some wounds, reduces blood pressure, aids in preventing cataracts, improves athletic performance and aids in leg cramps.

Vitamin E also prevents cell damage by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and the formulation of free radicals. It regards aging and may prevent age spots as well. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that prevents fat and cell membrane rancidity and protects the coating around each cell.

Vitamin E improves oxygen utilization and enhances immune response. New evidence suggests that Zinc is needed to maintain normal blood concentration of Vitamin E. (15 I.U.)

WHERE DO WE GET FREE RADICALS?

Free radicals are generated by stress, cigarette smoke, aldehydes, dibasic acids, rancid oils, polyvalent metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, etc.), sodium nitrite (a cold cut preservative), nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides, ozone and radiation (x-rays, nuclear fall out, cosmic rays, chemicals from food and water).

Even exercise creates free radicals as a result of toxic by-products of exhaustion.

Most of the free radicals in the body are the results of a chemical process known a lipid peroxidation. Lipids are oils and fats that are essential parts of the cells. It is when externally caused reactions get out of control that we run into problems.

HOW DO WE ELMINATE FREE RADICALS?

There are number of vitamins and herbs that inactivate free radicals. Most vitamins and nutrients classified as antioxidants are also free radical inactivaters.

Very few individual, if any, reach their potential maximum life span; they die instead prematurely of a wide variety of diseases - the vast majority being "free radicals diseases.
(Denham Harman, M.D., Ph.D.)

___________

article 2



FindArticles > Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients > Dec, 2005 > Article >

Dr. Denham Harman & aging

Jule Klotter

When Denham Harman, MD, PhD, first introduced his theory that free radical reactions were responsible for the deterioration associated with aging in 1955, the idea was dismissed as "too simple to explain such a complex process as aging." In a two-part interview with Richard Passwater, Harman explains that US Navy research on free radical damage caused by radiation exposure, prompted his theory that aging results from free radical activity that occurs in the body. As a former researcher at Shell Development Company, and then as a resident in internal medicine and research associate at the Donner Laboratory of Medical Physics (University of California-Berkeley) in 1954, Harman had the background in radiation chemistry and biology to understand that free radical reactions, which result during radiation exposure, naturally occur in the human body, given the cells' constant exposure to oxygen. At that time, evidence of free radical activity in biological systems was scarce; it had just been found in yeast by St. Louis researchers. Dietary antioxidants were known to provide protection against radiation exposure. By 1957, Harman showed that the same compounds extended the median life span of mice undergoing normal aging. Antioxidants did not, however, increase maximum life expectancy--the "biological clock."

In 1972, Harman modified his theory of aging by proposing that free radical damage to the mitochondria determines maximum life span. The maximum life span for humans is 115-120 years. Most oxygen reactions (which produce free radicals) occur in the mitochondria, but the mitochondrial inner membrane is very selective and will not readily admit most antioxidants. However, researchers have identified a few antioxidants that protect mitochondria. Coenzyme Q-10 slows mitochondria deterioration without interfering with ATP production. The antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid and acetyl carnitine can actually reverse mitochondrial aging in young animals.

Controlling energy output is another way to reduce mitochondrial aging. Free radical damage to mitochondria increases and decreases according to how much we eat and how intensely we exercise. Oxygen consumption increases as food intake and exercise increases. In the Passwater interview, Harman tells about rat experiments in which decreasing caloric intake resulted in "decreased body weight and oxygen consumption by 40%, increased average life expectancy at birth by 40%, and increased maximum life span by 49%.... In essence, by decreasing caloric intake we decrease our exposure to internal radiation."

Harman, who was the subject of a CBS News report in June 2003, at age 87, told Passwater that he takes 200 milligrams of vitamin E per day; ten milligrams of coenzyme Q-10 with each meal; one yeast tablet containing 50 micrograms of selenium twice a day, and a multivitamin. "There are other things involved in living a long life," he says. "These include keeping your weight down at a level compatible with a sense of well-being, getting a moderate amount of exercise, little or no smoking, and minimal alcohol." At the time of the CBS News report, he was still researching aging--without pay--at the University of Nebraska Medical Center from 7 am to 3 pm, five days a week. He "officially" retired from his teaching position at age 70. "If you don't stay busy," he says, "you die. I don't want to die right now."

Associated Press. Finding the Fountain of Youth. 13 June 2003 (Accessed www.cbsnews.com on 8 September 2005)

Colman, John. Denham Harman--A Pioneer in Gerontology and Anti-aging Research. Life Extension July 2004

Passwater RA, PhD. The Free-Radical Theory of Aging: Part I--How It All Began (Interview with Dr. Denham Harman) (Accessed at www.healthy.net on 8 September 2005)

Passwater RA, PhD. The Free-Radical Theory of Aging: Part II--Calorie Restriction, Free Radicals and New Research. Accessed at
www.healthy.net
on 7 September 2005

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

Originally Posted by camlet

Hi from Australia

I'm new here and hope I get a better response than on another Brain Talk site.

Most of us ,if not all join there sites to give and receive help

My question today is this

Has anyone tried to reduce their Sinemet intake ?

If so let us know

I have been on Antioxidants for two weeks and have been able to reduce mine by 50%

Jim

[dotty]

I am on sinemet plus .I was diagnoised just over 2years ago.My pd is mild at moment,worried i have been given sinemet to soon

[ZucchiniFlower]

Jim, I'd heard of antioxidants slowing progression, but I didn't realize they can help with symptoms to such a degree. Which ones are you taking, and how much? Thanks.