Category: Diet

Managing your Mitochondria

On By ponderingpdIn DietLeave a comment

“Neurons giveth and neurons taketh away” Abhijit Naskar

Since my diagnosis, I have learned so much about my brain. I’m embarrassed to admit that I never ever paid attention to the care that it needs over a lifetime so I’m sharing this now with the hope that if you are reading it, you will take it to heart….or take it to brain!

The following article explains it much better than I ever could Dr. Frank Lipman MD on Mitochondrial Health

Based on the knowledge that I have acquired;

  • I practice intermittent fasting; no eating between 8pm and 12 noon.

  • The first thing that I eat every day is an avocado which contains the healthy fat needed to feed my mitochondria and get them off to a great start.

  • I take a few supplements (based on testing done with my naturopath) like Omega 3 oil, MCT oil, and others aimed at boosting the production and improving the pathway of glutathione.

  • I spend time in the sun (my first love!) in healthy quantities and at optimal times of the day, but I have to be very careful due to the increased risk of skin cancer in people with PD.

  • I am trying desperately to get better sleep – although this is not something that I have obtained yet – I keep a sleep diary to help pinpoint what works and what doesn’t.

  • I exercise daily. Elliptical trainer, spin bike, rower, weights. And I walk my dog.

  • I do yoga and try really hard to meditate, but it is crazy-difficult to calm my brain.

  • Finally, (and this is the hardest part) I am trying to reduce/eliminate processed/refined sugar.

    I’ve gone weeks and even months without sugar, but it always manages to creep back into my diet. I love chocolate so I try to only eat the really dark kind, but I am weak! I love that cheesy/caramel popcorn. I love cookies. I love pie. I love cake. I love alcohol.

    But they don’t love me back. Before I reach for a mitochondrial menace, I ask myself; “What is this doing to your brain?”

    Sometimes, I put it back.

    Other times I say “What the heck”

    I am currently in the middle of Easter weekend surrounded by temptation and treats – I’ll get back on track this week!


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An Apple a Day

On By ponderingpdIn Diet, Living with Parkinson's, PD Progression

And that’s about how long it takes to peel one!

With this beautiful season comes trips to the Pumpkin Patch and the Apple Orchard and yummy fall baking. Two favourite recipes I like to make at this time of year are Roasted Squash Soup and Pumpkin Spice Muffins. Both of these call for peeled apples.

While peeling an apple is something most people do mindlessly and effortlessly, for me, this is a most dreaded task.

Parkinson’s Disease is a movement disorder that can impact coordination. Some activities that require my hands to do two different things at the same time (ie. peeling an apple) are extremely frustrating to do. It is both a physical challenge and a mental challenge. My brain has to focus intently on making my fingers/hands move correctly and my whole body seems to get involved in supporting the muscles in my hands! My shoulders, neck & back are exhausted by the time I’ve finished the job.

Isn’t that ridiculous?

If it’s not a ‘good’ day, I’ll sometimes ask for help. But I think this is something I need to keep doing. Use it or lose it!

But it is certainly worth it! Great soup and healthy muffins!


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