AKG, AAKG, and my Parkinson’s
Mon, April 18, 2022 It has been six years since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. (PD.) I am fortunate that the progression of the disease has been slow, and I like to think that this is largely due to my paying attention to my diet, exercise, and certain supplements I take on a regular basis.
The only medication I take is the very basic Levodopa/Carbidopa that has been around since the 1930s. It is relatively inexpensive compared to the latest treatments, probably contains more natural ingredients, and has less side effects. I also take a natural supplement, Dopa Mucuna which is a plant-based form of Dopamine.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that the body normally produces naturally, but sometimes as we age the body stops producing dopamine, which is the cause of Parkinson’s. Unfortunately, one cannot simply take a pill to replace the dopamine.
Most of what we take orally, never makes it past the gut and our digestive system, let alone make it to the brain where it is needed. It is better we exercise, eat healthy, and encourage the body to take care of itself.
In 2017 I started taking AKG and AAKG, supplements that are relatively safe, and are used by body builders to improve muscle mass, and endurance. At some point around 2019 I stopped taking it, I guess I felt there was no benefit.
About six months ago I came across a container of left-over AKG capsules. The expiration date was still good, so rather than throw them away, I decided to take them. This coincided with a disturbing development with my PD.
The only adverse effect with my PD up to that point was a tremor in my right hand, and the medication and supplements seemed to be taking care of that. This new development was in my facial muscles, my mouth would make involuntary movements, and my jaw would lock. This was somewhat painful and made it difficult to speak.
However, after about a week of taking the AKG capsules, I began to see an improvement. My wife even noticed and asked. “What are you doing different?” I got back with the manufacturers named “Simplesa,” and found that since 2019 they had improved the “Protocol” to include:·
- · AKG,
- · AAKG,
- · Ubiquinol,
- · GABA,
- · Niacin.
Linked to the above list are articles explaining each of these ingredients. You can also do your own search, there are plenty of reliable online resources.
I eat a plant-based diet, I have not eaten meat since 2017. Fish, cheese, milk and eggs are my main source of protein. I eat a lot of fruit and green vegetables. I find as I grow older, I can get by on less food. I eat only twice a day, breakfast around 9 am. or 10 am. Evening meal is usually done by 6 or 7 pm.
This means I am effectively fasting 14 hours a day from 7 at night to 9 in the morning. This means my gut and digestive system gets a break each day.
I do not ride my bike as much as I used to, now I am in my eighties I am concerned with falling. I walk regularly, at a brisk pace for an hour or so. So far the Parkinson’s has not affected my walking. There are some nature trails near where I live, that are hilly and quite challenging. I also have a weight machine at home and do weights every other day.
As usual I must point out that I am not qualified to give medical advice, but I am simply stating what I have found to work for me. I know the Simplesa Protocol is working. I take three doses a day at six-hour intervals, and if I get off schedule, or miss a dose, I soon feel the facial seizures returning.
If you or someone you know has PD or possibly some other neurological condition, I hope you may find this useful. The human body is a wondrous thing, and for the most part will heal itself, but you must give it a fighting chance to do so.
Reader Comments (4)
Dave,
I am glad to hear that your routine is still working well for you.
The problem with PD and many other chronic conditions is that many people have other medical issues as well.
This often limits the supplements and drugs that they can take and may also interfere with diet and exercise.
It is ashamed that there isn't better support to help people figure out these issues.
Thanks for sharing such valuable info!
Ed,'
It is a shame that with all the money that is poured into the various charities, they do not to more to inform people. But of course taking natural supplements does not follow Big Pharma and the Medical rule book.
Dave
I don't have PD, but I found out through consumer genetic tests that I have a higher than average chance of getting it (GBA mutation). I volunteered to be a cohort in a clinical research study about the time you were diagnosed (PPMI). It's been an interesting experience - spinal taps, neuro exams, meeting neurologists and other folks with various risk factors and progression.
I have no advice, I just wanted to connect.
Best from Concord, CA.