Parkinson's disease linked to pesticide exposure

Added 02.10.2009

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's is a progressive, degenerative disease of the central nervous system that is characterised by tremors, muscular rigidity, slow and decreased movement, speech changes and postural instability. The exact cause is not known; however, many scientists believe that it is due to the death or dysfunction of cells producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. The result is a lask of dopamine, which in the long run, results in the slow deterioration of the central nervous system.

In the UK, around 120,000 people have Parkinson's and 10,000 new cases being diagnosed each year. One in 20 of these cases involve people under the age of 40.

Genetics and environmental factors seem to play a role and today, scientists have discovered that environmental toxins, such as pesticides increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.

Herbicides and fungicides trigger Parkinson's

Various studies have shown a link between pesticides and Parkinson's disease. One study in particular revealed people working in industries that use pesticides or that live in close proximity (within 500 metres) of areas that are sprayed with pesticides are at a 75% increased risk of the disease. The effect of two commonly used pesticides were investigated during a scientific study: N,N'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridinium dichloride (brand name paraquat), a herbicide; and dithiocarbamate (brand name maneb), a fungicide.

Interestingly, exposure to both pesticides increased the risk of Parkinson's as did being exposed at a young age.

What can help get rid of toxins from your body?

Since we live in a highly industrialised world, to avoid all environmental toxins would be near impossible. However, there are natural ways to help reduce the toxins circulating around your body. Chlorella, a microscopic algae, has been scientifically documented to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, toxins from the body. These include pesticides, PCBs, dioxins, aluminium, mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, uranium and sulphites.

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Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:

For many years we have known that there is a close relationship between certain types of pollutants and the risk of developing several serious and even life-threatening diseases. This particular study finds a clear relationship between exposure to pesticides (in air, food and drinking water) and the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Individually, we cant' easily do much about global pollution, but we have the option of preventing the damaging effects of pollution on ourselves by taking certain "detox" natural, side effect-free nutritional supplements on a daily basis. In this particular case, the damaging effect of pesticides can be reduced by taking daily supplements with chlorella. Remember however, that the chlorella should be organically grown in order to achieve the best detox effect.

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