Supplements working?

[docjleonard55]

Been having these thoughts for a while. I have spent and continue to spend a lot of money on supplements. How do I know if they are working? I've tried things such as Tudca and citicoline, B1 and melatonin, all of which I stopped. Why? I just felt them to be ineffective(?) and not worth the expense. I continue with several supplements, but who knows. The only change I've seen in the 5 years since diagnosis is development of a right leg issue (weakness, wobbliness, very tight hip making walking impossible). Would it have been worse if not for the supplements? Any thoughts?

[MBAnderson]

I have the same experience. I have tried everything and haven’t noticed any benefit from anything. However, the stuff I take may be slowing down the progression. There is no way to know that. Compared to what? So, I have pared down the stuff I take, but will continue to take some things because it just might be doing good, albeit undetectable.

[crewmanwhite]

Your choice of supplements should always be supervised by a skilled naturopath experienced in successfully treating people with chronic disorders.

[MBAnderson in reply to crewmanwhite]

How do you know if someone is skilled -- considering there are doctors, scientists, nutritionists, and a full choir supporting each and every diet and every supplement ever mentioned for pwp, never mind the conflicting data and conflicting studies, with no real consensus on what is best.

The quacks sound just as convincing as competent naturopaths.

[docjleonard55 in reply to MBAnderson]

I hear ya MB. And I'm right there with you. How DO you know what is the best approach. I guess you just have to see how you feel with that practitioner. And do research on the doctors and other health care workers you want to see. I do that. I check reviews. And I pay attention to both good and bad. And I must be convinced that this is what I am looking for, or on to the next. You have to take charge of your own health, and whatever that entails. And hope for the best.

[crewmanwhite in reply to MBAnderson]

You are quite correct. There are many "gurus" out there claiming to have the solution for everything or a "cure" for something.

Avoid these people.

Look for someone who has gained their qualifications through hard work, has set up a practice where they give you time to explain your history and needs and will be your partner in wellness rather than your boss in illness.

You may be able to find someone, in person or online, who has already successfully helped many people with PD to reverse their symptoms but, if not, look for someone who treats many people with chronic disorders.

[Marcia123]

I have the same symptom and have try many supplements

[kathy775]

May I ask, how long did you take the TUDCA for?

[docjleonard55 in reply to kathy775]

Not sure but, I would say about 4-6 months

[kathy775]

Have you perhaps tried a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting? Re: TUDCA, it seems Restore Gold product also has TUDCA included, they say: "18% note no reduction in symptoms after three months. However, at thirty-six months, 74% reported a slowing or pausing of Parkinson’s progression." Seems this may work better if started in earlier stages of PD.

myparkinsonsteam.com/questi...

wehaveparkinsons.com/the-pr...

[docjleonard55 in reply to kathy775]

For years I did IF, not eating until after noon. I don't think it really helped. The keto diet I don't believe is healthy in the long run. I guess I just don't have patience to wait 1.5 years for something to work. I don't have unlimited resources and have to make a judgement on which supps I am taking.