Category: Parkinson’s

Detox, Lymphatic Health, Parkinson's, Toxicity, Womens Health

Unlocking the Power of Your Lymphatic System: Why Lymphatic Health Matters

As a naturopath, one of the most overlooked areas for total health is the lymphatic system—a vital network that plays a central role in detoxification, immune function, and inflammation control.

What Is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a complex network of lymph vessels, nodes, and organs (like the spleen, tonsils, and thymus) that act as the body’s waste disposal and immune surveillance system. It helps remove toxins, cellular debris, metabolic waste, and pathogens—keeping your internal environment clean and balanced.

Unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system relies on movement, breath, hydration, and manual stimulation to circulate lymph fluid. That means when lifestyle or health issues slow this system down, toxins accumulate and inflammation rises.

The Benefits of a Healthy Lymphatic System

Keeping your lymphatic system flowing optimally supports nearly every other system in your body. Benefits include:

Improved Immunity
Lymph nodes filter pathogens, while lymphatic vessels transport white blood cells to fight infections efficiently.

Efficient Detoxification
Good lymphatic flow helps clear environmental toxins, metabolic waste, heavy metals, and excess hormones—lightening the load on your liver and kidneys.

Inflammation Control
Lymphatic drainage reduces tissue swelling and helps resolve inflammation, supporting conditions like arthritis, allergies, and chronic pain.

Clearer Skin and Reduced Puffiness
Lymph congestion can show up as acne, eczema, cellulite, or facial puffiness—especially under the eyes or around the jawline.

Increased Mental Clarity and Energy
When toxins are cleared efficiently and the immune system is calm, mental fog lifts and fatigue reduces.

Hormonal Balance
The lymphatic system helps metabolize and excrete excess hormones, especially estrogen, which can support relief from PMS, fibroids, and hormonal acne.

The Deeper Impact: Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Links

Emerging research and clinical insights have shown that poor lymphatic function may contribute to chronic inflammation, a known driver of autoimmune disorders such as:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  • Lupus
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Psoriasis

When lymph flow is stagnant, immune signaling becomes distorted. This can increase the risk of the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues—a hallmark of autoimmune disease. Supporting lymphatic flow may help regulate immune function and reduce inflammatory flare-ups.

There’s also growing awareness of the link between impaired lymphatic drainage and neurodegenerative diseases such as:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Cognitive decline and brain fog

The brain relies on its own unique lymphatic-like system, called the glymphatic system, to clear metabolic waste and neurotoxins. This system is most active during deep sleep. When the glymphatic system is sluggish—often due to dehydration, poor sleep, stress, or systemic congestion—neurotoxic buildup can occur, contributing to memory issues, brain fog, and cognitive decline.

What Happens When the Lymphatic System Is Sluggish?

Signs of poor lymphatic drainage can include:

  • Chronic fatigue or low energy
  • Brain fog or poor memory
  • Recurring infections or slow recovery
  • Swelling in the hands, feet, or face
  • Digestive sluggishness
  • Skin conditions such as eczema or acne
  • Muscle aches, joint pain, or stiffness
  • Headaches, particularly around the eyes or base of the skull

These may be early warning signs that your lymphatic system is struggling to eliminate waste, leading to increased inflammation and immune dysregulation.

How to Support Your Lymphatic System Naturally

Fortunately, you can support your lymphatic health with simple daily habits:

  • We love Chelsey Jean’s lymphatic massage gloves the best! You can also purchase via our online store HERE
  • Dry skin brushing and lymphatic massage
  • Gentle movement such as walking, yoga, swimming, or rebounding on a mini trampoline
  • Adequate hydration—aim for 2 to 3 litres of water per day
  • Deep diaphragmatic breathing to stimulate lymph flow through the thoracic duct
  • A whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet
  • Herbal and nutritional support as guided by Naturopath Lisa in an appointment for your individual circumstances
  • Castor oil packs over the abdomen or liver area to gently stimulate detox

Want to know more?

The lymphatic system is central to your body’s ability to detoxify, heal, and defend against disease. Whether you’re managing chronic inflammation, autoimmune symptoms, fatigue, or simply want to feel lighter and more vibrant, supporting your lymphatic flow can make a remarkable difference.

Book a lymphatic treatment at our clinic !

Naturopath Lisa now offers complete Lymphatic Health Sessions explaining lymphatic health in your particular circumstances, what you can do to help, diet and recipes, suggested supplements and demonstrating lymphatic drainage for your body and face for you to do at home. Optional choice to also purchase the Chelsey Jean massage gloves and lymphatic creams at the end of the session for home use.

BOOK NOW

Anti-Inflammatory, Parkinson's, Parkinsons, Recipes, vegan

High-Fibre Quinoa Bowl to Support Brain Health

A delicious anti-inflammatory, high-fibre recipe designed to support Parkinson’s healing. Packed with turmeric, ginger, fibre-rich legumes, leafy greens, and omega-3s to nourish the brain and body.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

Main Bowl:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1/2 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 cups chopped kale or baby spinach
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 cup grated or thinly sliced carrot
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder (or fresh turmeric, grated)
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or flaxseed oil (cold-pressed, added at the end)
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds
  • Unsweetened coconut yogurt
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, coriander)

Instructions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, lentils, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until quinoa and lentils are soft and broth is mostly absorbed.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, turmeric, carrot, and zucchini. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes.
  3. Add kale or spinach and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until wilted.
  4. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, ground flaxseed, and olive or flaxseed oil.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve in bowls and top with your choice of hemp seeds, herbs, or coconut yogurt.

Tips:

  • For extra creaminess and calcium, stir in 1 tbsp of tahini before serving.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with calming herbal teas for an evening meal such as chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower in the evening to support nervous system calm and better sleep.

Parkinson's

Natural Ways to Enhance Sleep Quality in Parkinson’s

Sleep disturbances are very common in Parkinson’s. They affect up to 80% of individuals. There are many natural, lifestyle, and supplement approaches that can help improve both sleep quality and duration.

🧠 Why Sleep Is Challenging in Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s affects both the brain and nervous system, which can disrupt:

  • The circadian rhythm (your internal clock)
  • Melatonin production
  • Muscle control (leading to stiffness or tremors during the night)
  • Bladder function (causing nighttime urination)
  • REM sleep (due to REM Sleep Behavior Disorder)

🌙 Ways People with Parkinson’s Can Improve Sleep

Here are some targeted strategies:

1. Support the Circadian Rhythm

  • Get morning sunlight within 30–60 minutes of waking. If you can, also in the afternoon before sunset. On bright cloudless days, view morning and afternoon sun for 10 minutes. On cloudy days, aim for 20 minutes. On very overcast days, spend 30-60 minutes. The retina of your eyes sends the correct signals to the brain that its daytime and you need to be awake.
  • Keep a consistent sleep-wake schedule even on the weekends. Sleeping in late can jetlag and confuse your body clock.
  • Wake up at the same time every day. Go to bed as soon as you begin to feel naturally sleepy. Ignoring that initial drowsy window and staying up too late can disrupt your sleep cycle. This is a common reason why some people wake around 3 a.m. and struggle to fall back asleep.
  • Dim lights and reduce screen time 1–2 hours before bed. No bright lights after 10pm at the latest! Bright artificial light in the evening will tell your brain its daytime. Screens, especially blue light, suppresses melatonin. Use only as much artificial light at night as you need to move around safely. While blue-light-blocking glasses can offer some protection, it’s still best to keep lighting low and soft. Bright lights—regardless of color—can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm.
  • Consider a comfortable sleep mask to block out any artificial light coming from under doors, windows, clocks etc. You need to sleep in pitch black. Also consider black out curtains in your bedroom.
  • Dont eat at least 3 hours before bed, 4 if you can. Eating late closer to bedtime can disrupt the release of certain hormones. These include HGH (human growth hormone) and melatonin. They are essential for a good night’s sleep.

2. Balance Dopamine

  • Stress reduces dopamine and increases cortisol, which can disrupt sleep. Try deep breathing or vagus nerve exercises, gentle stretching or restorative yoga, journaling, guided meditation or limbic system retraining.
  • Spend time doing things that bring you joy or help you unwind—these activities may naturally boost dopamine levels. This could be anything from gentle exercise, meditation, yoga, or a soothing massage. You might also enjoy a head massage from your partner or do it yourself. Other options include laughing, cuddling a pet, taking a walk in nature, or getting lost in a good book. Prioritising pleasure and relaxation is not just comforting—it’s healing.
  • Eat a magnesium and tyrosine rich dinner, but not too late (no later than 3 hours before bed), to naturally support dopamine.
  • Ensure you have sufficient magnesium, B6 and iron levels. Book an appointment with Naturopath Lisa to discuss further.

3. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

  • Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Adjust the bedroom temperature to be cool enough to snuggle under the blankets. Make sure it’s not so cold that you’re uncomfortable however. The ideal room temperature for sleep is generally considered to be between 15.6-19°C / 60-67°F . This cooler temperature helps regulate your body’s natural cooling process. It aids in preparing for sleep. This promotes deeper and more restful sleep. 
  • Use a weighted blanket for comfort and nervous system calming (if tolerated)
  • Try white noise or calming sleep sounds

4. Movement and Exercise

  • Gentle movement (like walking or stretching) earlier in the day can improve nighttime sleep
  • Avoid intense exercise too close to bedtime

5. Natural Sleep Support

  • Magnesium glycinate, magnesium threonate, melatonin (low dose), L-theanine, glycine, herbs like passionflower, hops and lemon balm may help (always consult your doctor or naturopath, especially if you are taking medications, before starting any supplements. )
  • Avoid stimulants like caffeine and sugar in the after noon. And if you are on a natural healing path for PD you should not be consuming these at all!

6. For Bladder Issues Waking You

  • Stop drinking large amounts of fluid 3 hours before bed. Still hydrate well during the day—just taper off in the evening
  • Avoid bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
  • Ensure you have adequate magnesium as low magnesium is linked with bladder spasms and poor muscle control. Supplementing with magnesium glycinate or citrate may help calm the bladder and nervous system (and also improve sleep!).
  • Make sure you are not constipated. Constipation puts pressure on the bladder and worsens urgency at night. Support regular bowel movements with good hydration, fibre (chia, flax, psyllium), magnesium, gentle movement.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises. Simple, daily pelvic floor strengthening (like Kegels) can improve bladder control and reduce nighttime leaks or urgency. Consider seeing a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor. There are also helpful YouTube videos showing you simple exercises to improve bladder health in PD. There are also physiotherapy tips on how to completely empty your bladder which may be useful before bed.
  • Calm your nervous system as being in “fight or flight” worsens bladder sensitivity. Practice limbic retraining.
  • Some people benefit from abdominal massage in the evening to stimulate bladder emptying before sleep.
  • There are numerous herbs that can help such as crataeva, horsetail, cornsilk and uva ursi however if you are on any medications please check with a naturopath first.

✅ Can Sleep Actually Improve Symptoms?

Yes! Better sleep can help:

  • Reduce daytime fatigue and brain fog
  • Lower inflammation and oxidative stress
  • Improve mood and mobility
  • Support the glymphatic system (your brain’s detox process)

✨ Final Thought:

Yes, sleep can improve with Parkinson’s—sometimes dramatically. It often requires a layered, personalized approach, but small steps like improving your sleep environment, supporting natural rhythms, and calming the nervous system can lead to deeper, more restorative rest.

💛 Need Personalised Support?

If you’re looking for natural ways to manage Parkinson’s symptoms, improve sleep, balance dopamine, and feel more like you again, you’re not alone.

🌿 Lisa is an experienced naturopath who specialises in holistic care for people with Parkinson’s. She offers personalised strategies that support your healing journey—gently, safely, and with compassion.

👉 Book a one-on-one appointment today to get tailored support, clarity, and a plan that works for you.

[Click here to book your session with Lisa]

Let’s walk this path together—naturally.

lymphatic drainage massage gloves used to support detoxification, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation in natural Parkinson’s healing routines
Lymphatic Health, Parkinson's

Why Lymphatic Health Matters in Parkinson’s—and How Massage Gloves Can Help

When managing Parkinson’s disease, most people focus on the brain—and rightly so. But healing requires more than dopamine support and medication. There’s a powerful, often overlooked system that plays a major role in your recovery: the lymphatic system.

Why the Lymphatic System Matters in Parkinson’s

Your lymphatic system is your body’s internal drainage network. It helps:

  • Remove toxins, inflammatory waste, and pathogens
  • Circulate immune cells to fight infection
  • Regulate fluid balance and reduce swelling
  • Support brain and nerve detoxification

For those with Parkinson’s—where inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotoxins are already at play—supporting lymphatic flow is essential. A sluggish lymph system can worsen symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, stiffness, and poor detox tolerance.

Brain Detox: The Glymphatic System

Your brain has its own “lymphatic” system, called the glymphatic system, which:

  • Flushes out waste and damaged proteins
  • Activates during deep sleep
  • Helps clear inflammatory compounds from the brain

Poor sleep, chronic stress, and lymph stagnation can slow this process—contributing to neurodegeneration and worsening symptoms in Parkinson’s. Supporting lymph flow improves this brain-cleansing cycle.

Enter: Lymphatic Massage Gloves

One simple way to support your lymphatic system from home is by using lymphatic massage gloves. You can use gloves like the ones from Chelsey Jean.

✅ Benefits of Lymphatic Massage Gloves:

  • Boost lymphatic circulation
  • Reduce puffiness, inflammation, and fluid retention
  • Improve energy, detoxification, and immune function
  • Calm the nervous system and support parasympathetic healing
  • Can be used daily in just 2 minutes!

How to Use Lymphatic Gloves

  1. Start with dry skin, ideally in the morning using the spiky side not the roller ball side.
  2. Brush inhttps://player.vimeo.com/video/475399815?h=800702796d” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”> light, upward strokes toward your heart and lymph nodes (underarms, groin, behind knees, chest, neck)
  3. Use very gentle pressure, like feathered strokes —you’re stimulating the skin, not scrubbing
  4. Then use the magnetic ball side of the gloves in the shower, or after applying LymFATic Cream or MagFATics spray.
  5. Follow with good hydration and movement (like a short walk) to flush the system

Watch a video by Chelsey Jean on how to use her gloves HERE

🚨IMPORTANT NOTE WHEN STARTING OUT 🚨

  • When starting out only use the gloves once every 4 or 5 days.
  • Just start with the spiky side of the gloves ONLY for the first month not the magnetic roller ball side.
  • The more toxic you are, the more you will “detox.” You will feel the effects such as a runny nose, tiredness, headaches, and flu-like symptoms if you over do it.

Why Lymphatic Health Matters in Parkinson’s

People with Parkinson’s often have:

  • A sluggish detox system
  • Increased inflammation in the brain and body
  • Greater sensitivity to medications and supplements
  • Swelling or fluid retention in the limbs
  • Poor mitochondrial function and fatigue

Supporting lymphatic flow can help reduce this burden, improving how the brain and body function—especially when paired with hydration, rest, and gentle movement.

My Recommended Tool: Chelsey Jean’s Lymphatic Massage Gloves

If you want to support your lymph health safely and effectively, I highly recommend Chelsey Jean’s lymphatic massage gloves.

These gloves are specially designed to:

  • Stimulate circulation without overwhelming the body
  • Improve detox, energy, and clarity
  • Support hormonal and immune health
  • Be part of a holistic self-care routine that feels good and works

🛒 ➡️ Click here to check them out and order:

Combine With These for Best Results

To maximise your results, pair lymphatic massage with:

  • 💧 Hydration – 1.5–2L of filtered water daily or in the USA your weight halved in ounces
  • 🚶 Gentle movement – walking, rebounding, stretching. Rebounding on a mini trampoline is one of the best ways to also cleanse the lymphatic system!
  • 🛁 Detox tools – Epsom salt baths, sauna, or castor oil packs. Hot & cold showers help  the lymph vessels contract when exposed to cold and relax when subjected to heat. The dilation of the lymph vessels pumps fluid. Their contraction also stimulates circulation in the lymphatic system flushing out toxins in the body.
  • 🌬️ Breathwork and nervous system support – GUPTA PROGRAM. Deep breathing helps you exhale toxins!
  • 🧠 Limbic retraining and deep sleep to support glymphatic detox with the brain. Also consider supplements like G-Lymph powder to help “detox” the brain.

Final Thoughts

The lymphatic system is one of the most underutilized healing tools—especially in Parkinson’s care. Supporting this system helps clear inflammation, improve detox, and bring the body into a state where healing can happen.

With Chelsey Jean’s lymphatic massage gloves, you have a simple, effective, and empowering way to support your healing—right at your fingertips.

👉 Click here to explore the gloves and start your daily lymph support

Live in Australia? We can send you these fantastic massage gloves!

Why Lymphatic Health Matters in Parkinson’s—and How Massage Gloves Can Help

Live in Melbourne, Australia? Consider a Lymphatic Treatment at our clinic!

Limbic-Retraining-Cell-Danger-Response-Healing-Brain
Parkinson's

How the Cell Danger Response Blocks Healing—and What Limbic Retraining Can Do About It

What Is the Cell Danger Response?

Imagine your cells as little workers in a town. When life is good, they make energy, communicate with each other, and keep everything running smoothly.

But when a threat arises—like toxins, chronic infections, emotional trauma, or stress—your cells go into survival mode. They shut down normal operations to focus on defense.

This is known as the Cell Danger Response (CDR)—your body’s way of protecting itself from harm.

What Happens When the Cell Danger Response Gets Stuck?

The problem is that sometimes, even after the threat is gone, your body doesn’t switch off the alarm.

When the Cell Danger Response stays active, your body gets stuck in chronic inflammation, poor energy, and immune system confusion.

You can’t fully heal in this state.

Common Triggers for the Cell Danger Response

Your body might enter and stay in CDR due to:

  • Chronic infections (e.g. Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, mould illness)
  • Environmental toxins (pesticides, heavy metals, mould toxins, pollution)
  • Emotional or physical trauma
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction (the powerhouse of the cells creating cellular energy issues)
  • Ongoing stress (emotional, mental, or physical)

Even when these triggers are removed, your cells may continue to behave like they’re under attack.

Why You Can’t Heal While Stuck in CDR

When CDR is active:

  • Healing and cell repair slow down or stop
  • The immune system becomes overactive or depleted
  • Sensitivities to foods, supplements, and treatments increase
  • You feel wired but tired, with sleep problems and fatigue
  • Inflammation spreads, especially in the brain and gut

In Parkinson’s disease, this is particularly concerning, since CDR can worsen:

  • 🔥 Neuroinflammation (Brain Inflammation) – In Parkinson’s, brain cells are already inflamed. The CDR adds more stress by keeping the brain in “attack mode,” which can speed up damage and worsen symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and fatigue.
  • ⚡Mitochondrial Stress (Energy Breakdown) – Mitochondria are the cell’s batteries. In Parkinson’s, they don’t work well—and the CDR makes it worse by lowering energy production even more. This leads to more fatigue and poor healing.
  • 💔 Dopamine Loss – Parkinson’s symptoms are due to the loss of dopamine, the brain chemical that controls movement and mood. The inflammation and stress from the CDR can damage these dopamine-producing cells even further.
  • 🔄 Autonomic Imbalance (Nervous System Confusion) – The part of the nervous system that controls things like digestion, heartbeat, and temperature can go haywire. The CDR keeps the body stuck in “fight or flight,” making these symptoms worse.

The Limbic System: Your Internal Alarm Center

The limbic system is the part of your brain responsible for:

  • Processing fear and safety
  • Emotional memory
  • How your body responds to stress
  • Regulating inflammation and gut function

When the limbic system is overstimulated by illness, trauma, or stress, it continues to send danger signals—even after the threat is gone.

This keeps the Cell Danger Response switched on, preventing full recovery.

How Limbic Retraining Helps Heal CDR and Parkinson’s Symptoms

Limbic retraining helps rewire the brain so it no longer stays stuck in survival mode. It signals to the body: “You’re safe now. It’s okay to heal.”

Benefits of Limbic Retraining:

  • ✅ Calms inflammation in the brain and body
  • ✅ Lowers stress hormones that worsen Parkinson’s symptoms
  • ✅ Supports digestion, sleep, and nervous system function
  • ✅ Reduces sensitivity to foods, supplements, and toxins
  • ✅ Encourages neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to rewire and repair)

Real-Life Analogy: Resetting Your Internal Alarm

Think of your limbic system as a home alarm. If it goes off 24/7—even when there’s no intruder—you can’t relax, sleep, or heal.

Limbic retraining resets the alarm, so your body can stop wasting energy on defense and start focusing on rebuilding and restoring.

Popular Limbic Retraining Programs

If you’re ready to try this approach, these are some of the most trusted programs:

🧘 Gupta Program – Combines breathwork, meditation, and brain retraining exercises.

🌀 DNRS (Dynamic Neural Retraining System) – Uses visualization and movement to gently rewire survival patterns.

🌱 Primal Trust – Focuses on somatic healing, safety, and nervous system regulation.

The GUPTA Program offers a 28 day free trial so many start here. The DNRS program has a 7 day free trial.

Simply start with 15 minutes a day. Do not feel overwhelmed and feel you need to follow the programs entirely from the start. The programs may suggest an hour a day but start small and being consistent is best.

Bottom Line: You Can’t Heal in Survival Mode

The Cell Danger Response is a major reason why so many people with chronic conditions—including Parkinson’s—struggle to get better.

Limbic retraining helps calm your nervous system, turn off the danger signals, and shift your body back into healing.

✅ Want to Learn More About Healing Your Body Heal from Parkinson’s?

Sign up for our Healing Program and have 5 one on one telehealth consultations with experienced naturopath Lisa who will guide you on your healing journey.

Parkinson's

Finding it hard to ditch dairy?

So often I hear “but I could never give up cheese!”. Yes you can. Dairy is not only biologically inappropriate, its contaminated, inflammatory, mucous forming and highly allergenic. 

Biologically Inappropriate

When you think about it, humans are the ONLY species that keep drinking breast milk. All mammals have their mothers breast milk, which is biologically appropriate for their species and then they are weaned and eat food. But what do humans do? They are weaned off human breast milk and continue to drink breast milk from another species. Why is this considered normal? Would you drink dog breast milk or monkey breast milk? That would be weird! As an adult would you drink human breast milk or eat cheese made from human breast milk? That would be weird too! But cows, a different species breast milk and cheese is not weird? 😐

Contaminants in dairy

Contamination in milk can happen indirectly or directly. Indirect contamination comes from cows consuming toxins like pesticides, metals, or mycotoxins in their feed, water, or forage. Additionally, antibiotics and hormones used for treatment or growth promotion can enter milk. Direct contamination happens during processing, such as milking, handling, storage, or pasteurization, where milk may come into contact with metals, cleaning residues, or mycotoxins. One published study states “Despite pasteurization and related techniques being the most widely applied to date, they have not demonstrated efficacy in eliminating contaminants.”

But dont I need dairy for my bones you say?

Professor Walter Willet from Harvard University has published various papers showing consuming dairy does not reduce your chance of fractures or osteoporosis. Maintaining optimal Vitamin D levels and weight bearing exercise are key, not dairy. In one of his published papers he concludes, “An adequate vitamin D intake is associated with a lower risk of osteoporotic hip fractures in postmenopausal women. Neither milk nor a high-calcium diet appears to reduce risk”. 

Is dairy connected to Parkinson’s?

In 2017 a published study concluded “Frequent consumption of dairy products appears to be associated with a modest increased risk of PD in women and men.” Another study in 2005 concluded, “Findings suggest that milk intake is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson disease.”

Detox, Parkinson's

Understanding the Brain’s Waste Clearance System

The brain waste clearance system is important for neurological health as it is responsible for the efficient clearance of neurotoxins and metabolic waste from the brain and brain tissue, including soluble proteins associated with neurodegenerative disease such as including amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein.

The brain waste clearance system, also know as glymph, is a complex network of fluid channels and mechanisms within brain tissue. It functions as an exchange between fresh cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flowing into brain tissue, replacing the interstitial fluid that contains accumulated brain waste. After the brain waste is flushed out of brain tissue, it drains into the lymphatic system for elimination from the body. 

The brain waste clearance system function is sleep-dependent, which has led to renewed interest in the health consequences of chronically disrupted sleep and the importance of supporting high-quality sleep to promote both long and short-term brain and cognitive health. Without adequate sleep or with reduced sleep quality, brain metabolic waste and neurotoxins accumulate in the brain, potentially compromising neurological and cognitive function. 

After clearance from the brain tissue, brain waste ultimately drains into the lymphatic system. Poor lymphatic system function and body elimination processes may influence the efficiency of the brain waste clearance system. 

Improving the glymphatic system can help manage neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s by enhancing waste clearance in the brain and reducing neuroinflammation. Below are steps you can take, with a focus on practical lifestyle changes and interventions that support glymphatic function:

1. Optimize Sleep Quality

  • Prioritize Deep Sleep: The glymphatic system is most active during slow-wave sleep. Focus on achieving sufficient, uninterrupted sleep each night (7–9 hours for most adults).
  • Establish a Routine: Maintain consistent sleep and wake times to support circadian rhythms.
  • Create a Restful Environment:
    • Use blackout curtains and minimize noise.
    • Avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed to reduce blue light exposure.
  • Supportive Supplements: Lemon balm, magnesium, glycine and herbatonin (ingredients in G-Lymph Clear) may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

2. Maintain Healthy Hydration

  • Proper hydration is essential for the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which drives waste clearance in the glymphatic system.
  • Drink enough water throughout the day but reduce fluid intake in the evening to prevent sleep interruptions.

3. Encourage Proper Sleep Posture

  • Sleep on Your Side: Studies suggest that side sleeping may enhance glymphatic clearance compared to sleeping on your back or stomach.

4. Support Cardiovascular Health

  • The pulsation of cerebral arteries drives glymphatic flow. Improved cardiovascular health promotes this mechanism.
  • Regular Exercise:
    • Engage in moderate-intensity aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling.
    • Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week.
  • Heart-Healthy Diet:
    • Focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables and fibre.
    • Limit processed foods, saturated fats, and excessive salt.

5. Promote Lymphatic Drainage

  • A healthy lymphatic system is crucial for removing waste cleared by the glymphatic system.
  • Gentle Movement: Regular movement and stretching support lymphatic flow.
  • Massage Therapy: Lymphatic drainage massage can stimulate lymph flow and aid in detoxification.

6. Manage Stress and Inflammation

  • Chronic stress can impair sleep and increase inflammation, both of which negatively impact the glymphatic system.
  • Mindfulness Practices:
    • Engage in yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce stress.
  • Anti-inflammatory Diet:
    • Include omega-3-rich foods and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
    • Avoid pro-inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbs, and processed snacks.

7. Reduce Neurotoxins and Pollutants

  • Avoid exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, heavy metals, and air pollutants, as they can burden your brain’s detox systems.
  • Detox Support: Ensure liver health through a balanced diet, hydration, and foods like cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, kale).

8. Consider Natural Supportive Supplements

  • Supplements that support glymphatic and brain health include BioClinic G-lymph Clear which contains:
    • Ginkgo Biloba: Improves cerebral circulation.
    • Choline: Supports neurotransmitter production and detoxification.
    • Calendula: Promotes lymphatic and systemic detoxification.
    • Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): Enhances cognitive function and brain health.