Click the arrow to“blue text”, and follow us!
“Diagnosed with Parkinson’s for 5 years, I have consistently followed this dietary therapy, and the stiffness in my limbs has decreased!” Uncle Zhang, 68, shared this during his follow-up visit, drawing attention. Alongside standard treatment, TCM dietary therapy is becoming a new option for Parkinson’s patients to improve their quality of life. Today, we will scientifically interpret the TCM wisdom behind “red date dietary therapy”.
1. The Dual Dilemma of Parkinson’s Patients
Irreversible neurodegeneration: Progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra
Typical symptoms: Resting tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia
Limitations of drug therapy: Possible development of “end-of-dose phenomenon” and “on-off phenomenon” over time
2. TCM Perspective on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson’s Disease
Master of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Academician Wang Yongyan, proposed the core pathogenesis of “liver and kidney yin deficiency, internal wind stirring”:
Liver blood deficiency: Insufficient nourishment to the tendons and meridians → limb tremors
Kidney essence deficiency: Insufficient marrow → bradykinesia
Qi and blood deficiency: Muscles lack nourishment → rigidity and pain
3. Scientific Basis of Red Date Dietary Therapy
The “Shennong Bencao Jing” classifies red dates as a superior herb, and modern research reveals their special value:
cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate): Improves nerve conduction function (2017 study in “Nutrition”)
Total flavonoid content: Scavenges free radicals, protects dopaminergic neurons
Iron + Vitamin C combination: Promotes hemoglobin synthesis, improves brain oxygen supply
4. TCM Dietary Therapy Plan (to be used in conjunction with the primary physician’s plan)
[Basic Formula] 5 red dates + 10g longan flesh + 30g yam
Cook as porridge in the morning, for a duration of 3 months
If blood stasis constitution, add 5g hawthorn; if phlegm-damp constitution, add 3g dried tangerine peel
[Advanced Combinations]
For significant tremors: Red dates + 3g Tianma (Gastrodia elata) powder, steamed
For constipation issues: Red dates + 10g hemp seeds blended into soy milk
5. Real Case Tracking (privacy protected)
Case: Ms. Li, 62 years old, Hoehn-Yahr stage 2
Before intervention: UPDRS-III score of 38, daily dyskinesia episodes 3-4 times
Intervention plan: Levodopa + red date dietary therapy + Ba Duan Jin (Eight Pieces of Brocade)
After 3 months: Score reduced to 32, dyskinesia frequency decreased by 50%
6. Special Reminders from Experts
Dietary therapy ≠ alternative treatment: Must be conducted under the guidance of a neurologist
Contraindicated populations: Caution for those with uncontrolled diabetes
Selection points: Xinjiang gray dates with 2.3mg of iron per 100g are preferred
Conclusion
Long-term management of Parkinson’s disease requires a “three-pronged approach”: standardized medication, scientific rehabilitation, and reasonable diet. Follow us, next week we will unveil “6 Brain-Protecting Foods Every Parkinson’s Patient Must Eat”, reply with “Dietary Therapy Manual” to receive a customized nutrition plan.
