photo by: Greencolander
The other evening I was reading a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives about low level estrogen mimics, such as BPA and endosulfan, interfering with the release and reacquisition of dopamine. Almost simultaneously I noticed a PBS special on Parkinson’s Disease, a neuro-degenerative disease that results in loss of motor coordination, tremors, and bradykinesia that inflicted my grandmother. Interestingly enough loss of dopamine is what causes Parkinson’s Disease. For years now there has been a growing link between Parkinson’s and pesticide exposure, like this study that shows exposure to pesticides and herbicides to increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s by 70%. While the evidence is compelling against pesticides, BPA may also play the role of a trigger for this disorder by altering dopamine responses.
Here are some of the studies linking Parkinson’s to Pesticide Exposure:
Pesticides can increase the risk of Parkinson’s, is there anything that can decrease the risk? Studies have shown a decrease in the risk of developing Parkinson’s associated with moderate exercise such as biking, jogging, and lap swimming. So avoid the pesticides, the BPA, and get moving!
