Diet And Exercise May Play Key Roles
Parkinson’s disease results from the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells within an area of the brain called the substantia nigra.
Since dopamine regulates movement, depletion of it results in motor symptoms like shaking, stiffness, and walking problems. Non-motor symptoms, like depression, sleep problems, and loss of smell, also commonly occur.
While there is no definitive way yet to prevent Parkinson’s disease, eating a “brain-healthy” diet and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine might help reduce the risk or delay symptom onset. This article reviews the potential roles of diet and exercise in PD prevention.
Foods Containing Saturated Fat And Cholesterol
Some studies suggest that dietary fat intake may increase the risk of Parkinsons.
Although having a higher intake of cholesterol can elevate a persons Parkinsons risk, having a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk.
Therefore, a person with Parkinsons may wish to reduce their intake of cholesterol to help control the symptoms of the condition. They may also wish to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.
However, further studies are required to explore the link between dietary fat and Parkinsons.
What Foods Should Be Avoided With Parkinsons Disease
What Foods Should be Avoided with Parkinsons? Foods to avoid when constipated, sardines, fermented cabbage, Its likely to not only prevent negative effects from Parkinsons disease, Brazil nuts, delayed-initiation, Foods to avoid when nauseous, Beck said.The typical muscle impairments of individuals with Parkinsons Disease may cause significant difficulties in controlling food or liquids in the mouth, Beverages to avoid include anything with caffeine, or tremors not
Read Also: What Medications Are Used To Treat Parkinson’s Disease
A Nutritious Diet Is Essential For Healthy Living With Parkinsons
For people with Parkinsons, nutritious foods can help manage some of the common symptoms of the disease and support healthy brain functions. While more evidence on the effect of diet on the progression of Parkinsons disease is needed, educating yourself about the benefits of a healthy diet is still important for your overall health and symptom management. The information on this website is a good place to start learning about nutrition.
Foods That Are Hard To Chew
Many people with Parkinsons have difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods. A person needs medical help if this is the case. A speech and language therapist may be able to help a person overcome this issue.
However, if a person is finding certain foods hard to chew and swallow, they may wish to avoid these foods.
Such foods include:
- dry, crumbly foods
- tough or chewy meats
If a person does wish to eat chewy meats, they could try using gravy or sauce to soften them and make eating easier.
They could also try chopping meat into smaller pieces or incorporating meat into casseroles, which can make it more tender.
Having a drink with a meal can also make chewing and swallowing easier.
Also Check: Prayers For Parkinson’s Disease
I Am Underweight Or Losing Too Much Weight What Should I Do
If you are underweight or have difficulty putting weight on, it may be because of the side effects of Parkinsons medication or difficulties with chewing or swallowing.
Weight loss is caused by your body using more calories than youre consuming. This may be due to increased movement caused by tremors or dyskinesia. It may also be due to practical problems, such as food shopping, preparation or keeping your food hot while youre eating.
You may find the following tips useful:
- Make the most of adding extras to foods, such as extra cream, butter, oil or honey where you can. These will make the food more energy-dense and tasty.
- Try to have 3 meals a day and 2 to 3 snacks between your meals. Its important to try to eat every 2 to 3 hours during the day.
- Instead of snacks, try having a milkshake, malted drink or smoothie. These may be used to supplement your usual diet. But, if you find you are replacing your meals with these, it is important to seek help from a dietitian.
If you are finding it difficult to maintain your weight or reach a healthy weight, your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse can refer you to a dietitian.
They may recommend tailored changes to your diet and special high-calorie products that are available on prescription.
Foods Containing Nutrients That People May Be Deficient In
Some research suggests that people with Parkinsons often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
The above study points out that some of these deficiencies may be associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are key factors in Parkinsons.
Therefore, people with Parkinsons may wish to consume more of the following foods.
Foods containing iron
The following foods are good sources of iron:
- liver
- certain fortified foods
Don’t Miss: Parkinson’s Loss Of Taste
Diet Considerations In Parkinson’s
Nutrition is particularly important in Parkinsons for many reasons the disorder itself often slows transition through the gut and affecting the absorption of medications and nutrients. Patients with PD may have other medical conditions that further put them at risk of malnutrition. Poor nutrition can worsen other conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which in turn can worsen function in PD. In addition, good nutrition promotes overall brain health and mayhave some protective benefit with regard to conditions such as strokes and Alzheimers disease.
As is true for many aspects of Parkinsons disease, each person is a little different. You may need to experiment to see what is most effective for you.
How To Eat Well
Eat a variety of foods from each food category, like fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. If you think you need vitamin supplements, check with your doctor first.
Keep your weight in the healthy range for your age and height with exercise and a good diet.
Load up on fiber with foods like broccoli, peas, apples, cooked split peas and beans, whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta.
Cut down on sugar, salt, and saturated fats from meat and dairy, and cholesterol.
Drink 8 cups of water every day.
Ask your doctor you can drink alcohol. It may keep your medications from working right.
Don’t Miss: 10 Symptoms Of Parkinson’s
Which Nutrients Are Beneficial For Parkinsons
Many of the nutrients found in the staple foods of a Mediterranean diet are beneficial for Parkinsons. One type of nutrient in particular, called antioxidants, helps to reduce damage to cells in the body that are caused by free radicals. There is some evidence that suggests antioxidants can reduce the risk of Parkinsons and support a healthy brain and healthy brain functions. Plus antioxidants are important for overall health and preventing other chronic illnesses. For these reasons, a diet high in foods containing antioxidants is essential for people with Parkinsons.
Antioxidants can be found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and teas. Antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and flavonoids . Good sources of these antioxidants include:
Foods To Avoid When Nauseous
Nausea is a common side effect of some Parkinson’s medications, namely Levodopa medications, such as Sinemet®, carbidopa/levodopa extended-release capsules or carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone . These medicines are best absorbed by the body when taken on an empty stomach, but that tends to make nausea worse.
Doctors often recommend taking these drugs either a half hour before a meal or an hour or more after eating. This helps balance the need to reduce nausea by making sure the drug is metabolized at an optimal level. Some people also find that it helps to eat a few crackers or a piece of bread before taking their drugs.
You May Like: What Is A Pull Test For Parkinson Disease
What To Eat With Parkinsons Disease
- Berries: Blueberries, cranberries, blackberries, and pomegranates are all high in powerful antioxidants.
- Salmon, tuna, and sardines: These sources of fish are high in protein and heart-healthy omega-3s.
- Green tea: A low-calorie beverage option high in antioxidants and phytochemicals.
- Prunes: Prunes are high in fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin A, and can be a great prevention tool for constipation sufferers.
- Ginger: Ginger root or candied ginger are useful for treating nausea which may be caused by PD itself or the medications used to treat it.
- Chocolate: Chocolate can be a great treat for individuals with PD as it is rich in flavonoids and other antioxidants that help reduce stroke and cardiovascular disease.
The Latest In Nutrition And Parkinsons Disease
Eating well can help you take control of your health. In fact, choosing to eat healthy foods can improve your Parkinsons disease symptoms. And some research suggests that sound nutritional choices could have disease-modifying effects, meaning that they could potentially slow PD progression. Changing your eating habits can be a challenge, but there are many small adjustments you can make to your diet that will add up to big benefits. Learning about them is the first step.
The following article is based on the latest research and a Parkinsons Foundation Expert Briefings about nutrition, hosted by John E. Duda, M.D., from Philadelphia VA Parkinsons Disease Research, Education & Clinical Center .
Read Also: Computer Mouse For Parkinson’s
Want More Practical Articles Like This
You can find much more inourEvery Victory Counts®manual.Its packed with up-to-date information about everything Parkinsons, plus an expanded worksheets and resources section to help you put what youve learned into action.Request your free copy of theEvery Victory Counts manual by clicking the button below.
Thank you to our 2021 Peak Partners, Adamas, Amneal, Kyowa Kirin, and Sunovion Every Victory Counts Gold Sponsor AbbVie Grants Every Victory Counts Silver Sponsor Lundbeck and Every Victory Counts Bronze Sponsors Supernus and Theravance for helping us make printing, distributing, and shipping the Every Victory Counts manual possible.
Forget Fava Beans For Parkinsons
Fava beans contain an amino acid known as levodopa. Levodopa is an active ingredient in some Parkinsons medications. Seems like a good reason to eat a lot of fava beans, right?
Nope. Dr. Gostkowski explains that the amount in the beans is tiny compared to whats in your medication. You cant eat enough fava beans to have any effect on your symptoms, he says.
Bananas also have levodopa in them, Dr. Gostkowski says. But, like fava beans, its not possible to eat enough bananas to affect PD symptoms. Of course, if you like fava beans or bananas, enjoy! But dont go overboard or expect them to work like medication. Eat a variety of fruits, veggies, legumes and whole grains for balance.
Recommended Reading: Parkinson’s Disease And Cbd
Services To Help Those With Parkinsons
While there is no specific diet for Parkinsons disease, it is important to maintain good overall health by eating a variety of foods. Individuals with PD may have trouble following a healthy diet. An in-home care agency can help prepare and serve nutritious meals, assist with feeding, and help with cleanup after meals. If you are a loved one is suffering from Parkinsons disease and require services, contact an in-home care agency today.
Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole
One guide you might find helpful:
Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn why couples care is an affordable solution for families.
Basic Concepts Of The Mediterranean Diet
The components of a Mediterranean diet include:
- Eat mainlyplant-based foods, such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with whole grains, nuts, and legumes, including lentils, chickpeas, beans, and peas.
- Consume a small amount of low-fat protein, either chicken or fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, or mackerel, a few times per week.
- Limit red meat to a few times a month.
- Avoid salt and instead flavor your meals with spices and herbs.
- Drink red wine in moderation .
- Replace butter with a healthier fat like extra virgin olive oil.
- Limit dairy, including cream, milk, and ice cream.
You May Like: Best Treatment For Parkinson’s
Maintaining A Healthy Weight
Parkinsons may lead to gain weight due to reduced mobility. Being overweight can strain your joints which can in turn make moving around more difficult. If this happens you may be advised to watch your diet and control the calories you consume, for example by avoiding fried foods, sweet desserts, cakes, biscuits and sugary drinks.
More commonly, people with Parkinsons lose weight. If you lose weight this may be due to a number of factors loss of appetite, difficulty eating or swallowing, nausea, using extra energy to cope with symptoms such as dyskinesia or your body may not absorb nutrients efficiently. Various medications may also affect your body weight.
The following suggestions may help increase your calorie intake:
- Try eating four or five small but appetising meals a day, with a snack between each meal.
- Incorporate a little more butter, cream, peanut butter, milkshakes, biscuits, chocolate and dessert, but make sure you take good care of your teeth if you eat a lot of sugary food!
- Add three or four tablespoons of milk powder to half a litre of full cream milk to make it more nutritious.
- Try nutritious drinks specially formulated to easily increase calorie intake.
- Eat food that you like as you are likely to consume more.
- If you find cutlery difficult to use, try to have some meals that you can manage with your fingers or using only a spoon.
So What Does Nutrition Have To Do With Parkinsons
1. The neurotransmitter dopamine is made in the body from amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Every time we eat a protein rich food we take in protein, which the body breaks down into its component amino acids. Two amino acids are converted in the body into L-Dopa, which is then converted into dopamine in the brain.
2. Nutrient co-factors are required for each stage of this conversion process, so deficiencies of these may reduce dopamine production.
3. L-dopa medication competes for absorption with dietary amino acids, therefore the timing of taking L-dopa and the eating of protein needs to be managed for optimal absorption and effectiveness of the drug and the reduction of side-effects.
Therefore, the nutritional therapy approach to Parkinsons includes:
1. Supporting dopamine production by ensuring adequate precursors and co-factors
2. Considering drug-nutrient interactions to enhance effectiveness and reduce side-effects
3. Optimising nutritional status and addressing co-morbidities . These co-morbidities include constipation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia.
Read Also: Parkinson’s Disease How Long To Live
Do You Need Any Supplements
While it is ideal to get your vitamins and phytonutrients through food sources, it can be hard to get enough vitamin D in your diet. Studies are telling us that adequate vitamin D levels play a role in everything from Parkinson’s disease to cancer prevention.
Ordinarily, we get a lot of our vitamin D from the sun, but with the adoption of sunscreen use along with indoor activities, it’s been found that the majority of people have levels that are considered to be too low.
Many people need to take a vitamin D3 supplement in order to get enough, but this is easy to determine. A simple blood test can let you know if you are deficient or in the low end of the “good range.” Ask your doctor to check your level. It’s thought that less exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, resulting in less vitamin D absorption, is linked with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease, at least in young people.
What About Pesticides On Produce
Certain pesticides and herbicides increase the risk of Parkinsons. For this reason, we highly recommend reading Ending Parkinsons Disease to learn about chemicals linked to Parkinsons and join PD Avengers to participate in global efforts to limit or ban these chemicals.
Though we know that some pesticides and herbicides can cause Parkinsons, its unclear whether these chemicals affect the progression of the disease once someone is diagnosed. Still, its always a good idea to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them. You may also want to consider the Environmental Working Groups Shoppers Guide to Pesticides in Produce, which includes a list of fruits and vegetables that are lower in pesticides. There are also organic options available at grocery stores and farmers markets. You can also try growing your own produce! Gardening is a great activity for improving physical and mental health.
Don’t Miss: On Off Phenomenon In Parkinson’s Disease
When Should I Take My Parkinsons Medication
When you take your Parkinson’s medication should always be discussed with your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse.
Some people with Parkinsons may feel sick after taking medication, especially if they take it on an empty stomach.
Having a snack, such as a plain cracker or biscuit, at the same time as taking your medication can help ease this side effect. Or you may find taking medication with plenty of water can help to reduce nausea.
Your GP can also prescribe anti-sickness tablets if you do feel sick after taking your medication.
Talk to your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse if you have difficulty swallowing your medication. It may help to take your medication with a cold drink, such as water, squash or fruit juice, or with yoghurt.
You may also benefit from a referral to a speech and language therapist.
Foods To Avoid When Constipated
Constipation is a common problem for people with Parkinsons disease, often due to decreased gastric motility, a slowing of the natural movement of food from the stomach into the intestines.1,3
Foods that may make constipation worse include low-fiber choices such as:
- white rice
- persimmons
- red meat, such as beef, hot dogs, bacon, or sausage
Beverages to avoid include anything with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, or sodas. Alcohol is not recommended because it dehydrates your body, which can make constipation worse.
You May Like: What Are The Initial Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease
How A Parkinsons Spoon Can Make Eating And Drinking Easier
Parkinsons disease symptoms like tremor, joint stiffness, or difficulty swallowing may make eating certain foods challenging. Try consulting an occupational therapist, who can recommend assistive devices that will make eating and drinking easier, says Subramanian.
One option: Use a Parkinsons spoon. This popular device is designed to make mealtime easier for people with Parkinsons disease. There are different products available, but all of them are eating utensils that have been equipped with a special design or technology that helps stabilize them as you eat.