Saturday, March 23, 2024

Good Diet For Parkinson’s

Managing Symptoms With Nutrition

A PNI Minute | The MIND Diet for Parkinson’s Disease

Constipation

  • Eat foods high in fibre, such as wholegrain breads or bran cereals, fruits and vegetables, also legumes such as beans, peas and lentils.
  • Increase your fluids to make sure your fibre intake works well.
  • Try to be physically active each day.

Poor appetite, nausea and vomiting

  • Have small frequent meals.
  • Take medications with a small meal or snack .
  • Drink some ginger ale it may help to reduce nausea.

Heartburn, reflux and bloating

  • Limit or avoid alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
  • Sit upright at meals and for 45-60 minutes after eating.
  • Limit or avoid foods that may trigger symptoms such as spices, peppermint, chocolate, citrus juices, onions, garlic and tomatoes.
  • Avoid using straws and sucking on hard candy to reduce gas and bloating.

Problems swallowing food or thin fluids

  • See your doctor if you have problems swallowing foods or liquids. You may need a swallowing assessment.
  • Ask your doctor to refer you to a dietitian. The dietitian can suggest some ways to modify the foods you eat and the fluids you drink so that they are right for you.

Problems moving jaw, lips, tongue

  • Eat soft foods, like cooked cereals, soft scrambled eggs, gravies, sauces, thick soups, ground meats or soft casseroles.
  • Try mincing your foods.
  • Allow enough time to eat.
  • Have small portions and pre-cut foods or finger foods.
  • Eat in a quiet setting.

Orthostatic hypotension

  • Reduce carbohydrate intake, especially single sugars.
  • Increase intake of salt.

Ketone Supplements And Parkinsons Disease

Ketones have powerful effects in the brain, and they seem to be the main reason for the benefits that many people with Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and epilepsy have experienced while following the ketogenic diet.

Although it is best to follow the ketogenic diet, you dont have to restrict your carbs to raise your ketone levels. Coconut oil, MCT oil, ketone salts and ketone esters can all be used to reliably increase ketones and potentially improve the condition of Parkinsons patients. The reason why I say potentially is because there is not enough clinical evidence to support ketone supplements as a treatment for Parkinsons disease. However, the existing evidence is promising.

For example, one particular study on mice that were administered the exogenous ketone, beta-hydroxybutyrate , for 7 days found that BHB protected against the structural and functional effects that occur in Parkinsons Disease. What is also interesting to note is that the animals presented with improvements of the disease even with ketone levels as low as 0.9 mmol/L. Many other lab-based studies also have demonstrated that BHB administration protects neurons and helps to correct the defects seen in the mitochondria that are thought to increase the progression of Parkinsons disease.

A recent case study report looked at the use of ketone salts that were given to an individual who has had Parkinsons Disease for the past 20 years.

Eating To Ease Symptoms

For some Parkinson’s symptoms, the first step in treatment is to adjust your diet.

  • Constipation: Drinking more fluids and eating more fiber can help maintain regularity. Aim to drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. Warm liquids, especially in the morning, can stimulate bowel movements. Dietary sources of fiber consist of fruits , vegetables, legumes, whole grain breads and cereals. Most of these are high in antioxidants, as well.

Talk to your doctor or a dietitian to craft a diet that helps you manage your Parkinson’s symptoms and feel energized and healthy.

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Ketogenic Diet And Fasting As A Treatment

It is well-established that caloric restriction and/or intermittent fasting are anti-inflammatory processes and can ameliorate disease in a variety of experimental models, including PD . Intermittent fasting is a feeding regimen that cycles between periods of fasting , and periods of unrestricted eating. Caloric restriction can improve health, increase lifespan, and improve tolerance to metabolic stresses . Indeed, rodents on an intermittent fasting diet exhibit less neuronal dysfunction/degeneration, and fewer PD-like symptoms in models of PD compared to ad libitum-fed controls . Similarly, caloric restriction increases levels of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and attenuates PD-like pathology and behavior in rodent and primate models of PD lifestyle interventions such as caloric restriction/fasting and ketogenic diets are currently used to treat epilepsy and other neurological diseases . These effects may be due to the fact that ketosis increase neurotrophic factors such as BDNF, increases levels of antioxidants, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production .

In addition to ketone bodies, fasting and consumption of a ketogenic diet can also impact PD pathogenesis by influencing intestinal peptide production with downstream effects on NLRP3 inflammasome, insulin resistance, and BDNF production . Indeed, caloric restriction increases brain BDNF in a primate model of PD . Recent studies in MPTP mice shows that fasting increases BDNF in the brain .

So What Does Nutrition Have To Do With Parkinsons

Along with the medications, taking the healthy diet is important when ...

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.

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Nutritional Assessments For Parkinsons Disease

A registered dietitian or nutritionist is an important part of the care team for people with PD. Registered dietitians are food and nutrition experts. They can provide helpful advice to cope with some of the symptoms of PD, like difficulty swallowing, constipation, or changes in weight.

RDs can provide a nutritional assessment. This includes an evaluation of the person’s food and nutrient intake, their lifestyle, and their medical history. Nutritional assessments should be regularly performed in people with PD. This is because their needs often change as the disease progresses. Nutritional advice can help improve PD symptoms and increase health-related quality of life.1,2

Food Items You Can Easily Consume

  • Antioxidants : blueberries, blackberries, goji berries, cranberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and other nightshade vegetables.
  • Fava Beans : Some people eat fava beans for Parkinsons because they contain levodopa the same ingredient in some drugs used to treat Parkinsons.
  • Omega-3s : Soy in particular is being studied for its ability to protect against Parkinsons. These foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which might improve cognitive function.
  • Stay Hydrated : Staying hydrated is important for everyone, especially people with Parkinsons. Aim to drink six to eight glasses of water each day to feel your best.
  • VItamin D : Vitamin D has been demonstrated to protect against Parkinsons, so getting fresh air and sunshine might help your symptoms.
  • Different kinds of exercise and physical therapy can improve your abilities and slow the progression of Parkinsons.
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    Foods High In Saturated Fat

    Although the specific role of saturated fat in Parkinsons is still being studied, research suggests that a high dietary fat intake may increase your risk of this disease .

    Generally speaking, diets high in saturated fat have been linked to chronic conditions like heart disease. As such, you may wish to keep these foods in moderation (

    • palm oil
    • some baked and fried foods

    Conversely, a very small study notes that the keto diet which is high in fat is beneficial for some people with Parkinsons. However, a low fat diet also showed benefits. Overall, more research is needed .

    Tips For Eating With Parkinsons

    Key Foods for Parkinson’s Disease

    Eating right with Parkinsons disease is as much about what you eat as how you eat it. There are several eating habits those with Parkinsons can adopt to better manage their symptoms.

    • People suffering from Parkinsons may experience trouble chewing or swallowing. Dunk bread, toast, cookies and crackers in milk or water to soften them before chewing or take a drink along with each bite to soften food.
    • Because fatigue and muscle tremors are common symptom of Parkinsons, select meals that are easy to prepare or seek help from family members or a meal delivery service.
    • Many people with Parkinsons disease struggle with weight management. Weigh yourself weekly, avoid foods with added sugars and ask your doctor about taking nutritional supplements.

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    Natural Remedies And Treatments For Parkinsons Disease That Get Powerful Results

    To successfully treat the symptoms of Parkinsons, andeven reverse this disorder, there are 4 things you must do

    a) Increase your natural dopamine levels

    b) Detox your body of all heavy metals andpollutants

    c) Reduce all inflammation in the body,especially the brain

    d) Repair the neuro pathways

    These 10 natural treatments and remedies do all four. Solets not waste any more time then. Here they are in order of importance

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    Role Of Diet In Parkinson’s Disease

    Dietary and lifestyle changes are instrumental in helping to protect dopamine-producing neurons and stave off complications due to the limitations of current PD therapy.

    The primary medication in PD, Levodopa , works by enhancing dopamine production. Still, it has a short half-life and limited and variable reabsorption through the digestive and blood-brain barriers. L-dopa also requires the amino acid decarboxylase to synthesize dopamine, which declines in the striatum with disease progression.

    In early PD, someone may take Levodopa once or twice a day, and it works to control symptoms. But as PD progresses, after 5 or 7 years on medication, the doses become closer together and even giving it every hour is not enough . Increasing the efficacy of L-dopa therapy through diet can be a powerful strategy.

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    How Does Fibre Help

    Fibre absorbs fluid as it moves through your bowel, forming a soft stool that can be passed more easily.

    It is very important to increase your fluid intake if you increase the fibre in your diet, because too much fibre without enough fluid can increase constipation.

    A dietitian can give you more information and advice.

    How can I increase my fibre intake?

    Fibre is found in cereals, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables and pulses, such as peas, beans and lentils. To increase your fibre intake you can try:

    • eating high-fibre varieties of foods, such as wholemeal bread, pasta or brown rice
    • altering recipes to use some wholemeal flour instead of all white flour
    • choosing a breakfast cereal containing wheat, wheatbran or oats, such as Weetabix, porridge or bran flakes
    • eating more vegetables. They can be raw or cooked, fresh or frozen. Try using more peas, beans or lentils
    • eating more fruit. It can be fresh, stewed, tinned or dried. Try bananas, oranges or prunes
    • gradually introducing ground linseeds. You can add 1 teaspoon to cereals, salads or yoghurts to start with and increase this over time to 1 tablespoon. If you do this, make sure you drink an extra glass of fluid a day, otherwise it wont work and may make constipation worse

    When increasing your intake of fibre, it is important to do so gradually to avoid bloating or flatulence . Aim to introduce 1 new high-fibre food every 3 days.

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    The #1 Best Supplement For Parkinson’s Disease Says Dietitian

    The Best and Worst Foods for Parkinsonâs Disease

    Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder that causes nerve cell damage in the brain, which leads to a drop in dopamine, the “feel good” hormone lower dopamine levels cause atypical brain activity that can lead to impaired movement. Every year, around 13 out of every 100,000 people in the United States deal with the disease. Although it may stem from genetics, head injuries, and some other environmental factors, Parkinson’s will not only affect the one who was diagnosed, but it will affect their loved ones as well.

    Once you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, there are ways to help control the symptoms. This includes changing your diet and even taking medication prescribed by your doctor. There are even supplements that can help provide you with extra nutrients that your body is missing that can impact your disease. According to Lisa R. Young, PhD, RDN, author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, and The Portion Teller Plan and member of the Eat This, Not That! medical expert board, the best supplement you can take to help with Parkinson’s Disease is one with vitamin B12.

    “While I’m a fan of a food-first approach, taking a vitamin B12 supplement may slow the loss of reduced cognitive function,” explains Dr. Young. “People with early-onset Parkinson’s disease tend to have lower vitamin B12 levels which may lower cognitive function.”

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    Basic Tips Foods To Avoid With Pd & Sample Meal Plan

    We recently published an article on how a balanced diet high in antioxidants and low in fat such as the DASH diet is recommended as a healthy diet for Parkinsons patients. Among other benefits, a healthy diet has been shown to improve heart health and fend off memory loss.

    The DASH diet was twice named best diet by U.S. World News & Report, and was selected as Best Diet Overall, Best Diabetes Diet and Best Diet for Healthy Eating.

    DASH followers generally consume meals that are high in fiber with generous amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes, and limit salt and saturated fat intake.

    Sounds relatively easy, right? Maybe not so much. Today we present Basic Tips to a Healthier Diet, Foods to Avoid with Parkinsons and a downloadable Sample DASH Diet Meal Planner & Grocery Listto achieve better nutrition.

    Foods To Eat If You Have Parkinsons

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    Eating certain foods while limiting others can help people living with Parkinsons. Research suggests eating 10 brain healthy foods, such as green leafy vegetables, as part of the MIND diet has been associated with slower cognitive decline, a decreased risk of parkinsonism and a slower rate of parkinsonism progression. Researchers believe that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of foods encouraged in the MIND diet may help slow the loss of brain function that can occur with aging. Meal planning on the MIND diet is simple and easy. Plus, benefits have been shown when the diet is only moderately followed.

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    When Should I Take My Parkinsons Medication

    When you take your Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons 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.

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    Add Medication For A Winning Combo

    Best Diet & Nutrition for Parkinsons Disease | Dr. Paresh Doshi

    Diet and exercise are important for managing PD, but dont forget about medications. Take them regularly and exactly as your doctor prescribes.

    If you tend to forget your medication, set an alarm to remind you. You can also use a pillbox thats labeled with days and times of day. Take your meds on a set schedule, dont skip doses and dont double dose, says Dr. Gostkowski. When youre diligent about taking your medications and following a healthy lifestyle, youll feel your best.

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    Intestinal Peptide And Intestinal Gluconeogenesis Mechanisms

    Influence of diet and the intestine on brain function is not necessarily limited through intestinal microbiota. The intestine produces a number of substances that directly or indirectly influence the brain. These substances are produced in response to dietary components but also are produced in response to bacterial metabolites. Bacterial products, SCFA and secondary bile acids, can both promote the production of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide by L-cells of the GIT . GLP-1 and GIP impact a number of cell types that can directly or indirectly affect neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in PD.

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    General Nutrition Recommendations For People With Parkinsons Disease

    PD is a highly variable disease. Each person has their own unique combination of symptoms and progression. Nutritional advice should be customized to treat the specific needs of the person. However, there are some general guidelines for nutrition for people with PD:

    • Eating a balanced diet with a variety of foods. A balanced diet includes foods from all the food groups .
    • Drinking plenty of water each day.
    • Getting enough fiber each day. Fiber is found in foods like fruits with the peel, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Fiber intake is important in reducing constipation, which is a frequent symptom of PD.1,3

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