What Should Parkinson's Patients Eat

What To Eat With Parkinsons Disease

How much should I eat with Parkinsons?

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.

Skin And Sweat Glands

The autonomic nervous system also controls the sweat glands of the skin. Both excessive sweating and a decrease in sweating are common Parkinsons symptoms. This may be due to a compensatory reaction to a decline of nervous function in extremities. However, Parkinsons patients with anhidrosis are rare, but it can happen.

Constipation And Hydration In Parkinsons Disease

As Parkinsons disease can cause constipation, the Parkinsons Foundation recommends a diet featuring 20 to 25 grams of daily fiber to maintain bowel health.

Its really important for overall health to keep bowels moving, Subramanian says. We recommend a diet with a lot of vegetables and as much fiber as you can take. Foods that are high in prebiotics, including fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchee, can also help.

Some Parkinsons disease medications dont work as well when taken with fermented foods, however, so check with your doctor before incorporating them into your diet.

Proper hydration is also important for everyone, including people who have Parkinsons disease. Try to drink six to eight glasses of water a day and take your medications with a full glass of water, the Parkinsons Foundation notes. It may help your body break down the medication more efficiently.

Hydration helps with blood pressure and constipation, Subramanian notes. We recommend our Parkinsons patients drink 40 ounces of water a day. Thats just water, not coffee or tea or other drinks. This can also help improve digestion.

If drinking water leads to urinary urgency, try eating foods with a high water content like celery, butternut squash, grapefruit, strawberries, and watermelon instead.

Also Check: What Causes Shaking In Parkinson’s Disease

How Does Parkinsons Disease Change The Way You Eat

If youve been diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, you may have noticed some changes in your appetite and eating habits, says Dr. Subramanian.

For example, some of your prescription medications may work best on an empty stomach, but they may also cause nausea in some people when taken without food.

We advise people to take their medication about an hour before meals, if possible, to avoid any protein interaction, Subramanian says. Eating protein-rich foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, and beans too close to the time you take medications can interfere with how the body processes some medications prescribed to treat Parkinsons disease, which may cause them to work less quickly or less effectively.

If you experience nausea after taking your medication on an empty stomach, your doctor may recommend eating a small, light snack like crackers or applesauce before taking your pills.

Subramanian also notes that loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss are a major concern for people with Parkinsons disease. This may be caused by symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, decreased ability to taste or smell, nausea side effects from medications, or movement problems that make it difficult to eat.

To address these issues, the Parkinsons Foundation recommends:

When You Take Medicine

In most cases, you can crush your pills and mix them with applesauce or pudding. But crushing some drugs, like Sinemet CR, can affect how the drugs work. There are some medications that should never be crushed. Ask your pharmacist which meds you can crush and which you can get as a liquid.

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Foods High In Saturated Fat

The role that foods high in saturated fats play in Parkinsons progression is still under investigation and is often conflicting. We might eventually discover that there are certain types of saturated fats that actually help people with Parkinsons.

Some limited research does show that ketogenic, low-protein diets were beneficial for some with Parkinsons. Other research finds high saturated fat intake worsened risk.

But in general, foods that have been fried or heavily processed alter your metabolism, increase blood pressure, and impact your cholesterol. None of those things are good for your body, especially if youre trying to treat Parkinsons.

Does Parkinsons Run In Families

Genetics cause about 10% to 15% of all Parkinsons cases. Studies reveal that the appearance of Parkinsons disease is a mix of genetics and environmental factors that induce the development of the disease.

In some families, changes in specific genes are passed down from generation to generation. Yes, Parkinsons disease can run in families, but it is rare. Despite that, if someone is positive for gene mutations directly correlated to Parkinsons disease, that does not mean that the patient will surely develop Parkinsons.

It is possible for people who inherit these genes not to develop the disease if there is no environmental factor that triggers it and a healthy lifestyle.

There are ongoing clinical trials testing therapies to treat people with Parkinsons that carry specific gene mutations. For doctors, it is essential to know which gene mutation does the patient carries.

What Other Conditions Have Similar Symptoms And Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

Other neurological diseases may cause symptoms similar to Parkinsons disease. The term Parkinsonism refers to a patient that has symptoms similar to Parkinsons.

Early in the disease process, it can be tough to make an assertive diagnosis and difference between Parkinsons and Parkinson-like diseases.

Often the correct diagnosis is made after further symptoms develop, and the physician can monitor the course of the disease.

The development of additional symptoms and the course of the illness generally points towards the correct diagnosis. These are the most common neurological diseases that can produce Parkinson-like symptoms.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Lewy Body disease or Dementia with Lewy bodies
Corticobasal degeneration or corticobasal ganglionic degeneration

Nonetheless, doctors should think of other causes rather than Parkinsons disease when events like this happen.

Poor response to dopamine
Early loss of balance or vision problems
Prominent intellectual decline dementia
Rapid onset or progression of the disease

Actually, though it is a disease that is not clearly understood, there are specific organizations like Parkinsons UK that dedicate themselves to doing research.

These organizations look forward to following the natural course of the disease and developing clinical trials for patients in an attempt to find a cure.

What Is Parkinsons Disease

What Parkinson’s Patients Have To Eat ?

Parkinson disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders causing progressive disability. It is a disease without a cure, but that can slow down with proper treatment.

The disease predominantly affects the basal ganglia, a group of nuclei at the base of the brain, and the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in the substantia nigra produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. They are responsible for relaying messages that plan and control body movement.

Furthermore, body movement is controlled by a complex chain of decisions involving many groups of nerve cells. These are the ganglia. Information comes to the striatum, a central area of the brain that works with the substantia nigra to send impulses back and forth from the spinal cord to the brain.

When dopamine receptors in the striatum receive an inadequate stimulus, parts of the basal ganglia are under or over-stimulated. Depending on the stimulation, this can cause movement symptoms like tremor or rigidity.

In Parkinsons disease patients, the nerve cells that produce dopamine are dying. Parkinsons disease symptoms occur when the nerve cells emit an impulse, and there is not enough dopamine to transmit it.

The 2 significant body findings in Parkinsons disease are the loss of pigmented dopaminergic nerve cells of the substantia nigra and the presence of Lewy bodies in the brain. Before the movement or motor signs of Parkinson disease emerge, approximately 60-80% of dopaminergic neurons are already lost.

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.

Tips For Feeding An Aging Loved One With Parkinsons

By Sue Arsenault 9 am on January 31, 2019

When seniors have Parkinsons disease, they cannot properly control the movements of their bodies. Instead of being able to easily eat food with a utensil, they may shake uncontrollably or be unable to fully raise their arms. Parkinsons also makes eating difficult by impairing the natural ability to chew and swallow food. To keep mealtimes from being a challenge, caregivers should follow these tips when helping a senior loved one with Parkinsons eat.

Also Check: How Can You Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

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

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 healthcare provider 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.

Read Also: Parkinson’s Loss Of Balance

The Basics Of Eating Well

Eat a variety of foods from each food category. Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin supplement.
Maintain your weight through a proper balance of exercise and food. Ask your doctor what your “goal” weight should be and how many calories you should consume per day.
Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans , whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet.
Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Try to limit sugars.
Moderate your use of salt.
Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages .

What Organs Does Parkinson Disease Affect

Parkinsons disease is characteristical, a movement disorder responsive to dopaminergic medication. But it does not only affect the movement or body motor system. It changes as well the autonomic nervous system that controls the involuntary actions of the body.

These automatic actions of the body include some like a heart beating, sweating, swallowing, and bowel movements for digestion. The autonomic nervous system has two subdivisions, the sympathetic system, and the parasympathetic system.

The sympathetic system functions apply when the body enters in an alert state and the parasympathetic when the body relaxes. Of course, both are in balance through a typical day accomplishing physiological functions of the body.

There is mounting evidence that PD patients have affection in neurons of the autonomic pathways. Consequently, autonomic physiology may serve as a window into non-motor PD onset and progression of the disease. These are the most common systems that Parkinsons disease affects:

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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.

Talk To Your Doctor About Food And Medication Interactions

What should you eat in Parkinson’s Disease?

Its a good idea to talk to your doctor about additional foods you should avoid due to potential interactions with medications you might be prescribed. Its also important to talk to your doctor before starting any additional supplementation for the same reason. Some foods and supplements can interfere with medication, making this conversation an important one to have to ensure your medication is working effectively to manage your symptoms.

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Optimise Your Diet Reduce Your Toxic Load

While the cause of Parkinsons is not known, environmental toxins such as pesticides and herbicides are implicated. Researchers have found levels of these chemicals to be higher in the brains of Parkinsons sufferers and incidence of Parkinsons is higher in areas with greater use of these chemicals. It makes sense to avoid any environmental toxins that you can. Also, consider your intake of dietary toxins such as alcohol and caffeine avoiding or reducing these may reduce the load on your bodys detoxification pathways.

Taking Care Of Business

The Parkinson’s Foundation has developed a thorough guide to getting your household and personal documents organized at www.parkinson.org

Organize your medical histories

Keep a journal of medications and dosages

Organize your personal financial documents

Insurance and long-term care plans

Livings wills, durable power of attorney, advanced medical directives

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Exercise And Healthy Eating

Regular exercise is particularly important in helping relieve muscle stiffness, improving your mood and relieving stress.

There are many activities you can do to help keep yourself fit, ranging from more active sports like tennis and cycling, to less strenuous activities such as walking, gardening and yoga.

You should also try to eat a balanced diet containing all the food groups to give your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.

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.

Parkinsons And Weight Gain

Parkinsons medication does not tend to make people gain weight, but a small number of people may experience impulsive and compulsive behaviour. This is a side effect of some Parkinsons medication, particularly dopamine agonists and, in some cases, levodopa.

Impulsive behaviour is when a person cant resist the temptation to carry out certain activities. These are often activities that give an immediate reward or pleasure, such as gambling, hypersexuality and overeating.

So, someone may eat large amounts of food in a short period of time because they cant control their appetite, and as a result, they gain weight.

If you think youre experiencing this behaviour, speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse.

We dont advise anyone to stop taking or to change their Parkinsons medication without the advice of their specialist or Parkinsons nurse.

Any changes have to be made slowly and gradually, and should always be carried out and reviewed by a specialist, because of the risk of side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

Someone experiencing impulsive or compulsive behaviour may not realise they have a problem. So it’s important that their carer is aware of these side effects.

Deep brain stimulation and weight gain

Some people with Parkinsons may put on weight quickly after having deep brain stimulation, a surgery sometimes used to treat the condition.