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.
Vitamin B3 And Parkinson’s
There are 3 forms of vitamin B3: niacin , nicotinamide, and nicotinamide riboside. All 3 are related and used by the body in the same way.
As the body cannot store this vitamin, having a healthy diet that contains adequate vitamin B3 is essential. Fortunately, it is found in many different foods, including turkey, tuna, cereal, mushrooms and peanuts. But now researchers think, for some people, taking larger doses of certain forms of this vitamin may have beneficial effects in Parkinson’s.
Research carried out in the lab and in fruit flies has previously found that nicotinamide riboside may boost energy in nerve cells and help prevent them being lost in Parkinson’s. It did this by boosting levels of a compound called NAD that is used to generate energy inside cells.
Vitamin D The Most Important Of All Vitamins
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble form of vitamins that is required for the body to stay healthy. Although it exists in many forms, the D2 and D3 forms are the ones that are physiologically important for the human body. The D2 form comes from the diet source while your body can produce the D3 form when your skin is exposed to the sun.
Once synthesized, the vitamin D go to the liver for storage. The liver slowly released some into the blood and delivered to the kidney where its converted into the biologically active form called calcitriol. After being converted into its active form, vitamin D participates in different processes take place inside the body. For example, it plays a role in cell growth, maintains Ca+ level, and keeps the bones healthy.
Your body is deficient in vitamin D if it is present less than 20 ng/mL in the blood. It said to be insufficient if it is at 2030 ng/mL, and sufficient if it is over 30 ng/mL.
Its deficiency can cause various health conditions. Children with a lack of vitamin D may develop rickets and adults may suffer from osteomalacia .
Recommended Reading: How Does Levodopa Help Parkinson’s
What The Researchers Found
Results, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, showed that nicotinamide riboside supplements boosted levels of a compound called NAD in the brain compared to the group who took the dummy medication.
The supplement also showed promising signs that it may improve metabolism and reduce inflammation in the brain, which could have protective effects in the brain. And the participants who showed the greatest increase in NAD levels also showed some mild improvements in their Parkinsons symptoms.
These early findings suggest that nicotinamide riboside may have beneficial properties for slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s. The team are already taking these findings forward in a larger, phase 2, trial.
Dr Beckie Port, Head of Research Communications and Engagement at Parkinson’s UK, comments:
“This study builds on previous research that shows the important role vitamin B3 may play in keeping brain cells healthy and working properly.
“While results are needed from larger, longer-term trials, it is exciting that the researchers may find that a relatively inexpensive dietary supplement could help manage some of the symptoms which impact the everyday lives of people with Parkinsons.
“Interestingly, the team found that the supplement may not benefit everyone. But for some, there are promising signs that nicotinamide riboside may have protective effects that could help slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
Vitamin D Levels In People With Parkinsons
Vitamin D levels have consistently been found to be lower in people with PD than in the general population. There are several potential reasons for this, and not all of them point toward direct causality. For example, one potential reason why lower levels of vitamin D are found in people with Parkinsons may be because they engage in fewer outdoor activities and thus have less sun exposure.
However, studies have shown that vitamin D levels have the potential to affect many nonmotor symptoms of Parkinsons disease, possibly including verbal fluency and memory, mood, and olfactory impairment. In addition, one of the most replicated findings is that serum levels of vitamin D may be associated with PDs motor symptoms.
A vitamin D deficiency may relate to higher levels of nitric oxide, which can damage your neurons. More research is needed to determine conclusively whether low vitamin D levels put you at an increased risk for Parkinsons disease.
Some people consider taking vitamin D supplements to make up for deficiencies. Talk to your health care team if youre considering adding vitamin D supplements to your diet, particularly because there is a risk of taking too much. Sometimes, I just get a little overwhelmed with vitamins and drugs, shared one MyParkinsonsTeam member.
You May Like: Does Parkinson’s Cause High Blood Pressure
/5rdi And Sources Of Vitamin C
Not only to reduce the risk of Parkison’s disease but even in general you must take sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals to stay at the pink of your health. For adults, the recommended daily amount for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams a day. Common sources of this nutrient include citrus fruits, pepper, broccoli, mustard spinach and papaya.
/5healthy Diet Prevents Several Diseases
Vitamin C and Vitamin E are the two vital fat-soluble vitamins imperative for the body to function properly. Densely present in citrus fruits, veggies and whole grains, the two vitamins are known for their powerful antioxidant compound. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, aids in healing wounds and keeps the eyes healthy, while Vitamin E plays a critical role in cell regeneration. Besides, both vitamins help to boost immunity and improve skin health. Now the scientists have found another reason to load up on these two vitamins: To reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
You May Like: Deep Brain Stimulation Parkinson’s Success Rate
A Higher Consumption Of Vitamin C Was Linked To A 32 Percent Reduced Risk Of Parkinson’s
Taking into consideration the participants’ age, sex, body mass index, and physical activity, the researchers found that those in the highest vitamin intake group had a 32 percent reduced risk of Parkinson’s compared to the lowest intake group.
“Researchers found a rate of 64 cases of Parkinson’s disease per 100,000 person-years in the group that consumed the highest amounts compared to a rate of 132 cases in the group that consumed the lowest amounts,” the authors said in a statement, noting that “person-years take into account both the number of people in the study and the amount of time each person spends in the study.”
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is normally found in fruits and vegetables, according to the National Institutes of Health . The vitaminwhich can be consumed through oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, and tomatoesis a water-soluble nutrient that “helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.” It helps your body produce of collagen, strengthens your immune system, and boosts your body’s absorption of iron.
And for more up-to-date health advice, .
Benefits Of Vitamins In The Treatment Of Parkinsons Disease
Ying Zhang
1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 71, Changchun 130000, China
2Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xin Min Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
3Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
Guest Editor:
Abstract
1. Introduction
Vitamins are natural bioactive products with antioxidant properties, which are necessities for maintaining the normal functions of human organisms. Essential vitamins cannot be endogenously synthesized in the organism and therefore must be obtained through the diet. Clinically, vitamin deficiency is quite common, especially in infants and elderly. Vitamins are generally divided into fat-soluble variants and water-soluble variants . The former mainly bind to cellular nuclear receptors and affect the expression of specific genes . The latter mainly constitute a cofactor for the enzyme, affecting the enzymatic activity .
2. The Pathogenesis of Oxidative Stress in PD
3. Vitamin B and PD
3.1. Vitamin B3
3.2. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin B3 in PD
3.3. Clinical Studies regarding Vitamin B3 in PD
4. Vitamin C and PD
4.1. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin C in PD
4.2. Clinical Studies regarding Vitamin C in PD
5. Vitamin E and PD
5.1. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin E in PD
6. Vitamin D and PD
Recommended Reading: Parkinson’s Disease And Hair Loss
/5what Is Parkison’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement. The symptoms start to appear slowly and get worse with time. The first signs may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand, later on, it may cause difficulty in walking, writing, speaking and carrying out other daily activities. In this disease, certain nerve cells in the brain gradually break down or die. This leads to loss of neurons, responsible for producing a chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine. When the level of dopamine in the body decreases, it leads to abnormal brain activity, impaired movement and other symptoms.
What The Researchers Did
The team in Norway have conducted the first small scale clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside for people with Parkinsons.
30 people took part in the study with 15 receiving 1000mg of nicotinamide riboside daily for 30 days. The other 15 people were given dummy pills known as a placebo. Importantly, neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was taking the supplement containing nicotinamide riboside.
You May Like: Does Nick Nolte Have Parkinson’s Disease
Findings Could Help Inform Development Of New Lrrk2
- New York, NY
The basic micronutrient vitamin B12 inhibits the activity of a protein implicated in LRRK2-associated Parkinsons disease the most common inherited form of the condition, according to research conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published March 11 in the journal Cell Research. The study findings suggest that vitamin B12 may hold promise as a PD therapy.
Parkinsons disease, the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder, affects one percent of the world population over the age of 60 by disabling the brain and disrupting both motor and cognitive function. Missense mutations in the gene leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 are the greatest known genetic contributor to PD and are linked to the incidence of both familial and sporadic forms of the disease. These mutations lead to a hyperactive form of the protein kinase that promotes neurotoxicity. Over time, increases in LRRK2 kinase activity lead to a reduction in the activity of dopamine in the brain, which manifests in the muscle rigidity and tremors that are hallmark symptoms of PD. Over the past several years, drug companies have developed LRRK2 kinase inhibitors that target the adenosine triphosphate binding pocketessentially, the energy storein the biological system of LRRK2, which is required for LRRK2 signaling.
Which Symptoms Can Be Treated With Vitamin D Supplementation What Do Clinical Trials Suggest
Research studies are in the exploratory phase of finding out how vitamin D can help people with Parkinsons disease. The evidence collected so far indicates that its consumption may potentially help to control the non-motor symptoms.
A study included 182 Parkinsons patients and 185 healthy individuals found that patients with Parkinsons had significantly lower levels of vitamin D and these patients were experiencing more falls and sleep problems. They were also suffering from depression and anxiety. The study suggested that vitamin D supplementation could be a potential therapeutic option for non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
In another study, higher levels of vitamin D was associated with better cognition and better mood.
Similarly, one study involving 114 Parkinsons patients showed that vitamin D supplementation for 12 months inhibit the disease progression for a short period. But this effect was seen in patients that were carrying a certain genotype linked to vitamin D receptor gene.
Read Also: End Of Life For Parkinson’s Patients
Parkinson’s Disease And Movement Disorders Center
Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.
Parkinsons New Treatment :
Luckily, there are many natural alternative solutions which can help ease the symptoms of Parkinsons Disease. This is why we decided to look into the 3 best natural herbs and supplements which help treating Parkinsons Disease , listed from least to most effective.
Number 3:
Turmeric: The Super-Spice
Lately, this golden spice, widely used in curry and other oriental dishes, turned into a favorite amongst scientists and health enthusiasts. New health benefits of turmeric are discovered with every new research: its a natural remedy for infections, it contains antioxidants, it even seems to help with treating cancer! The component in turmeric which helps with all the above is curcumin, and as experts from Michigan State University recently found, it also helps with easing Parkinsons Disease. It does that by preventing proteins which lead to Parkinsons Disease from becoming aggressive.
How to Use Turmeric for PD:
If youd like to try using turmeric as a natural remedy for Parkinsons, just add some to your cooking.
Number 2:
Read Also: Can Stress Cause Parkinson’s
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.
Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms Of Vitamin C In Pd
There is evidence that ascorbic acid can protect against both levodopa toxicity and the MPTP neurotoxicity . Vitamin C can increase the production of dihydroxyphenylalanine . Seitz et al. noted overproduction of DOPA in a dose-dependent manner after incubation of the human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-SH with ascorbic acid for 2 hours. Additionally, the gene expression of tyrosine hydroxylase increased threefold after incubation with ascorbic acid for 5days. The scholars speculated that ascorbic acid may be effective in the treatment of early-stage PD .
Vitamin C can improve the absorption of levodopa in elderly PD patients with a poor levodopa bioavailability . Previous studies showed that ascorbic acid can reduce the levodopa dosage under the premise of equal efficacy . Combination of anti-PD drugs and vitamin C may be more effective for alleviating the symptoms of PD.
Don’t Miss: How To Treat Parkinson’s
Antioxidants: Vitamin C And E Mediterranean Diet
Since there is evidence relating oxidative damage of nerve cells to PD, some researchers are studying antioxidants:
- A 2002 study focused on the potential antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 , which is believed to play an important role in mitochondria health. Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of a cell. Some scientists think that abnormalities of mitochondrial function may play a role in PD.
In 2011, a large clinical trial studying the potential benefits of CoQ10 on reducing the progression of early PD was stopped because a mid-study analysis suggested that there was no improvement in the people taking CoQ10 in comparison to those receiving treatment. Researchers decided that continuing the study would have shown an extremely low likelihood of CoQ10 showing any benefit in delaying the progression of early PD.
Scientists have also examined Vitamin E, Vitamin C and health foods to evaluate oxidative properties. Vitamin E can fight damage in the brain caused by free radicals and has been suggested to lower the risk of PD. However, researchers conducted an extensive and thorough study more than 10 years ago and failed to find any evidence that Vitamin E slows the progression of PD or manages symptoms. Since Vitamin E has few side effects, many people with PD continue to take it in high doses of 400 IU or more.
Which Vitamins Are Good For Parkinsons Disease
Nutritional interventions, which act via different types of mechanisms may slow or avoid the accumulation of damaged brain cells associated with the production of Parkinsons disease. Particularly, nutrients responsible to increase the utilization of brain energy, prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction, protection against oxidation damages and inflammation of tame are few leading contenders associated with anti-Parkinsons therapies.
Recommended Reading: What Are The Symptoms Of End Stage Parkinson’s Disease
Low Vitamin B12 And Parkinson Disease
- Stuart J. McCarterCorrespondenceCorrespondence: Address to Stuart J. McCarter, MD, Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MNMayo Clinic Department of Sleep Medicine, Rochester, MN
- Mayo Clinic Department of Nutrition, Rochester, MNDepartment of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN
- Mayo Clinic Department of Sleep Medicine, Rochester, MNUniversity of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN
- Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MNMayo Clinic Department of Sleep Medicine, Rochester, MNMayo Clinic Department of Medicine, Rochester, MN
- Mayo Clinic Department of Neurology, Rochester, MNMayo Clinic Department of Health Sciences Research, Rochester, MN
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.
Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep.Mov Disord.Nutrients.Mov Disord.