The Best Foods for Parkinson's Disease

Author: Albert Alice

Parkinson’s Disease is a neuro-degenerative condition that affects movement and mobility in people over the age of 60. While there is no cure for the illness, treatment can slow disease progression and ensure many active years of life for the patient. Given that Parkinson’s Disease inhibits dopamine production, doctors will often recommend diets that naturally increase dopamine levels. Certain foods rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress in the brain, while other foods can improve overall health and treat neurological symptoms like Dementia. Let’s take a closer look at the best diet for Parkinson’s Disease patients.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neuro-degenerative conditions in the world. It primarily damages the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, and is usually attributed to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Those who have close relatives with Parkinson’s Disease are likely to get the disease themselves. Symptoms include stiffness, muscle tremors, poor gait, and tend to increase in severity over time. Treatment options like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and regenerative rehabilitation therapy can all help in restoring functionality and improve the patient’s independence.

The Best Foods for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Patients with Parkinson’s Disease should have a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and protein sources. Fiber and complex carbohydrates are important, as they help one feel full for longer and maintain a healthy weight. While individual diets will vary depending on the doctor’s recommendations and the patient’s needs, here are some components of a healthy diet.

  • Dopamine is made from amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Protein-rich foods such as chicken, eggs, fish, red meat, and nuts are thus essential to the production of dopamine in the body.
  • Fiber-rich foods are filling and help to ease digestive issues like constipation. Examples include beans, brown rice, and wholegrain bread with at least three grams of fiber per slice.
  • Antioxidants are essential for better brain health and should form a part of every Parkinson’s Disease diet. Brightly colored and dark-colored fruits and vegetables tend to be rich in antioxidants. Good examples of those are spinach and berries of all kinds.
  • Vitamin D is an important nutrient for maintaining bone health. Good sources of Vitamin D include egg yolks, fatty fish like tuna or salmon, and fortified milk products.
  • Foods rich in Vitamin B promote overall health and can also help in dopamine production. Meat, poultry, and eggs are good sources of Vitamin B12, and folic acid can be derived from beans, nuts, lentils, and green vegetables.
  • Nuts like walnuts or cashews are healthy sources of fat and can also promote brain health.
Foods To Avoid If You Have Parkinson’s Disease
  • Some studies link dairy products to an increase in oxidative stress in the brain. Research also suggests that the progression of Parkinson’s Disease can be linked to a defect in the way the body processes the calcium ions present in dairy products. If you do decide to cut out dairy, it is important to take calcium supplements to maintain bone health. You can also consider opting for alternative milks such as those made from almond or soy.
  • Some studies show that foods high in saturated fat can worsen the risk of Parkinson’s Disease, although more research is required to be conclusive about this. Generally, however, highly processed and fatty foods are best to avoid for cardiovascular health and proper metabolism.
  • Sugar, caffeine, and alcohol all inhibit sleep, which is undesirable for patients with Parkinson’s Disease as they tend to suffer from disturbed sleep anyway. Sugar can also exacerbate diabetes and tooth decay if eaten regularly. Sweet food should thus be eaten only very occasionally.
Other Lifestyle Tips For Parkinson’s Disease

A good diet can have optimal effects when it is paired with a smart and active lifestyle. These include making smart choices about one’s day as well as adjusting diets to accommodate one’s individual challenges. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

  • Exercise boosts cardiovascular health, enhances muscle strength, uplifts the mood, and has been demonstrated in studies to slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Experts recommend getting at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week.
  • Sometimes, patients may end up eating less because of trouble swallowing or nausea from their medication. They can consider eating spicy or bitter foods to stimulate their appetite. Healthy fats like nut butters or avocados can also help.
  • Digestive difficulties could also be caused by food intolerances. It may help to eliminate common food irritants like gluten, dairy, or soya for a trial period to see if any improvement is caused that way.
  • Eating small nutrient-rich meals at regular intervals is ideal for promoting healthy digestion.
  • If drinking too much water leads to urinary incontinence, patients can eat foods with a high water content such as watermelon, celery, or grapefruit.
  • If the patient is having trouble chewing and swallowing solid food, they can opt for foods easier to swallow like soups, smoothies, or applesauce.
  • Even small dietary changes can make a big difference. Completely switching to a new diet one fine day is not feasible. For instance, one can start by committing to avoid white bread or to eat a handful of berries every day.
  • A speech and language therapist can help with persistent swallowing difficulties.
  • Psychological conditions like anxiety and depression can exacerbate eating difficulties. Consulting a therapist can help.
  • Studies have shown that the incidence of Parkinson’s Disease is higher in areas that use chemical pesticides and other environmental toxins. Avoiding exposure to these is thus critical.
Final Words

While Parkinson’s Disease has no cure yet, treatment procedures and a healthy lifestyle go a long way in preserving functionality for longer. In particular, consuming foods that aid dopamine production and boost brain health can slow the disease progression. Combined with exercise and healthy daily habits, a good diet can be the key to a happy and more fulfilling life.