Parkinson’s Disease – Foods to Eat and Avoid
Parkinson’s disease is a movement-related disorder caused by degeneration of the brain cells that control the body’s movements. The nerve cells stop producing dopamine – a neurotransmitter that works with other chemicals to communicate between nerve cells and muscles that control movement. This condition can be managed with timely diagnosis and various treatment methods, including oral prescriptions, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures, lifestyle changes, and exercise.
Role of foods in managing Parkinson’s disease
There is no official recommendation or solid evidence yet to show that a specific food or a combination can help in managing the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a degenerative condition resulting in tremors, slow movement, imbalance, rigidity, sleep disorders, pain, mental health disorders, and sensory disturbances. Oral treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are known to cause multiple side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Dyskinesia – uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, torso, and face
- Confusion
- Daytime sleep
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
Since Parkinson’s Disease mostly affects seniors, their food intake has to consider the physical and mental changes they go through, any comorbidities they may have, and also manage the side effects of the oral prescriptions. It is recommended to consult a nutritionist to devise the right menu plan that provides the required nutrition, helps manage side effects, and prevents worsening symptoms. Food has to be soft, easy to digest, and easy to eat, making meal times comfortable and stress-free.
Beneficial foods for Parkinson’s Disease
Patients with Parkinson’s require calcium to compensate for the loss of bone density, vitamins and minerals that can prevent the progression of symptoms, and fiber to ease constipation. A caregiver should create a menu from varied food groups, like carbs, dairy, proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Here are some of the important foods that can benefit people with Parkinson’s Disease:
Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables contain beneficial compounds like tryptophan, which may boost serotonin and dopamine.
