Diet and Nutrition for People with Parkinson's Disease
Did you know that diet and nutrition can help people with Parkinson’s feel better and achieve better outcomes ?We have a number of clients with Parkinson’s Disease that we care for in their homes. As readers of this blog know by now, we are a different type of home care provider. We are joint commission accredited. Our nurses oversee all the client care, even if we are in the clients’ home for a few hours a week.
Our clinical team continues to focus on best practice to help our Parkinson’s clients.
They’ve recently been developing our approach to training caregivers to understand diet and nutrition needs that may help Parkinson’s patients.
Given the complexity of Parkinson's, managing symptoms and maintaining overall health requires a comprehensive approach that includes proper nutrition. A well-balanced diet can not only enhance the effectiveness of medication but also address some of the disease's non-motor symptoms, such as constipation, weight changes, and bone health.
Not intended to be medical advice of any nature, this article outlines some key nutritional considerations for individuals with Parkinson's, drawn from a variety of online articles and internal clinical discussions. It was also discussed in our podcast “Keep me home longer”, (link is below and can be found on all the popular podcasting platforms).
Here is a list of things to keep in mind while thinking about diet and nutrition for people with Parkinson’s.
1. Watch for Protein interaction with Medication
Protein can interact with some Parkinson’s medication.
This is because some medication is absorbed in the small intestine and competes with medication to get to the brain across the blood-brain barrier. This means that timing of eating Protein is really important for patients with Parkinson’s.
Our nurses often advise patients on Parkinson's medication to manage their protein intake thoughtfully. One approach is to consume the majority of protein during the evening meal, leaving earlier meals lower in protein. This means that the medication can be most effective during the day.
Another approach is to evenly distribute protein intake throughout the day in smaller amounts. This can help maintain steady drug absorption. It's important for individuals to work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to develop a meal plan that balances protein needs with medication schedules
2. Manage Constipation with Fiber
Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson's, It affects up to 70% of individuals with the condition.It is often caused by a combination of factors, including reduced physical activity, autonomic nervous system functioning, and side effects from medications.
Chronic constipation can lead to discomfort, bloating, and even medical complications if not properly managed.
Dietary fiber helps in managing constipation by adding bulk to the stool which promotes regular bowel movements. A high-fiber diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. For example, apples, pears, berries, oats, brown rice, beans, and lentils are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Adults should aim for a daily fiber intake of 25-30 grams. It is also essential to increase fiber intake gradually to avoid gas and bloating.
In addition to fiber, hydration is equally important in managing constipation. Water helps soften the stool, making it easier to pass. Individuals with Parkinson's should aim to drink adequate water daily, depending on their activity level and climate. Warm beverages like herbal teas can also help stimulate bowel movements.
Regular physical activity, even light exercises like walking, can further promote regularity and improve overall digestive health.
3. Eat (and drink) Foods that are rich in Anti-oxidants
An imbalance between free radicals and anti-oxidants is believed to have a role in the progression of Parkinson’s.Free radicals are thought to cause damage to cells, including neurons.
Incorporating anti-oxidants into the diet can help minimize the impact of these free radicals.
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are particularly rich in flavonoids, a type of antioxidant. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are also high in antioxidants, as well as vitamins A, C, and E. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds, provide not only antioxidants but also healthy fats that support brain health.
Also, certain beverages like green tea and coffee contain high levels of antioxidants called catechins and polyphenols, respectively. Moderate consumption of these beverages may offer additional neuroprotective benefits. However, individuals with Parkinson's should be mindful of their caffeine intake, as excessive caffeine can exacerbate certain symptoms, such as tremors and anxiety.
Additionally, certain beverages like green tea and coffee contain high levels of antioxidants. Moderate consumption of these beverages may offer additional neuroprotective benefits. However, individuals with Parkinson's should be mindful of their caffeine intake, as excessive caffeine can exacerbate certain symptoms, such as tremors and anxiety. Consult a physician or dietitian for further advise.
4. Consider Fatty Acids to reduce inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and may offer neuroprotective benefits. These essential fats cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through the diet.Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout. These fish are also good sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health. For those who do not consume fish, plant-based sources of omega-3s include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.
Research suggests that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, improve cognitive function, and even alleviate depressive symptoms, which are common in individuals with Parkinson's. Including omega-3-rich foods in the diet several times a week can support overall brain health.
5. Stay hydrated at all times
Dehydration can make some symptoms of Parkinson's worse. These symptoms can increase the risk of falls and injuries, which are already a significant concern for individuals with Parkinson's. Maintaining adequate hydration is therefore crucial for overall well-being.Water is the best choice for staying hydrated, as it has no side effects that other beverages often do. Individuals with Parkinson's should aim to drink plenty of water daily, and more if they are physically active or live in a hot climate. In addition to water, herbal teas, low-sodium broths, and water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges can contribute to daily fluid intake.
6. Some Fats are Healthy
Healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, are believed to help in supporting brain health and reducing inflammation. Unlike saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline, unsaturated fats have been shown to have protective effects on the brain.Monounsaturated fats, found in foods like olive oil, avocados, and nuts, are known to improve may also benefit cognitive function. Polyunsaturated fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, are essential for neurotransmitter function. These fats can be found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and sunflower oil.
Incorporating healthy fats into the diet can help support cognitive function, reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and improve overall health.
7. Foods and Substances to Limit or Avoid
Certain foods and substances should be limited or avoided to reduce the risk of exacerbating Parkinson's symptoms or interfering with medication.Saturated and trans fats, found in red meat, butter, and fried foods, can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, which PD patients are already more susceptible to.
Limiting sugary foods and refined carbohydrates is also important, as these can lead to weight gain and inflammation, both of which can negatively impact health.
Additionally, caffeine can worsen tremors, and alcohol can interfere with medication and exacerbate balance issues. Therefore, both should be consumed in moderation or avoided altogether.
This is not an exhaustive list and in all cases, patients with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are advised to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian who specializes in this area, or a medical practitioner.
8. Planning (and timing) meals
For individuals with Parkinson's Disease, eating smaller, more frequent meals can help manage energy levels and improve digestion.This approach also helps with the absorption of medications, as it avoids overwhelming the digestive system with large amounts of food at once.
Proper meal planning, in consultation with a dietitian, can ensure that meals are both nutritious and easy to consume.
DISCLAIMER
THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE MEDICAL ADVICE. IN ALL CASES, PATIENTS WITH PARKINSON’S ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OR A REGISTERED NUTRITIONIST / DIETITIAN BEFORE MAKING ANY CHANGES TO THEIR DIET OR NUTRITION. THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE WHERE INTERACTION WITH MEDICATION MAY BE INVOLVED.References
Parkinson's Foundation. (n.d.). Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Treatment/NutritionNational Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Diet and Nutrition. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/diet-and-nutrition
University of California San Francisco. (n.d.). Parkinson’s Disease and Diet: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/parkinsons-disease-and-diet
Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Antioxidants and Parkinson's disease. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/antioxidants-and-parkinsons-disease
American Parkinson Disease Association. (n.d.). Healthy Eating and Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/healthy-eating-parkinsons-disease/
Our podcast “Keep me home longer” can be found on all podcast platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on the web at : https://keepmehomelonger.buzzsprout.com/
Image Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash+
