Parkinson’s Diet

People suffering from parkinson’s disease may not know that there are many nutritional options out there that can help alleviate PD symptoms.  What kind of changes can you make to your lifestyle in order to help make you feel just a little better?

Processed foods cause a lot of health problems in modern western society, so it is a good idea to eliminate such foods such as white flower, sugar, and excess fats from your diet.  Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is a good idea, and because pesticides may make parkinson’s disease worse, it is a good idea to try to stick with organic foods.  

Diets high in anti-oxidants such as deep green vegetables have also been shown in some preliminary studies to be beneficial for parkinson’s patients.  It is also a good idea to take calcium in order to prevent osteoporosis and serious damage to the bones which is common as parkinson’s progresses.

Despite common myths that protein should not be a big part of the diet of someone with parkinson’s, you should try to make sure to get adequate amounts of protein but only in take it at particular times.  All you have to do is take your medication a good time before you decide to sit down and eat.

The absorbtion of levodopa is affected because it is an amino acid, and proteins are composed of amino acids, so you have regular food competing to be absorbed along with the medication.  As long as you have 30 to 45 minutes of spacing between your medications and when you eat there should be no problems.

Another common over the counter supplement that people with PD can take is known as coenzyme Q10, which is a naturally created enzyme that is most likely deficient in those with this illness.  Studies are still being conducted as to the effectiveness and purpose of this enzyme with regards to parkinson’s, and the results are showing promise.  It is near impossible to overdose on Q10, so if you are already producing adequate amounts, it certainly can’t hurt in order to make certain if it will help.

What about vitamins?  Can they help treat parkinson’s disease?  Multi-vitamins certainly aid in proper health for anyone regardless of their situation.  Vitamin E has shown some promise in helping to slow down the rapid damage of parkinson’s, and vitamin D may also be helpful in order to help the absorbtion of calcium so that bones are not weakened.  It is a good idea to ask your doctor how large a dose of vitamin E you are taking, as you can overdose on this vitamin if you take too much of it.

Vitamins are expected to act in the treatment of parkinson’s by eliminating free radicals in the body, and eating a healthy diet and getting a small amount of exercise is certainly helpful for everyone, not just those suffering from parkinson’s symptoms.

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