The Parkinson’s Diet - Plexus
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, chronic, and
degenerative brain disorder that impairs muscle control, balance, and movement.
It results in the deterioration of the cells in the substantia nigra (in the
basal ganglia). It inhibits the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the happy hormone. As the disease
progresses, the neurons in the brain completely deteriorate. This leads to
severe motor impairment, tremor, stiffness, slowed or delayed movement,
dysphagia, sleep issues, fatigue, difficulty in speech, etc.
Research suggests that diet
plays a critical role in managing Parkinson's symptoms and even slowing disease
progression. This blog focuses on the best dietary approaches for Parkinson's
disease, highlighting the impact of nutrition on symptom management and overall
well-being.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s patients may
experience any or a combination of the below symptoms:
●
Tremor
●
Slurred speech
●
Poor coordination and balance
●
Shaky fingers, hands, or lips
●
Numbness or weakness in the limbs
●
Spastic limb movements
●
Difficulty
in standing up after sitting for a long duration and vice versa
●
Loss of muscle control in first one side
of the body and then the other
●
Loss of control over movements like
blinking or smiling
●
Loss of bladder and bowel control
●
Depression and anxiety
●
Drooling
●
Hypomimia
or masked face
●
Micrographia
or small handwriting
●
Dizzy
spells
●
Stooped
posture
●
Dragging of feet
●
Slowing of movement (bradykinesia)
●
Dysphagia
●
Hypophonia
or unusually soft voice
●
Dyskinesia
or involuntary movement such as jerks,
twitches, and twisting movements that are uncontrollable
Causes of Parkinson’s
Research indicates Parkinson’s may be
caused by genetic predisposition or exposure to certain toxic chemicals. It can
be a result of faulty genes in the extended family. In fact, studies have shown
adults as young as 20 years diagnosed with Parkinson’s may very likely have a
sibling with the same condition.
Although not conclusively proved, the
impact of herbicides and pesticides in agriculture, air pollution and other
contaminants on the risk of Parkinson’s is still debatable.
Diet and Parkinson's: Important
Considerations
When crafting a diet plan
for Parkinson's, several factors should be taken into account. These include:
● Managing motor symptoms
● Promoting gastrointestinal health
● Supporting cognitive function
● Maintaining a healthy weight
Parkinson's patients may
have specific dietary needs due to side-effects from medication and/or
comorbidities.
So, what is the best diet
for Parkinson's?
Simply put, nutrient-rich
foods that provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are the best
for Parkinson’s. Whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and
lean proteins, should be a part of every meal. These foods provide nourishment
for the body, as well as support brain function and reduce inflammation,
thereby, slowing down disease progression.
A good diet for Parkinson's
ensures optimal nutrition and symptom management. Blood sugar levels can remain
stable by properly balancing macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins,
and fats. This can provide sustained energy throughout the day. It is also
recommended to incorporate a variety of foods from different food groups to
ensure a diverse nutrient intake that supports overall physical health and
mental well-being.
Parkinson's Disease and Nutrition
As a part of Plexus’ rehabilitation program for
Parkinson’s,
we offer nutritive therapies that include several dietary strategies to manage
Parkinson's symptoms and improve quality of life. These strategies involve:
High-Fibre Diet
Whole grains, fresh fruits,
vegetables, and legumes can help alleviate constipation, one of the most common
symptoms of Parkinson's.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Foods such as fatty fish,
nuts, seeds, olive oil, and leafy greens have been known to reduce
inflammation, thereby slowing down disease progression.
Nutritional Supplements
Research suggests
nutritional supplements such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, and
omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for Parkinson’s patients..
Vegan Diet
Our dietary strategies are
tailored to suit certain lifestyle choices, such as veganism too. Plant-based
diets can also be rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, which support
overall health and reduce inflammation, thereby slowing disease progression.
Practical Tips
Eating healthy every day
can be challenging. So, here are some practical tips from our nutritionists and
dietary experts that can help you maintain a nutritious diet:
● Plan meals ahead of time to ensure a
balanced and nutritious diet.
You could do meal preps
(batch cooking and freezing meals) for easy access during days when cooking
feels challenging.
● Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Dehydration is known to
worsen symptoms such as fatigue and constipation.
● Practice mindful eating by paying
attention to hunger. Stop when you’re full.
● Eat slowly and savour each bite. This
enhances digestion
● Reduce mealtime distractions.
Note: There are some
Parkinson's medications that may interact with certain foods or nutrients.
Consult your doctor to understand and keep in mind the best timing for
medication administration in relation to meals.
By implementing practical
tips for meal planning and mindful eating, consuming nutrient-dense foods, and
even sticking to an anti-inflammatory, vegan diet, or other dietary strategies,
Parkinson’s patients can most definitely optimize their nutritional intake. At
our centres in Bangalore and Hyderabad, we offer customized regenerative
rehabilitation for Parkinson’s that includes stem cell therapy, physical
therapy, occupational therapy, nutritive therapy, and much much more.
If you wish to enquire
about our Parkinson’s rehabilitation program, please reach out to us today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
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