Parkinson's disease results when there is a significant decline in certain chemical messengers, such as dopamine, that carry information between the brain and various parts of the body. This can cause in tremors, stiff muscles and balance problems. Unlike a condition like diabetes, no specific diet serves as a major component of treatment, but dietary factors might alleviate symptoms and improve everyday living. You should discuss your diet with your doctor before making any significant changes.
Fiber-Rich Foods
Parkinson's disease can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary actions such as digestion and elimination. If you have Parkinson's disease, you might suffer from frequent bouts of constipation. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains like whole wheat, oatmeal, brown rice and cornmeal. Avoid white, processed breads and pastas---they do not have the same amounts of beneficial fibers. Other fiber-rich foods include beans and legumes. Fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps move it better through the intestines. You can also take fiber supplements but you can actually worsen constipation if you do not drink enough water when taking these supplements.
Low-Protein Foods
High amounts of protein might interfere with medications that help produce the chemical messenger dopamine---the cornerstone of treating this condition. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that eating reduced amounts of protein might help the medicine work better. This does not mean cutting out protein all together as many protein-rich foods such as nuts and fatty fish provide other beneficial nutrients and you need it for normal functioning. Foods that have large amounts of protein include meats, dairy and eggs. Fruits and vegetables are low in protein.
Additionally, the center suggests eating the bulk of your protein in the evening.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The Mayo Clinic notes that omega-3 fatty acids might help with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Rich sources include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna and trout. You can also get these beneficial fatty acids from walnuts, flaxseed and hempseed, though in lesser amounts. Talk to your doctor about recommended fish consumption since you should watch your protein intake.
Fava Beans
Fava beans contain levodopa, the chemical the body converts into dopamine. This could benefit patients by helping them produce more dopamine or it could cause them to overdose if they're already taking medications that serve the same purpose. You should not start eating fava beans without consulting with a knowledgeable health care provider.
Coffee
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that coffee might slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. The caffeine appears to slow the destruction of the dopamine supply in the brain.
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