Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease often start slowly, with a tremor of the hand or difficulty walking. Over time, they may progress to muscle aches and pains, impaired balance and walking, drooling and rigid or stiff muscles. Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of a brain chemical called dopamine which your body uses to control muscle movement and emotional response. While no special diet exists to slow progression of the disease, maintaining a healthy diet can still benefit people with the disease.
Protein
One of the main treatments of Parkinson's disease is a medication known as levodopa which simulates dopamine within the brain. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that protein levels affect how much levodopa reaches the brain and can reduce the effectiveness of the drug, and it recommends keeping protein levels to roughly 12 percent of total daily calories. This does not mean that people with Parkinson's should avoid protein as this can cause malnutrition. However, limiting protein may help minimize fluctuations and may allow the levodopa dosage to be more effective.
Fruits and Vegetables
A diet rich in vegetables and fruits may help protect nerve cell function. The tremors and jerking movements associated with Parkinson's disease often make cooking or using a knife difficult. People with Parkinson's disease may feel more comfortable using frozen or canned fruits and vegetables for convenience. Buying produce pre-sliced can also make food preparation easier.
Fiber
A common symptom of Parkinson's disease is constipation. Constipation can lead to impaction and bowel obstruction which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Maintaining a diet high in fiber can help prevent or alleviate constipation. Adding foods such as oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, lentils and fruits and vegetables adds soluble fiber to your diet and helps slow digestion for maximum nutrient absorption. Wheat bran and whole grain foods add dietary fiber which adds bulk to stool and helps speed the passage of food through the stomach and intestines to prevent constipation. People who have a low fiber intake should work to increase fiber slowly so as not to cause constipation.
Calcium
People with Parkinson's disease often suffer from osteoporosis. Parkinson's disease makes sufferers more prone to falls due to impaired motor function. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fractures which can greatly reduce mobility and decrease quality of life. To maintain proper amounts of calcium, you should consume between 1,500 mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily. Milk and milk products such as yogurt and cheese contain the greatest amounts of calcium. Tofu, orange juice and dark, leafy green vegetables also contain calcium.
