Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects your brain and spinal cord, leading to tremors, poor balance, stiffness and difficulty walking. Secondary symptoms may include constipation, memory loss, sleep difficulties, speech problems and poor posture. Although no cure for Parkinson's disease is available, drug therapy, regular physical activity and a healthy diet that limits certain foods may help minimize your symptoms. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Fatty Meats
Fatty meats, such as bacon, sausage, lamb, fried chicken and steak, contribute rich amounts of protein and saturated fat -- a type linked with high cholesterol, obesity and heart disease. Your doctor may suggest a low-protein diet, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, which may help your body use Parkinson's disease medications efficiently. Choosing fatty meat for your daily protein source leaves little room for potentially beneficial protein sources, such as cold-water fish. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines play an important role in brain function.
Enriched White Flour
Enriched white flour retains few of the dietary benefits of the whole grains it derives from. Consuming too little fiber may trigger or worsen constipation, a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. According to Karol Traviss, a dietitian affiliated with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, eating a fiber-rich diet can help manage constipation. To increase your fiber intake, replace enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods in your diet with 100 percent whole grain equivalents.
Butter and Lard
Butter and lard are animal-derived foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat. Although research is ongoing, three case-controlled studies showed a significant link between diets rich in animal fat or cholesterol and increased risk for Parkinson's disease, according to a report published in PubMed.gov of the National Institutes of Health in Sept. 2001. Plant-derived fats were not associated with similar risks. A plant-based diet may also improve your overall wellness by improving cardiovascular health. For best potential results, consume healthy fat sources, such as olive oil, canola oil, walnuts and flaxseed, instead of butter and lard.
Fava Beans
Fava beans contain a substance called levodopa -- one of the primary medications used to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms. Although fava beans improve wellness in some people with the disease, they can trigger an overdose in others. The UMMC recommends consulting your doctor before incorporating fava beans into your diet. Legumes provide valuable amounts of fiber, antioxidants and protein, so if fava beans are not an option for you, you can eat lentils, black beans, chickpeas, split peas and kidney beans.
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