Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disease that affects movement. It typically develops gradually and slowly gets more severe. It might be caused by hereditary factors or environmental exposures, and a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine might cause many symptoms of the condition. Parkinson's has no cure, but medications can help with symptoms and might increase dopamine levels. Dietary modifications might be able to raise dopamine levels; talk with your doctor about whether these changes can help with your situation.
Step 1
Eat foods rich in the amino acid tyrosine, a building block for neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Foods to add to your diet include soy products, chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, bananas, milk and cheese, lima beans and pumpkin seeds.
Step 2
Add foods containing vitamin B-6 to your diet, or take a vitamin B-6 supplement. Vitamin B-6, or pyroxidine, is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters. Foods high in B-6 include potatoes, bananas, oatmeal, pork loin, trout, spinach, sunflower seeds, avocado and salmon.
Step 3
Consume adequate amounts of folate and vitamin B-12. Folate and B-12 work with S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, which helps produce and break down dopamine. If you are deficient in folate or B-12, SAMe levels are reduced. Foods containing folate include green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, melons and lemons, orange juice and tomato juice. Vitamin B-12 can be found in dairy products, shellfish, meat and fish.
Tips and Warnings
- Along with eating foods that might increase dopamine levels, MayoClinic.com recommends eating foods high in fiber to help counteract the constipation many people with Parkinson's disease experience. Fiber supplements and staying hydrated are two ways to help prevent constipation.
- If you have Parkinson's disease, do not treat the condition yourself through diet alone. Talk with your doctor about ways you can increase your dopamine safely and if dietary modifications are appropriate for you. Do not take any supplements without first consulting your health care provider. These might interact with medications you might be taking and can be dangerous.
