Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerve cells in the brain that control muscle movement, causing tremors, slow movement and rigid limbs in those afflicted. About 500,000 people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease, with about 50,000 new cases reported each year. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but symptoms are often managed by medication. In addition to medication, you may improve your health and reduce the progression of the disease and its tremors by following an anti-inflammatory diet.
Parkinson's and Inflammation
In Parkinson's disease, the neurons that make the chemical dopamine do not work properly. Dopamine is responsible for sending signals that help coordinate movement. Increasing evidence indicates that inflammation of the dopamine neurons may be responsible for the pathogenesis and progression of the disease, according to a 2003 report published in "Trends in Pharmacological Sciences." Anti-inflammatory therapy, which includes an anti-inflammatory diet, may help in the treatment of Parkinson's by delaying the progression of the disease.
Anti-inflammatory Diet
When you think of inflammation, you may automatically think of the redness that surrounds a bug bite or wound. But inflammation also occurs internally and can be chronic. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer, along with Parkinson's disease. An anti-inflammatory diet aims to decrease your risk of illness by reducing chronic inflammation. It includes foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. The diet also emphasizes low-glycemic foods to help keep your blood sugars consistent and steady and recommends that you maintain a healthy weight.
Food Choices
An anti-inflammatory diet emphasizes foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats. Antioxidant-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans. Food sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, mackerel, flaxseed and walnuts. Olive oil, canola oil and almonds are sources of monounsaturated fats. Low-glycemic foods include most fruits, vegetables, beans, rolled oats, whole-grain breads, sweet potatoes and pasta.
Considerations
There is no definitive proof that the anti-inflammatory diet will help decrease the tremors of Parkinson's disease or its other symptoms. The Parkinson Online website recommends a healthy, balanced diet to help you manage the illness. Recommendations include balancing your calorie intake for weight maintenance and eating foods high in fiber and drinking eight to 10 glasses of fluid to prevent constipation. It is also recommends that you include antioxidant-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, but there is no proof that including them in your diet will help prevent the progression of your illness. In addition, adequate intake of calcium is also recommended to prevent osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, spinach and salmon with the bones.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Parkinson's Disease Backgrounder; October 2004
- Parkinson Online: Parkinson's Disease and Diet
- HealthCastle.com; Anti-Inflammatory Diet; K. Jones; January 2007
- "Trends in Pharmacological Sciences"; Novel Anti-Inflammatory Therapy for Parkinson's Disease; Gao, H.M.; August 2003
- Medline Plus: Parkinson's Disease
- The GI Diet: High, Medium and Low GI Foods
