Changing your diet because you are taking a certain medication is sometimes necessary to get the maximum benefit from the drug. Sinemet is a medication for Parkinson's disease that may entail some small changes in your eating habits, especially if you have a high-protein diet. Before making any modifications to your meals, talk with your doctor about your eating habits and whether any changes need to occur.
Sinemet
Sinemet is the brand name for the generic prescription drug carbidopa/levodopa. This medication is used to help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and similar symptoms from other conditions, explains Drugs.com. It helps calm symptoms like tremors, and the carbidopa helps bring the levodopa to the brain. Sinemet should be consumed on an empty stomach, at least one hour before you eat or at least two hours afterward, says Drugs.com. Common side effects include constipation, dizziness, increased sweating, nausea and appetite loss.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease, also known as PD, is a motor-system disorder caused by the destruction of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, or NINDS. The main symptoms of PD include a tremor of the face, hands, arms, legs or jaw; stiff arms, legs or torso; moving very slowly; and trouble with balance. The condition can develop slowly over time, or progress rapidly. As the PD gets worse, tremors can start interfering with everyday activities. There is no cure for PD, but there are medications that help treat the symptoms.
Diet and Parkinson's
Individuals with Parkinson's disease may need to alter their diet because of taking Sinemet. This medication is not absorbed by the stomach, but by the small bowel, so if anything slows down digestion, the drug may not be optimally absorbed. Fat and protein take longer to digest than carbohydrates, so you may have to minimize your consumption of these foods. Parkinsonswellness.org recommends that people with this disease eat only the recommended amount of protein daily, which is 0.36 grams for every pound of body weight, since many people consume an excess of protein.
Considerations and Warnings
Talk with your doctor before making any dietary changes, if you have Parkinson's disease or are on Sinemet. She may want to refer you to a nutritionist, who can help you construct a meal plan that provides enough nutrients while still sticking to any low-protein guidelines. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects like an irregular heartbeat, severe stomach pain, hallucinations or allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you are on any other medications, as you may need to adjust the dose or stop taking them while you are on Sinemet.
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