Parkinson's disease (PD) is a challenging and chronic condition that affects the neurological system. Cells within the brain that produce neurotransmitters become damaged. These neurotransmitters help nerve signals travel from the brain to the body. When they are in short supply, a variety of symptoms can occur. Parkinson's disease affects the entire body and requires many medications to help manage the symptoms. While the condition, unlike diabetes or heart disease, is not directly related to the foods you eat, following a special diet for those with Parkinson's disease may be helpful.
Identification
For reasons not well understood, cells within an area of the brain called the substantia nigra are damaged in PD. These cells produce a substance called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that carries nervous signals from your brain to various areas in your body, so you can coordinate movement. When there is not enough dopamine present, you can develop symptoms such as tremors, trouble initiating movement, difficulty walking and maintaining balance, and a loss of muscle tone in the facial muscles. PD can also take a toll on your nutritional health as well, which can lead to even more complications. While there is no one special diet for this disease, there are some basic guidelines to follow.
Benefits
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation states that eating a well balanced diet will help you to feel better and have the energy to manage your condition. PD can affect the functioning of the muscles in the digestive system. This can lead to constipation, malnutrition and gastrointestinal symptoms. As the muscles in the face lose tone, chewing and swallowing become more difficult. All of the above may result in a loss of appetite. In addition, medications that are used to treat PD can cause side effects that need to be addressed nutritionally. Eating a diet high in fiber and rich in fruits and vegetables will help give you the nutrition you need and will keep your system moving. If chewing and swallowing are difficult, try canned fruits and vegetables which may be softer and easier to eat.
Prevention/Solution
According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, one of the main medications used to treat PD, levodopa, actually competes with protein to be absorbed in the small intestine. Therefore people with PD must be mindful about the timing and volume of their protein intake. Protein should be eaten in small amounts and not taken too close to the time you take your medication. The same is true for fat as it also takes longer to digest. Making these changes will help your body absorb the medication faster and more efficiently. The NPF recommends that you get 1/2g of protein per pound of body weight. This amount should be divided evenly into three meals.
Considerations
The medications used to treat PD, along with the digestion problems typical with this condition, can lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become thin and frail, and are susceptible to fractures. In the case of PD, this not only affects the hips, wrist and spine, but it can also affect the bones in the mouth. This can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out. Given this, you need a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D. Current recommendations for those older than 50 years of age are 1,500mg of calcium and 800 IU of vitamin D daily. In addition, the prescriptions you are taking can also cause dehydration, so adequate water intake is essential. Six to eight glasses of water each day will help to prevent dehydration and keep your bowels moving.
Warning
Parkinson's disease requires a multifaceted approach to fully manage the many symptoms and complications that can arise. This condition affects each person differently and requires individualized plans of treatment. It is important to meet with a qualified and licensed professional when discussing your nutritional needs. A registered dietitian can help you to formulate a plan that best meets your needs. This is especially important if you are living with other conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or osteoporosis, which are also affected by your diet. If you are considering taking nutritional supplements or herbal remedies, talk with your doctor or pharmacist to avoid adverse interactions with the medications you are already taking.
