PD Nutrition 101

09/28/2010

Parkinson's Disease Nutrition

There is no special diet for Parkinson's.  In general a balanced diet is best. Go to www.mypyramid.gov and Nutrition Overview for more information about a healthy diet and how to make the food pyramid work for you. 

The Parkinson’s pyramid is modified to include information important to general health with Parkinson’s. You should talk with your healthcare provider before changing your diet.


Parkinson’s Food Pyramid
Fruits and Vegetables- Eat 8- 10 servings a day.
  • High in antioxidants needed to maintain healthy body and brain cells.  No single antioxidant is best.  A variety of antioxidants in diet will lead to better protection against oxidative stress. More information on this topic is available in Antioxidants.  Eat a variety of color to insure a variety of antioxidants.
  • High in fiber for colon health and to reduce constipation.
  • Carbohydrates for energy.
Proteins- Select vegetable protein as your major source, followed by fish, dairy/substitute, then meat.
  • Vegetable protein- beans, nuts, seeds.
    •  Low in saturated fat means better heart and brain health.
    • High in fiber means better colon health and reduced constipation.
    • Less interference with levodopa absorption than animal protein.
  • Fish and Seafood.
    • Lower in saturated fat.
    • Cold water fish high in omega 3 ‘good fats’ needed for healthy heart, brain and shown to improve many conditions.
  • Dairy or dairy substitute:
    • Source of calcium important for strong bones.
    • Choose low-fat milk to reduce intake of saturated fat.
    • Use soy products in place of dairy. Some studies suggest dairy products increase the risk of Parkinson’s. For more information read Foods and Parkinson’s.
Carbohydrates- Whole grains better than premade processed foods.
  • Stick to starch vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
  • Improved glucose control means better health and perhaps better aging!
  • Increase in fiber, other nutrients, and again antioxidants.
  • Limit processed sugars high in fat and refined sugar. 
  • Limited balanced nutritional value meaning you get less protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants yet all the calories.
  • Leads to fluctuations in energy levels and fatigue.
Drink Fluids.
  • Water
    • Needed to prevent dehydration, low blood pressure and dizziness.
    • Helps with constipation.
  • Fruit and vegetable juices are good choices but talk to your doctor about sugar and salt levels in these beverages.Green and white tea contain anti-oxidants.
Fats- Small amount and the right kinds are good.
  • Good fats- Omega 3s. Salmon, sardines, flax seed oil, walnuts.
  • Olive oil instead of other cooking or salad oils.  Find out more on Cooking with oil.
Fiber- Important for colon health and constipation
 
  • Comes from many sources but many of us have trouble getting enough- Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and oats.
Spices and extras.
  • Green tea
  • Spices are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory- Turmeric, garlic, cinnamon. For more information check out Spice of Life.
  • Alcohol- although one glass red wine is sometimes recommended due to the health benefits of the powerful antioxidant resveratrol, it can interact with Parkinson’s medicine, worsen balance, lightheadedness and confusion.  You can still obtain some of the health benefits of wine by drinking nonalcoholic red wine or 100% purple grape juice made
Sweets- Eat sparingly. Many people with Parkinson’s have a sweet tooth.  If you do not have diabetes, it is OK to enjoy sweets but sparingly.  If you take in too many calories with sweets you do not get the vitamins, minerals and nutrients you need for health.
 
  • Fruit dessert and fruit smoothies made with real fruit will help you get your extra fruit servings.
  • Chocolate- flavinoids in dark chocolate (>70% cocoa) is a strong antioxidant and good for mood too!

Supplements- talk to your doctor about the following supplements.

Author: Monique Giroux, MD