Parkinson's Disease

Nutritional approach

Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system that affects a person's motor skills. It is characterized by:

• Tremors
• Stiffness
• Slowed movement
• Impaired balance

The following symptoms may also occur:

• Depression
• Trouble swallowing
• Constipation
• Altered sense of taste and smell
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cognitive problems

A multidisciplinary approach involving a team of different medical professionals is often required to help Parkinson's patients manage all aspects of the disease.

Although there is no specific diet that can cure Parkinson's disease, a healthy diet adapted to an individual's needs, combined with good eating habits, can improve quality of life and potentially alleviate certain symptoms.

Promoting drug efficacy

Levodopa, an ingredient in certain medications used to control Parkinson's symptoms, can compete for absorption with the proteins found in food. This may result in reduced efficacy when taken with a high-protein meal or snack (e.g., meat, fish, dairy products, nuts, eggs). If this is a problem you are experiencing, discuss it with your health care provider, and they can recommend a medication schedule based on your meal and snack times.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Some people with Parkinson's disease lose weight for a variety of reasons:

• Increased energy expenditure due to illness
• Impaired sense of taste and smell
• Loss of appetite
• Medication side effects
• Trouble swallowing

A healthy, balanced diet provides energy, boosts the immune system, and supports muscle strength. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy weight:

• Try to eat meals at times when your medication is working well to make it easier to handle utensils and swallow.
• Season meals well with spices and sauces.
• Eat small, frequent meals and supplement with snacks.
• Choose nutritious snacks such as dried fruit and nuts, yogurt topped with fruit and nuts, a muffin with cheese slices, or a peanut butter sandwich.
• Eat when you have the biggest appetite and your energy is high.
• Eat your favourite foods and think about presentation to make dishes more appealing.
• Choose higher-calorie foods (3.25% M.F.* milk, yogurt with more than 4% M.F., and cheeses with more than 30% M.F.).
• Top your Greek yogurt or high-protein oatmeal with nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or grains.
• Eat a palm-sized portion of meat/poultry/fish and add legumes (soybeans or roasted chickpeas or legume salad).
• Complement meals with nutritional supplements (commercial or homemade).

*Milk fat

Avoiding constipation

Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, but it can also be caused by medication and reduced physical activity. Adding fibre to your diet, combined with good hydration (6 to 8 glasses of liquid a day in the form of water, soup, juice, or milk) can help relieve this uncomfortable symptom. Good sources of fibre include:

• Whole-grain cereals and wheat bran
• Fruits and vegetables
• Nuts and seeds (e.g., chia seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts)
• Legumes (e.g., lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas)

Preventing dry mouth and swallowing issues

Dry mouth is a common side effect of Parkinson's medications that causes discomfort. Drinking water regularly can help. Adjustments to your medication can also be made if needed, and products to treat dry mouth can be purchased in pharmacies. Ask your pharmacist for more information.

Dry mouth and Parkinson's symptoms can lead to trouble swallowing. Here are some things you can do that may help:

• Take regular sips of a cold soft drink between bites or when there's too much food in your mouth.
  • The cold temperature and fizzing bubbles can help stimulate your mouth and throat muscles, making it easier to swallow.
• Take small bites one at a time and chew food thoroughly.
• Avoid foods that stick to your teeth, such as fresh bread, peanut butter, tomatoes, or mashed potatoes.
• Adjust the consistency of your food as needed. You can ask a nutritionist for advice on the best consistency for your situation.

Recommendations

A balanced diet, combined with appropriate treatment and exercise, will improve your quality of life and alleviate certain symptoms.

According to some studies, the following dietary habits may have a protective effect on the prevention and/or progression of Parkinson's disease:

• Getting plenty of antioxidants:
  • Dark chocolate, green tea, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, carrots, mango, sweet potato
• Eating more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids:
  • Salmon, sardines, trout
  • Canola and flaxseed oil
  • Walnuts, ground flaxseed, and chia seeds
• Choosing foods high in calcium and vitamin D:
  • Cheese and yogurt
  • Fortified plant-based beverages
  • Canned fish with bones
• Adopting a Mediterranean diet:
  • Whole grains
  • Fruits, vegetables, and legumes
  • Nuts and seeds, olive and canola oils
  • Fish

Impaired manual dexterity

Manual dexterity is one of the motor skills affected by Parkinson's disease. Devices specially designed to help with eating and drinking are available and should be used if you have difficulty handling everyday objects such as cups and forks.

It can also be helpful to have another person cut your food into small pieces, as this can be difficult to do with impaired motor function. If meal preparation becomes a burden, a catering or meal preparation service may be a good alternative.