Parkinson’s disease is a progressive medical condition that impacts the normal functioning of the nervous system and other regions of the human body regulated by the nerves. Symptoms begin slowly and the initial sign may be a hardly noticeable tremor in just one hand. As per statistics around 9.1% of people in India are affected by Parkinson’s disease. Usually, symptoms vary from person to person and commonly include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. However, the exact cause and triggers that stimulate Parkinson’s are still being researched.

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Read this article to know how diet can impact individuals with Parkinson’s and foods that may help ease or worsen symptoms.

Role Of Diet

As there’s no complete cure for Parkinson’s research suggests that certain dietary modifications can help people ease symptoms.

Parkinson’s disease is closely related to a lack of dopamine cells in the system, experts are looking for means to increase dopamine levels naturally through diet. The main secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease like dementia, and confusion may improve through adopting lifestyle modifications like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.

Also Read: The MIND Diet: Here’s Why You Should Eat These Top 10 Foods For Brain Health And Memory

Antioxidant-rich foods are well-known to reduce oxidative stress in the brain, which may be responsible for the decline in mental functions observed in Parkinson’s patients. A deficiency of certain minerals like magnesium is thought to contribute to the development of Parkinson’s, hence taking magnesium-rich foods may ease symptoms like muscle cramps that can develop in Parkinson’s disease.

Foods To Include

A few studies focus on proteins, flavonoids, and gut bacteria for alleviating symptoms, but research is ongoing, and the result is still inconclusive. Moreover, certain studies have also revealed that diets high in antioxidants may offer brain-shielding benefits and slow the progression of the condition in elderly people.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are known to safeguard healthy cells against oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of antioxidants and unstable compounds called free radicals that develop in Parkinson’s disease.

Some of the food sources that are the powerhouse of antioxidants that should be incorporated into meal regimen include:

• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, and pistachios
• Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, and elderberries
• Nightshade vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant
• Leafy green vegetables: Spinach and kale

Thus, eating a plant-based diet high in these foods may deliver the highest antioxidant intake.

Beans

Beans contain the bioactive compounds levodopa which is known to be beneficial for Parkinson’s disease. Mainly fava beans contain levodopa the compounds used in some Parkinson’s medicines and confer similar benefits.

Omega-3 Fatty Foods

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that help enhance brain function in Parkinson’s patients. Some of the food rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon
• Halibut
• Oysters
• Soybeans
• Flaxseeds
• Kidney beans

Also Read: Brain Foods That Help You Concentrate

Other Nutrient-Dense Foods To Add

Malnutrition has been found to be a key risk factor for mental health decline. Moreover, people suffering from Parkinson’s disease are more prone to be malnourished.

Some of the nutrients that should be added to the diet regimen in people with Parkinson’s disease who are deficient in :

• Iron: Spinach, tofu, and fortified breakfast cereals
• Vitamin B1: Beans, lentils, peas and meat
• Zinc: Whole grains, meat, oysters, and chicken
• Vitamin D: Salmon, tuna, fortified milk products, and cod liver oil
• Calcium: Milk products, green leafy veggies, and fortified soy products

Foods To Avoid

Certain kinds of food should be totally avoided or limited to manage Parkinson’s disease.

Saturated Fat

Though the exact role of saturated fat in Parkinson’s disease is still being studied, research reveals that a high intake of fat may elevate the risk of this disease.

A diet high in saturated fat has been associated with an increased risk of chronic conditions like heart disease. Thus, the intake of these foods should be limited.

Foods high in saturated fat include :

• Red meat
• Butter
• Cheese
• Palm oil
• Baked and fried foods

On the contrary, a few studies have shown that the keto diet high in fat is beneficial for a few people with Parkinson’s disease.

Hard Foods

Generally, Parkinson’s patients have chewing and swallowing difficulties. Around 80% of people with this problem experience swallowing issues as the disease advances. Choosing soft, bland, and easy-to-chew foods may be helpful.

Processed Foods

It is recommended to restrict or totally avoid processed foods like canned, fried foods and diet sodas, as these foods have been related to the rapid progression of Parkinson’s. Further, processed foods also hinder gut health, which may aggravate the impact of symptoms.

Effective Tips To Prevent Parkinson’s Disease

Following some of these basic lifestyle tips may support ease Parkinson’s symptoms:

Drink Plenty Of Water: Staying well hydrated is mainly essential for people with Parkinson’s disease. As they often experience increased thirst sensation. Have at least 8 glasses of water daily to maintain hydration.

Get Sunlight: Vitamin D has been proven to shield against Parkinson’s disease, thus getting fresh air and sunshine may help to ease symptoms.

Stay Active: Certain types of exercise and physical therapies may enhance your abilities and slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.