There are some foods that are more beneficial for slowing disease progression or for lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fats may help reduce nerve inflammation, improve neurotransmission, and slow neurodegeneration. Consuming more fatty fish rich in omega-3s or taking an omega-3 supplement may benefit people with Parkinson’s.
Fish and seafood that contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids include:
Mackerel
Salmon
Herring
Oysters
Sardines
Anchovies
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have a number of other health benefits. It may also help improve cardiovascular health and brain function and help slow the rate of cognitive decline.
In addition to possibly offering direct benefits to those with Parkinson’s, omega-3 fatty acids may also help reduce the risk of dementia and confusion more generally. These are also secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Fava beans
Fava beans contain levodopa, it has potential to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. It is important that people do not use them as an alternative to prescription treatments.
Not much research has been done on efficacy of fava beans in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s. However, one study does suggest that the consumption of fava beans may lead to a marked improvement in the motor performance of people with Parkinson’s, without causing any side effects.
Foods containing nutrients that people may be deficient in:
Some research suggests that people with Parkinson’s often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D. The above study points out that some of these deficiencies may be associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are key factors in Parkinson’s.
Therefore, people with Parkinson’s may wish to consume more of the following foods.
Foods containing iron: The following foods are good sources of iron:
Liver
Red meat
Beans
Nuts
Foods containing vitamin B1: The following foods are good sources of vitamin B1:
Peas
Bananas
Oranges
Nuts
Wholegrain bread
Foods containing vitamin C: The following foods are good sources of vitamin C:
Citrus fruits
Peppers
Strawberries
Broccoli
Potatoes
Foods containing zinc: The following foods are good sources of zinc:
Meat
Shellfish
Bread
Cereal products, such as wheat germ
Foods containing vitamin D: The following foods are good sources of vitamin D:
Oily fish
Red meat
Egg yolks
Certain fortified foods
Foods containing antioxidants
Free radicals are unstable molecules in the body. They are necessary for health. However, if there is an imbalance and there are more free radicals present than necessary, they can cause damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in the body.
The damage that these free radicals cause is known as oxidative stress. This is a condition that occurs when the amount of free radicals in the body is too high, which contributes to cellular damage. Some research has linked oxidative stress to the progression of Parkinson’s.
Antioxidants keep free radicals in check, so following a diet high in antioxidants can help combat oxidative stress. Therefore, a person with Parkinson’s may wish to consume antioxidant-rich foods in their diet.
Some good sources of antioxidants include:
Blueberries, Cranberries, Grapes, Cherries, Strawberries, and Raspberries
Pecans, Walnuts, and Brazil nuts
Spices such as Turmeric
Herbs such as Parsley
Cocoa powder and Cacao products
Broccoli, Artichokes, Spinach, and Kale
Citrus fruits
Green tea
Navy beans, Black beans, and Kidney beans
A healthy diet in general
While the above foods may be beneficial for people with Parkinson’s, it is most important for people with Parkinson’s to focus on their diet as a whole.
Dietary tips:
It is also suggested that people with Parkinson’s follow these dietary tips:
Avoid fad diets and try to consume foods from all food groups.
Consume plenty of grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Limit sugar intake.
Reduce salt and sodium intake.
Consume foods that contain antioxidants, such as brightly colored and dark fruits and vegetables.
Follow a diet that is low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol.
Drink alcohol only in moderation.
Foods to avoid
There are a number of foods that may worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease or speed up the progression of the condition. These foods include the following.
Processed foods
Some studies suggest that eating a “Western-style” diet may be linked with symptom severity in Parkinson’s.
This type of diet is high in processed foods. Some examples of processed foods include:
Canned foods
Sodas
Breakfast cereals
Chips
Bacon
Ready meals
Candy
Cakes
One study suggests that several of these items, including canned foods and sodas, may be associated with “more rapid [Parkinson’s] progression.”
Also, the researcher behind another study points out that eating a lot of processed foods “contributes to increased intestinal permeability and dysbiosis due to an over
growth of gram-negative bacteria.”
Symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and problems with speech and smell are common in Parkinson’s.
Given that processed foods may be linked with symptom severity in Parkinson’s, people with this condition may wish to avoid them.
Certain dairy foods
Some research suggests that dairy products may be linked with a higher risk of Parkinson’s. For example, one study suggests that the consumption of skim and low-fat milk may be associated with an increased risk of the condition.
Another study adds that yogurt and cheese consumption may be associated with faster disease progression in Parkinson’s.
Therefore, a person with Parkinson’s may wish to avoid consuming large quantities of these dairy products.
Foods containing saturated fat and cholesterol
Some studies suggest that dietary fat intake may increase the risk of Parkinson’s.
Although having a higher intake of cholesterol can elevate a person’s Parkinson’s risk, having a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk.
Therefore, a person with Parkinson’s may wish to reduce their intake of cholesterol to help control the symptoms of the condition. They may also wish to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.
However, further studies are required to explore the link between dietary fat and Parkinson’s.
Foods that are hard to chew
Many people with Parkinson’s have difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods. A person needs medical help if this is the case. A speech and language therapist may be able to help a person overcome this issue.
However, if a person is finding certain foods hard to chew and swallow, they may wish to avoid these foods. Such foods include:
Hard foods
Dry, crumbly foods
Tough or chewy meats
If a person does wish to eat chewy meats, they could try using gravy or sauce to soften them and make eating easier.
They could also try chopping meat into smaller pieces or incorporating meat into casseroles, which can make it more tender.
Having a drink with a meal can also make chewing and swallowing easier.
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