Findings of some of the researches may also provide us with life-style tips to manage the disease symptoms better.
As for diet is concerned, one article lists food that can help manage symptoms as well as food that should be avoided. This has been highlighted in the past as well, but has been included here for reminder for all of us.
There also was a discussion on benefits of drinking Coffee. This needs further investigation in light of the potential cardiovascular impact.
As for the exercises, conditioning and strengthening exercises, dancing, Nordic walking, Qigong are being suggested. Knitting also has been highlighted for getting the brain function up and running. Any activity can be taken up only after discussion with your doctor.
One interesting article also highlights the benefits and risks of vacationing for patient with Parkinson’s Disease.
Following are the details about these studies along with the findings:
1)
Best PD diet
Some of the foods can assist in keeping the PD symptoms in control. Following are some of the food items recommended by the researchers.
· Antioxidants: Nut (walnut pistachios), berries, Nightshade vegetables (pepper, tomato), Leafy vegetable (spinach)
· Fava Beans
· Omega-3 acids: Salmon, Halibut, Oysters, Soy beans, Flaxseed, Kidney beans
· Certain nutrient-dense foods:
· Iron: Spinach, tofu
· Vitamin B1: Beans, Lentils,
· Zinc: Whole grains, Chicken
· Vitamin D: Salmon, Cod liver oil
· Calcium: Dairy products, green leafy veggies
Foods to avoid in case of Parkinson’s Disease:
· Food high in saturated fat
· Food that are hard to chew
· Processed food
A patient should decide about diet change only after consulting his / her doctor / dietitian.
Following is the link to the original article:
2)
Managing non-motor symptoms in PD
Apart from the motor symptoms like tremors and slowness, patient of Parkinson’s Disease may also experience non-motor symptoms like cognitive dysfunction, hallucinations, anxiety, apathy, depression, etc.
Following is the link to the original article that contains tips about managing the above symptoms:
3)
Exercise to control PD
For a person who is recently diagnosed with this disease, activities that can stimulate the brain can be taken up. E.g., knitting. This gets the brain function up and running. Patient also wants to remain strong and fit. A patient took up conditioning and strengthening programme that contained various range of workouts for mobility, strength and flexibility. Patients symptoms reduced significantly.
Any exercise regimen should be taken up only based on the recommendation of your doctor or physiotherapist.
Following is the link to the original article:
4)
Vacations and PD
Vacations can be enjoyable and relaxing but can also bring some stress. This is because unstructured daily schedule may affect the medication leading to fatigue, enhanced symptoms.
In an experiment, 44.9% patients experienced improved symptoms while on vacation, 12.9% patients experienced worsening of symptoms. Vacation that had movement related activities saw improved symptoms.
Following is the link to the original article:
5)
Exercise and PD
Study was conducted to understand which exercises could be more effective for patients of Parkinson’s Disease. The study suggested that dancing (can help motor symptoms), Nordic walking (mobility and balance) and Qigong (for dexterity) can be optimal exercises.
Any exercise regimen should be taken up only based on the recommendation of your doctor or physiotherapist.
Following is the link to the original article:
6)
Coffee and incidence of PD
As per research, caffeine intake has shown to delay the onset of Parkinson’s Disease in a dose-dependent manner. However, in humans, it is less effective in slowing the disease progression. However, a further study is needed to understand the benefit of caffeine in light of the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Following is the link to the original article:
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