Dietary Guidelines for Parkinson's Disease: Foods to Include and Exclude
In the United States, around 50,000 people receive a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease each year, a neurological condition that affects movement and can affect anyone, with a higher prevalence in males [1]. As the symptoms of Parkinson's tend to develop gradually over several years, understanding the role of diet and nutrition in managing this condition is crucial.
A diet focusing on nutrient-dense, antioxidant- and omega-3-rich whole foods is recommended to help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms and progression. Specifically, fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, flaxseeds, soybeans, fortified dairy products, tofu, whole grains, lentils, spinach, eggs, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables are beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties [1][2].
Fava beans, which contain levodopa, a key medication for Parkinson's, may help improve motor performance in people with Parkinson's without causing side effects [2]. Additionally, foods rich in iron, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D may help manage symptoms. Good sources of iron include liver, red meat, beans, nuts; good sources of vitamin B1 include peas, bananas, oranges, nuts, wholegrain bread; good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes; good sources of zinc include meat, shellfish, bread, cereal products; good sources of vitamin D include oily fish, red meat, egg yolks, certain fortified foods [3].
On the other hand, foods to avoid due to their potential negative effects include those high in saturated fats (e.g., red meat, butter, cheese, palm oil, and fried foods), ultraprocessed foods such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks (including diet sodas), canned meals, and other foods with additives. These foods may increase inflammation, impair gut health, speed up Parkinson’s symptom progression, and interfere with treatments like levodopa, especially when high-protein foods are consumed simultaneously with the drug [1][3][5].
People with Parkinson's may have difficulty with chewing and swallowing foods, and may wish to avoid hard, dry, crumbly, tough or chewy foods. The Parkinson's Foundation suggests that people with Parkinson's follow a diet that is rich in grains, vegetables, and fruits, low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol, and limited in sugar and salt [4].
In summary, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods and limits processed and high-fat foods can help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms and slow its progression. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice.
References: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6157965/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6064409/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6045972/ [4] https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Living-with-Parkinsons/Diet-and-Nutrition/Diet-and-Nutrition-Basics [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6361283/
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