Diet For Parkinson's
Emphasizing plant-based staples and healthy fats, while minimizing meat, can improve health. There is evidence that what’s known as the Mediterranean diet may help reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
- The diet stresses eating more vegetables and monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, while consuming smaller amounts of lean protein, including chicken or fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon.
- Emphasizes eating fruit, nuts, grains, and beans.
- People living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often have concerns that protein intake may decrease the effectiveness of carbidopa/levodopa, one of the common medications used to treat PD. A high-protein meal can slow levodopa absorption in the brain. People living with PD find, as the disease progresses, that eating most of their protein later in the day better controls their symptoms. It is best to take carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet) 30 to 60 minutes before eating a meal. This allows the medication to be quickly absorbed before the food can interfere.
- Since Parkinson’s can affect digestive function, people living with PD may notice symptoms such as constipation and early satiety (the sensation of feeling full after consuming a small amount of food).
Just one thing
Try this today: Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks throughout the day is a great way to get started on the Mediterranean diet. Try adding a side salad or steamed veggie dish to your main meals and enjoy a fresh piece of fruit for dessert!