Foods to eat and avoid for Parkinson’s patients
Parkinson’s disease causes symptoms like tremors, loss of balance, and stiffness. Along with medications and regular exercise, some foods help reduce these symptoms significantly. But some foods can aggravate symptoms, which makes coping with the condition more difficult. So let’s take a look at what foods to eat and avoid for Parkinson’s disease.
Certain nutrients help improve quality of life for Parkinson’s patients, so here are some foods to include:
Protein
Parkinson’s patients can have protein daily, but it needs to be avoided when levodopa medication is being taken. This precaution needs to be taken because protein interferes with the absorption of levodopa in the body. One can take their medication half an hour before food or a couple of hours after food to ensure that protein doesn’t interfere with it.
Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants
Antioxidants reduce oxidative stress that is responsible for aggravating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Including foods rich in antioxidants, like peppers, berries, leafy greens, and nuts can significantly improve one’s health. Consuming salmon, walnuts, and flax seeds helps provide omega-3 fatty acids that improve cognitive function and protect one from diseases like dementia.
Fiber
Parkinson’s patients face major problems when it comes to bowel incontinence. To facilitate healthy bowel movements and reduce constipation, one must include a fiber-rich foods to their daily meals. Various foods like beans, broccoli, whole grains, and avocados are rich in fiber.
Water
To manage constipation and help fiber do its job, it is important to drink at around seven glasses of water daily. Nonetheless, water consumption may be a concern for Parkinson’s patients as it induces the need to urinate more often. One can avoid drinking water a few hours before bed and manage their water intake and bathroom schedule more effectively.
The symptoms Parkinson’s disease can worsen with the inclusion of certain foods. Here are the ones patients must avoid or limit:
Dairy
Frequent consumption of dairy products is linked with a higher chance of developing Parkinson’s disease as well as worsening its symptoms. And this issue may be more prominent in men. But if one decides to cut off dairy from their nutritional regimen, they should make up for the lost calcium from other food sources or supplements.
Saturated fats
Foods that are high in saturated fats are not the best for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Deep-fried and processed foods pose a greater risk of developing various conditions like heart disease and diabetes, all of which can worsen the health of someone with Parkinson’s disease.
Hard-to-chew foods
Many people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease find chewing hard foods quite a difficult task. So, one must refrain from consuming chewy, hard, or dried foods. If they wish to eat such foods, it is advised to consume a drink alongside to ease the chewing and swallowing process.