Parkinson’s Disease: What to Eat, What to Avoid to Manage Healthy Lifestyle With Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease: Dietary habits have a great impact on the lifestyle of people with Parkinson’s. Here are certain foods that should be on the list and some that should be a big no no.

Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that can alter daily lifestyle, communication, etc. This onset occurs when there is a lack of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. In addition, it can also affect the quality of life of both the patient and the caregivers. Parkinson’s is a term we’ve heard many times, but how well do we understand it, or know about it, as we know about numerous other prevalent disorders. I’m not sure? It’s time to dig a little deeper.

With proper medical intervention and few lifestyle changes, the disease can be controlled and people can learn to live with it decently. An important aspect of this lifestyle is modifying the foods we eat. Food is a cardinal aspect of a healthy body. Therefore, there are also certain foods that people suffering from Parkinson’s should include in their diet. Also, there are certain foods that are best avoided.

Parkinson’s disease: foods to eat

According to Healthline, most of the research done in this field highlights that diets rich in antioxidants can help insulate the brain in older people and help prevent oxidative damage.

• Walnuts: Rich in antioxidants, walnuts are generally a good food for maintaining brain health.
• Berries: Blueberries, blackberries, etc. they are one of the healthiest foods one can include in their diet. Its antioxidant properties also help with brain health.
• Omega-3 Foods: Known as healthy fat, it is said to help with brain function. Therefore, kidney beans, flaxseeds, and kidney beans are good sources of omega-3s.
• Vitamin C: Foods rich in vitamin C are one of the essential nutrients needed by the body. It helps boost immunity and vitamin-rich foods are a good way to include them in your diet while suffering from the flu. Orange, grapes, kiwi, red pepper are some foods rich in vitamin C.
• To the Greens: Not a popular food among many, but leafy greens help boost the immune system and are a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. Broccoli is also a powerhouse of nutrients like calcium and fiber .
• High fiber diet: A diet rich in fiber helps intestinal health.

Parkinson’s disease: foods to avoid

• Highly saturated foods:There is still ongoing research into the role of saturated fat in Parkinson’s, but it is usually linked to chronic conditions like heart disease. It is better to avoid butter, cheese, etc.
• Fried Food: Yes, fried food can be a bit overpowering, but it can have adverse health effects.
• Processed foods they are not good for health anyway. It can harm intestinal health.
• Junk food: Too much external junk food intake hinders many bodily functions.

Aside from diet, it is also important to recognize the early symptoms or early signs of Parkinson’s:

Non-motor symptoms:

• People start to face a decline in cognition in terms of finding words, making judgments, etc.
• loss of smell
• Parkinson’s patients have a tendency to develop depression and anxiety. They may also experience mood disorders.
• Constipation slowed digestion.
• People can also experience dizziness often and for a long time.
• low blood pressure when standing

Motor symptoms:

• Tremors: Tremors in the hands or legs may be a first sign of Parkinson’s.
• Stiffness: There could also be a sudden stiffness in the extremities.
• Postural instability: Facing problems balancing the body and developing a slumped or slouched posture.
• Bradykinesia: slow movement in the body

Note: This is just general information about diet related to Parkinson’s disease. It is not a substitute for doctor’s advice. Also, before drawing up a diet plan, it is better to consult a professional as the type of medication can affect the doctor’s advice.