Benefits of a well-balanced diet in Parkinson’s
A healthy diet is essential for everyone, but it becomes more important for patients suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Committing to a healthy lifestyle, especially when it comes to food, can change the well-being a lot to the better and therefore have a positive effect on the Parkinson’s symptoms and daily living.
A well balanced and selected nutrition can enhance medication efficacy. Certain foods and nutrients can affect the absorption and effectiveness of medication commonly used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Protein should be avoided close to a Levodopa containing drug intake. Protein in our food blocks the resorption of Levodopa in the duodenum. Therefore, a dose failure is most likely to happen which can lead to a poor symptom control. It is essential to be aware of dietary guidelines provided by healthcare professionals, dietricians or doctors to optimize the outcomes of treatment.
Let’s have a closer look on the benefits of healthy and quality food.
Support your brain health! A well-nourished brain is better equipped to handle the challenges caused by Parkinson’s. Nutrients like omega-3 fat acids, antioxidants (vitamin C, E and Beta-Carotene), and B vitamins (especially B12 and B6, and folate) have been associated with improved brain health. Another important aspect for brain health is hydration. Even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance. Staying adequately hydrated is essential for maintaining concentration, memory and overall mental sharpness.
Maintain your muscle strength and bone health – Parkinson’s can lead to muscle weakness and an increased risk of falls. Consuming adequate protein, calcium and vitamin D for maintaining the mass of muscles and strengthening bones. The amount of optimal protein intake varies from different sources. The recommendation from DGE (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung) for example is 1g of protein per kilogram bodyweight. Therefore, a person with 70kg of bodyweight should consume about 70g of protein each day.
Regulate bowel movements – Constipation is one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s and can be really bothering. A diet, high in fibre along with sufficient hydration, can help to manage this issue. It will also keep your bowels healthy and feed those little but necessary healthy bacteria which is called intestinal flora or gut microbiome.
Boost energy levels – Parkinson’s Disease can cause fatigue and sometimes even lethargy. Eating a balanced diet that provides adequate calories, nutrients and hydration can help to battle the fatigue and maintain optimal energy levels.
There is a wide range of possible improvements and even little changes in dietary can have a huge effect on your overall well-being. It’s worth a try!
