Understanding nutrition is important for people with Parkinson’s because it can significantly impact your overall health and symptom management.

Living with Parkinson’s has challenges. By making informed dietary choices, you can better manage your condition and improve your quality of life.

  • Certain foods can help alleviate symptoms like constipation, low mood, and muscle cramps.
  • The absorption of Parkinson’s medications, such as levodopa, can be affected by how well-hydrated you are and what you eat. Drinking enough water, timing your medication doses, and making food choices can make a big difference.
  • People with Parkinson’s may have lower levels of certain vitamins like vitamin D, which is important for bone health and reducing the risk of fractures. Ask your GP for a blood test to check if you are low on any.
  • A balanced diet can improve energy levels, support a healthy weight, and boost your immune system.

Quick nutrition tips

  1. Balanced diet: There is no specific diet designed for Parkinson’s yet, but maintaining a balanced diet is crucial. This includes eating a variety of foods, healthy portions, and the right balance of food groups. Regular meals at roughly the same time each day and plenty of fluids are important. If you snack, choose a healthy option such as fresh fruit, plain yoghurts, or a handful of nuts instead of chocolate or crisps. Generally, avoid processed foods and stick to those in the MIND or Mediterranean diets. Consult with a practice nurse or dietitian.

  2. Fruits and vegetables: Aim for at least two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables each day (400 g in total). These provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

  3. Starchy foods: Base your main meals on starchy foods like bread, potatoes, rice, pasta, and oats. These foods contain fibre, vitamins, and minerals

  4. Protein intake: Protein is important, but it can interfere with the absorption of levodopa, a common Parkinson’s medication. Eating protein-rich foods like meat, cheese, and fish at dinner is recommended rather than lunch. Avoid eggs and milky coffee or tea if it’s less than 30 minutes before or after your morning dose. 

  5. Constipation and gastroparesis: Constipation is very common in Parkinson’s and can occur decades before motor symptoms. To get things moving, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly. If you experience gastroparesis, be careful of increasing fibre content without medical advice as it may cause further bulking due to the slowing movements of the gut.

  6. Focus on your food: Some people with Parkinson’s may experience swallowing difficulties. Slow down. Do not eat on the go or while watching TV. Eat at a table if possible. Eating smaller portions, sitting upright, and concentrating on eating can help.

  7. Low blood pressure: Parkinson’s and its medications can cause low blood pressure. Drinking plenty of water (e.g. a large glass of cold water with each dose of your meds), adding salt to your diet, and avoiding hot or alcoholic drinks can help manage this.

  8.  Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dark chocolate, can help protect cells from damage.

  9. Weight management: Parkinson’s can affect weight, either causing weight loss or gain. Adjusting portion sizes or choosing nutrient-dense foods can help manage weight. Check the fat and sugar content on food labels when shopping and preparing food. Do not heap food on your plate (except vegetables). Think twice before having second helpings.

  10. Medication and diet: Some Parkinson’s medications have specific dietary instructions. It’s important to follow these to ensure effective treatment.

Always consult with a health professional before making changes to your diet and medications.

The 2025 Parkinson’s Australia National Conference (#PANC2025), theme is CONNECTION. Click HERE to find out more, book tickets, find hotels, see our speakers and peruse the program including Dr Mischley’s talk & workshop. Dr Mischley, is a naturopathic physician and nutritional neuro-epidemiologist. For the past decade, she has been tracking 2,000 people with Parkinson’s to determine how foods, vitamins and minerals are impacting the rate of progression.

 

For more on nutrition see: 

Eat for health: https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/

Eating Well: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/food-and-nutrition/about/eating-well

Parkinson’s Diet with Amy Neill, dietitian with special interest in PD https://parkinsondiet.com/

 

For more dietary tips and information on the Mediterranean diet, visit:

ABC Health, The real Mediterranean diet: What you can expect, https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2017-02-16/10-commandments-of-the-real-mediterranean-diet/7541786

Dietitians Australia Mediterranean diet, https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/health-advice/mediterranean-diet

Harvard School of Public Health, Diet Review: Mediterranean Diet, https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-weight/diet-reviews/mediterranean-diet

Oldways, Mediterranean Diet, https://oldwayspt.org/traditional-diets/mediterranean-diet

Queensland Health, Mediterranean-style diet, https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/946049/cardiac-meddiet.pdf

 

 

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