If you have Parkinson’s disease, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can help manage symptoms and improve overall wellbeing.
Here are some dietary tips:
Basic advice is to eat a rainbow on your plate. Some easy adds to your diet can include coconut oil, fresh fruit and veg, nuts and seeds. Organic and local foods matter, too.
- Antioxidant-Rich Foods: These help reduce oxidative stress in the brain. Include berries, nuts, and dark leafy greens.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, omega-3s may help reduce inflammation and support brain health.
- Fibre-rich foods: To help with constipation, a common symptom of Parkinson’s, eat whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.*
- Protein: While important, try to consume protein at dinner rather than throughout the day to avoid interference with Parkinson’s medications.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help with digestion.
Foods to limit or avoid
What to eat is as important as what not to eat. Dr Laurie Mischley, #PANC2025 Keynote speaker, has identified several foods associated with statistically significant, faster-than-average Parkinson’s progression, including dairy, beef, fried foods, soda, canned fruits, and canned vegetables.
- Processed foods: These can worsen symptoms and overall health. Try to avoid foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Saturated fats: Limit intake of red meat and full-fat dairy products.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can interfere with medications and exacerbate symptoms, so best to reduce or eliminate it.
Additional Tips
- Regular meals: Eating small, frequent meals can help maintain energy levels.
- Supplements: After taking a blood test, consult with your doctor about supplementing any vitamins you might be low on. There may be some interactions with PD medications, so always consult your pharmacist or GP before starting supplements.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can complement a healthy diet and improve symptoms.
- Protein: Shifting the bulk of your protein towards the end of the day, or at least 45 minutes before or after taking c/l medication can also help the levodopa work better.
- Consult an expert: See a nutritionist or dietitian to make a plan specific to your needs. *if you have gastroparesis, please consult a specialist before increasing fibre which can further exacerbate the problem by bulking up the bowel
Resources & references
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.
Dr Laurie Mischley’s Living Healthy with Parkinson’s site and information
Dietitians Australia – find a dietitian
Parkinson’s Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid – Healthline.
Parkinson’s diet: What to eat and what to avoid – Medical News Today.
