Living with Parkinson’s
ASK THE MD:
CAN DIET TREAT
PARKINSON’S?
When considering what to eat when living
with Parkinson’s disease (PD), there are a
menu of options but no combination of foods
has been proven to slow disease progression.
Doctors recommend a balanced diet that
includes a variety of fruits and vegetables to
maximize general health and help ease certain
non-motor symptoms, such as constipation
and low blood pressure. For some, dietary
adjustments (particularly around protein
intake) may ensure PD medications, such as
levodopa, work optimally.
Below, I discuss a few of the most commonly
asked about diets. Always discuss any planned
dietary changes with your personal physician
and registered dietitian, if you have one.
KETOGENIC DIET
High in fat and low in carbohydrates and
protein, this diet shifts the body’s usual
energy source from glucose (sugar) to fats
(ketone bodies). While pre-clinical work and
one small, open-label study of people with
PD support the potential for motor symptom
improvement, more research is necessary
to fully evaluate possible benefits. This diet
is strict and can be challenging to follow.
(Modified forms include the Atkins and Grain
Brain regimens.) A physician and dietitian
must monitor bloodwork and watch for side
effects, such as dehydration, kidney stones
and nutritional deficiencies.
GLUTEN-FREE DIET
This diet excludes gluten, a protein found
in wheat, barley and rye. Some individuals
anecdotally report benefit while on this diet,
but pre-clinical or clinical evidence does not
exist to promote using a gluten-free diet for
Parkinson’s disease. And, it could increase the
risk of certain vitamin deficiencies.
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The Mediterranean diet focuses on fruits,
vegetables, legumes, whole grains and
“healthy fats,” such as those in nuts and olive
oil. Fish is a staple, while red meat is limited
to a few times per month at most. Red wine,
with meals, is allowed in moderation. This
regimen has been associated with decreased
risk for Alzheimer’s, heart disease and certain
forms of cancer. Two studies also correlate it
with a lower risk of PD, but further research is
necessary.
MIND (MEDITERRANEAN-DASH
INTERVENTION FOR
NEURODEGENERATIVE DELAY) DIET
MIND combines the Mediterranean
and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension) diets. It emphasizes 10 foods —
leafy greens, other vegetables, berries,
poultry, fish, olive oil, beans, nuts, whole
grains and wine — in precise recommended
daily and weekly amounts. This diet has been
associated with lower rates of Alzheimer’s, but
hasn’t been specifically studied in Parkinson’s.
The bottom line? There is no single
“Parkinson’s diet,” and creating a recipe for
wellness must account for many factors, such
as an individual’s other medical conditions
and activity level. Treat diet like medication —
only make significant changes after discussing
with your physician and dietitian.
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The Fox Focus