High-protein foods, if taking medications such as levodopa
WHO’S AFFECTED
About 1 2 million North Americans
Those with head injuries
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive nerve disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking
or trembling (tremors), a fixed staring expression, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, and an abnormal
gait The disease varies from one person to another; some people develop speech problems and
difficulty swallowing, while others suffer progressive dementia Parkinson’s affects men and women
equally and generally develops after the age of 50
Nutrition Connection
Although there are no nutritional treatments for Parkinson’s disease, diet helps to increase the
effectiveness of treatment with levodopa, which is a medication patients often take to control the
tremors and muscle spasms, and manage such problems as constipation and difficulty in chewing and
swallowing Here’s how:
Make treatments more effective To be its most effective, some physicians advise taking
levodopa 20 to 30 minutes before meals, but if this provokes nausea, it can be taken with a
carbohydrate snack, such as crackers or bread Protein delays the absorption of levodopa, so avoid
high-protein diets while on the medication Some doctors suggest eating the day’s protein in the
evening, when it’s less likely to create problems
Control other symptoms Constipation can be minimized by consuming ample fresh fruits and
vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, and other high-fiber foods, as well as drinking 6 to 8
glasses of water or other fluids daily
Put easy-to-chew foods on the menu Those with advanced Parkinson’s often have trouble
chewing and swallowing food, because the tongue and facial muscles are affected Meals should
emphasize foods that are easy to chew and swallow These include cooked cereals or well-moistened
dry cereals, poached or scrambled eggs, soups, mashed potatoes, rice, soft-cooked pasta, tender
chicken or turkey, well-cooked boneless fish, pureed or mashed vegetables and fruits, custard, yogurt,
and juices If eating is tiring, try smaller but more frequent meals
Consider vitamin K Some initial research has shown that vitamin K can improve cellular energy
production and possibly ward off the Parkinson’s symptom of diminished energy distribution among
brain cells Sources of vitamin K include green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach
Beyond the Diet
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but various medications, especially levodopa, can reduce symptoms
and slow the progression Here are some other guidelines for easing the symptoms:
Make time for fitness Exercise promotes healthy bowel function and is advised for anyone with
Parkinson’s disease, because it preserves muscle tone and strength
Ease digestion Sit up straight and tilt your head slightly forward when swallowing Take small
bites, chew thoroughly, and swallow everything before taking another bite Sip a liquid between bites
to help wash food down