“Best recommendation? Learn all you can about you and your body.
—GAIL R., PWP
Here are some suggestions for the types of foods that a person with Parkinson’s might avoid or limit the use of.
Large amounts of protein in the diet can decrease the effectiveness of levodopa. The timing of protein intake can increase its effectiveness and make it so you don’t require as much medication. See chapter 47, “Parkinson’s and Protein.”
Moderate your use of table salt (sodium chloride) because it drives up blood pressure. Remember too that canned foods are generally loaded with sodium chloride. It is better to choose fresh or frozen veggies. However, never take salt completely out of your diet because it is a necessary electrolyte.
Note: Low blood pressure is a symptom of Parkinson’s and a side effect of some medications. If you have low blood pressure, you may want to increase your salt intake to boost it. Talk with your doctor first, though, especially if you have heart or kidney problems.
Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages, as alcohol may interfere with some of your medications or make you extra sleepy.
Most chemicalized and processed foods carry residues of herbicides and pesticides, contact with which can put you at increased risk of developing PD. Selecting organic produce and grains whenever possible will help reduce your exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
Try to limit your consumption of animal and saturated fats. There is increased risk of developing PD for people who have a high intake of animal fats.69
A 14-year Swedish study found that milk consumption of more than 40 milliliters (1.3 ounces) a day is linked to an increased risk of developing PD in both men and women. In addition, another study found that those who consumed three or more nonfat dairy servings per day had an even greater chance (34 percent higher) of developing PD. 70 While these studies do not take into account people who already have Parkinson’s, you may want to consider cutting down on dairy if you are consuming it daily, and especially if in large amounts.
It is also important to note that there is a protein in milk that can be damaging to your gut, even if you are not lactose intolerant. This, in addition to the molecular changes in proteins caused by the pasteurization process, may make dairy hard to digest and raise your inflammation levels. If you are frequently constipated, reducing your daily dairy intake may help. If you want to make a swap for your dairy milk, try a carrageenan-free milk substitute like almond or coconut milk.
While bread and pasta may be great comfort foods, consuming a lot of grain—and thus a lot of carbohydrates—causes a quick surge in blood sugar that may exacerbate PD symptoms like fatigue. Some grains (wheat, barley, rye) also contain a protein called gluten, which has been shown to raise inflammation levels in some people.
Try substituting vegetables for most of your grains. Many grocery stores carry fresh or frozen cauliflower “rice,” which can be used just like its namesake in many types of dishes and stews or in place of pizza crust. You can also use a spiralizer or a peeler to make zucchini, sweet potato, and carrot noodles that suit the flavor palate you are going for.
Iron supplements can decrease absorption of levodopa so they should be separated from PD medications by at least two hours. In addition, avoiding overexposure to iron may help reduce the risk of developing PD in the first place.
Sugar consumption should be monitored carefully. A high intake of sugar has been associated with a threefold risk of developing PD and is linked to most chronic diseases that people suffer from these days. And for those coping with the effects of PD, sugar may disrupt sleep, increase fatigue during the day, and contribute to tooth decay and nutritional deficiencies.
Avoid ingesting added sugar and avoid adding sugar to things you are preparing to ingest. If you need a bit of sweetness, consider using natural alternatives like honey, agave, maple syrup, or stevia leaf.
Artificial sweeteners are the subject of much controversy. Researchers have found numerous adverse effects correlated with aspartame intake, including evidence that it can trigger or worsen PD.71 Aspartame and sucralose are also often considered unhealthier and more addictive than their natural pure sugar alternatives. Try to stay away from diet sodas and most sugar-free chewing gums, both of which usually contain aspartame.
Low levels of vitamin B6 (also called pyridoxine) have been linked to developing Parkinson’s, so supplementation has been recommended for people who may be at risk for developing the disease. B6 can be found in common foods such as pork, chicken, turkey, bread, oatmeal, brown rice, eggs, and potatoes.
However, if you have already been diagnosed with PD and are taking levodopa on its own (this is uncommon as most patients are on a combination of carbidopa and levodopa), you need to be aware that vitamin B6 may interfere with the efficacy of this drug.72 Ask your doctor if you are taking levodopa only as you may want to avoid B6.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter (meaning it passes chemical messages from one nerve cell to another in your brain) produced in the body and is also found in many foods. It is responsible for many functions in the brain, and at normal levels it helps with learning and memory. However, having too much glutamate in the brain may damage nerve cells and has been associated with several neurological diseases, including Parkinson’s.73
Glutamate is a naturally occurring amino acid found in many protein food sources and is often added to food in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer you’ve probably heard of (if you haven’t, check the labels of your canned vegetables and soups or processed meats—it’s often in the ingredients list). It’s also often used in American-style Chinese food.
Though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that MSG is generally safe at the levels found in the typical American diet, it is a good idea to limit the use of MSG and similar additives.
Fried foods are directly related to inflammation. The process of frying that piece of chicken or potato in unhealthy oil or shortening heats the fat to smoke point. This produces acrolein, which is associated with immunosuppression, cancer development, and faster PD progression.
You can easily avoid fried foods by choosing grilled or sautéed options instead. Try cooking your foods in healthier oils like cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil (which has a higher smoke point), and grass-fed butter or ghee and enjoy the new variety of healthier, safer tastes.
Should calcium be avoided in a PD diet?
Researchers have known for a while that too much calcium causes problems for the dopamine-producing cells in the brain, but they still aren’t sure why this is and how it leads to the death of those cells. There are ongoing clinical trials involving drugs that block calcium from getting into the brain, so we hope to know soon whether taking those drugs could help protect dopamine cells. In the meantime, if you thought taking calcium out of your diet would be a way to help, it’s unlikely to have a beneficial effect on your dopamine cells. The pros of having calcium in your diet, particularly having healthy bones, far outweigh the risks.