Introduction
Managing Parkinson’s disease involves a multifaceted approach, with diet playing a crucial role. A well-planned Diet for Parkinson’s disease patients can alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life. This blog explores a recommended diet for Parkinson’s disease, including which foods to embrace and which to avoid, and touches on the potential benefits of an Anti-inflammatory diet for Parkinson’s. Understanding Parkinson’s disease diet therapy is essential for managing the condition effectively. This comprehensive blog will help you understand the best dietary choices for Parkinson’s management.
Understanding the Importance of Diet in Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that gradually progresses into tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movements), and postural instability. Although there is no curative therapy, nutritional modifications can reduce the symptoms and improve the efficacy of medications.
In Ayurveda, Parkinson’s is considered Kampa Vata, caused by incompatible diet, faulty lifestyles, stress, and anxiety which primarily affect the balance of Vata Dosha. When digestion is weakened and Vata in the gastrointestinal tract moves improperly, Ama (metabolic waste) accumulates, and constipation occurs, leading to further disease progression, characterized by muscle wasting, stiffness with rigidity, and gait changes. The last stages induce neurodegenerative processes leading to sleep, and behavioral and psychological disturbances. Certain Parkinson’s disease diet therapies help alleviate symptoms and sustain health in general.
Recommended Diet for Parkinson’s Disease
- Fiber-Rich: Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and increasing dietary fiber through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables helps ease this symptom.
- Fruits and Vegetables: A healthy diet comprises plentiful fruits and vegetables and provides these with essential vitamins and minerals.
Specific Dietary Recommendations
Including some of the given foods will help in symptom management and general health. Following are the vital dietary recommendations:
- Yava (Hordeum vulgare), kulattha (Phaseolus trilobus), black gram (Vigna mungo), and Rakta shali (Oryza sativa) are beneficial items for grains.
- Vastuka (Lamb’s Quarters), Sigru (Moringa), and Patola (Pointed gourd) are the recommended vegetables.
- Indian gooseberry is a beneficial fruit as it contains antioxidants, and flavonoids and has a neuroprotective effect.
- Goat milk is a suitable dairy option.
- Plant protein from dried beans, nuts, and seeds is another choice, as these tend to have a higher carbohydrate-to-protein ratio.
- Wheat and rice (special types like Sanvaka and Kodrava) are beneficial.
- Include garlic, brinjal, pomegranate, mango, jackfruit, jujube plum, and grapes in the diet
- Clarified butter or ghee, sesame oil, coconut water, nourishing (brimhana), and rejuvenation (rasayana) foods can be included.
Foods to Avoid
Some food items could conflict with medications or worsen symptoms. They are listed below
- Peas, chickpeas, pigeon peas, and green grams should be avoided.
- Beans, lotus stems, bitter gourd, and jambola should be consumed in moderation.
- Areca nut, alkalis, and honey consumption should be limited.
- Milk and high-protein food should be avoided. Low-fat soy or rice milk might be a substitute (calcium and vitamin D-fortified).
- Do not eat large, greasy meals that slow stomach emptying and disrupt digestion.
- Avoid yogurt, jaggery, and other heavy foods.
- Processed and packaged foods high in preservatives and unhealthy fats may lead to increased inflammation, thus, they must be avoided.
- Cold and raw foods such as salads and ice-cold drinks aggravate Vata dosha, thus reducing the amount consumed.
- Excessive caffeine and stimulants found in coffee and energy drinks can lead to increased tremors and anxiety.
- Heavy, fried, and oily food is hard to digest and may induce sluggishness.
- Alcohol worsens symptoms and interacts with medications, so it is best to stay away.
Lifestyle Recommendations
If symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are to be managed, then in addition to dietary intervention, lifestyle modifications could be implemented:
- Do’s: Unction, sudation, exercise, Jalakrida (water exercises), Samvahana (gentle pressing), sleeping on the ground, bathing, and sunlight exposure.
- Don’ts: Waking up at night, feeling sad, suppressing urges, performing bodily exercise, fasting.
Dietary Plans
- High-protein foods such as meat, poultry, fish, and cheese should be consumed in minimal amounts in conjunction with large amounts of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
- Avoid ready to eat meals, refined grains, sugary drinks, excessively salty foods, fast foods, dairy products, red meat, fermented proteins, and aged cheeses.
- Medication and meal timing are critical. Take medicines 30-60 minutes before meals, space protein intake throughout the day, and keep meal times consistent.
- Keep yourself hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water per day. Avoid caffeine, and drinking alcohol.
- Additional considerations include managing weight, eating a balanced diet, keeping the digestive tract healthy, and using probiotics.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Parkinson’s
Maintaining an optimum diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, compatible with anti-inflammatory dietary principles is important in managing Parkinson’s disease. Use turmeric, ginger, garlic, and black pepper that possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Additional Considerations
Address weight loss by increasing calorie intake, preferably through carbohydrates.
- If swallowing is difficult, maintain an upright posture while eating to reduce the risk of choking.
- Regular exercise can help relieve muscle stiffness and is considered a neuroprotective measure.
Apollo AyurVAID’s comprehensive treatment aims to reduce tremors, enhance balance, and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The protocol comprises an extensive assessment of health, evaluation of motor function, cognitive health, and neurologic status, followed by specific evidence based Ayurveda treatment protocols. The protocols correct nerve system imbalances, so they help to control tremors, rigidity, and emotional well-being. It also helps in the management of comorbid conditions such as diabetes and Lewy body dementia.
Conclusion
A personalized diet is important to cope with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and to improve the individual’s quality of life. A proper diet for Parkinson’s disease should focus on fiber-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, and mindful protein consumption. While further research is always beneficial, adopting an Anti-inflammatory diet for Parkinson’s and consulting with healthcare professionals can help create an effective Parkinson’s disease diet therapy plan.
References
- Neelam et al. (2023). A REVIEW ARTICLE- IMPORTANCE OF PATHYA-APATHYA IN DAILY LIFE. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. https://doi.org/10.46607/iamj0711062023
- Chauhan, S et al. (2024). Importance of Pathya-Apathya in Ayurveda : A Review Article. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.12.19
- Dhurve, S. A., & Kadlaskar, B. B. (2016). Kampavata (Parkinson’s Disease) – Pathya-Apathya (Nutritional) and Rehabilitation Guideline. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. Retrieved from http://www.iamj.in/posts/
images/upload/987_994.pdf - Chen, H et al. (2007). Consumption of dairy products and risk of Parkinson’s disease. American journal of epidemiology, 165(9), 998-1006. https://doi.org/10.1093/AJE/KWK089
- Bianchi, V et al. (2022). The role of nutrition on Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review. Nutritional Neuroscience, 26, 605 – 628. https://doi.org/10.1080/
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