The Right Diet Is The Key To Managing Many Diseases And To Improving General Quality Of Life For This Condition Scientific Research Has Found Benefit In The Following Healthy Eating Tips
| Why | |
|---|---|
| Feast on fiber | Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s disease get lots of fiber and drink plenty of fluids to reduce constipation associated with this disease. Good sources include fruits and vegetables, fresh and cooked.
Doctors recommend that people with Parkinson’s disease supplement with fiber and maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce constipation associated with this disease. Eating high-fiber foods may also help. |
| Be cautious with fava beans | Eating large amounts of fava beans, also known as broad beans, might increase the action of L-dopa and possibly lead to L-dopa overdose. Talk with a doctor before adding broad beans to your diet.
Consumption of large amounts of fava beans , also known as broad beans, might increase the action of L-dopa and possibly lead to L-dopa overdose. Parkinson’s disease patients should, therefore, talk with a doctor before adding broad beans to their diet. |
A New Study Found That Vitamin C And Vitamin E Could Successfully Reduce The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease
The new research—published on Jan. 6, 2021 in the journal Neurology—was conducted with 41,058 adults, a mix of men and women ranging in age from 18 to 94 years old, who were studied for an average of 17.6 years. None of the participants were previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The participants were divided into three vitamin consumption groups for the study, those with the highest intake, those with moderate intake, and those with the lowest intake. Across the nearly 18-year timespan of the research, 465 people—or 1.1 percent of participants—were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
After looking at the results, the researchers concluded that vitamin C and vitamin E can reduce your risk of Parkinson’s disease. “Our large study found that vitamin C and vitamin E were each linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, and we found the association may be even stronger when intake of both vitamin C and E is high,” Essi Hantikainen, PhD, of one of the co-authors of the study, said in a statement.
Vitamin E Prevents Neurodegeneration And Protects Dopaminergic Neurons In Preclinical Research
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. As the disease advances, neurons or brain cells in areas of the brain that are responsible for our movement are damaged or die.
Presence of higher levels of vitamin E can prevent such neurodegeneration.
Nor did the researchers observe any benefit of dietary Vit E or supplemental tocopherol in PD.
However recent studies have a different view.
Early treatment with vitamin E can help protect the brain from PD. It boosts levels of natural antioxidant- glutathione and improves motor function.
The levels of a neurotransmitter, dopamine is reduced in PD and this causes tremors and impaired movement.
Mucuna pruriens, a natural source of dopamine, is a proven effective natural aid for PD.
According to an animal study, Vitamin E is as effective as clinical drugs such as minocycline, and Sinemet in improving motor activity in PD. It helped improve motor function by regulating the activity of Parkinson’s related genes and tyrosine hydrolase, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of dopamine.
Estrogen, a female hormone, is said to offer protection against Parkinson’s disease. Vitamin E interacts with estrogen receptors in our body to protect dopamine-producing brain cells in PD.
Gamma and delta tocotrienol bind to estrogen receptors to activate biochemical pathways that help boost antioxidant defences and protect brain cells.
This interaction with estrogen receptors helps prevent loss of dopaminergic neurons .
A Higher Consumption Of Vitamin E Also Reduced Patients’ Risk Of Parkinson’s By 32 Percent
The study’s results showed a higher intake of vitamin E and vitamin C yielded very similar results. “Researchers found a rate of 67 cases of Parkinson’s disease per 100,000 person-years in the group that consumed the highest amounts compared to a rate of 110 cases in the group that consumed the lowest amounts,” the study authors stated. “After adjusting for the same factors, people in the highest consumption group had a 32 percent lower risk of Parkinson’s disease than those in the lowest group.”
Meanwhile, a 2005 meta-analysis published in the journal Lancet Neurology also found that an increased amount of vitamin E reduces your risk of developing Parkinson’s by 19 percent.
Similar to vitamin C, vitamin E is also an antioxidant that’s used to boost your body’s immune system. The fat-soluble nutrient, which can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, and green vegetables, also protects your cells from free radical damage, according to NIH.
And to see if you’re lacking another common nutrient, here are 20 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency, According to Medical Experts.
A Higher Consumption Of Vitamin C Was Linked To A 32 Percent Reduced Risk Of Parkinson’s
Taking into consideration the participants’ age, sex, body mass index, and physical activity, the researchers found that those in the highest vitamin intake group had a 32 percent reduced risk of Parkinson’s compared to the lowest intake group.
“Researchers found a rate of 64 cases of Parkinson’s disease per 100,000 person-years in the group that consumed the highest amounts compared to a rate of 132 cases in the group that consumed the lowest amounts,” the authors said in a statement, noting that “person-years take into account both the number of people in the study and the amount of time each person spends in the study.”
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is normally found in fruits and vegetables, according to the National Institutes of Health . The vitamin—which can be consumed through oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, and tomatoes—is a water-soluble nutrient that “helps protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.” It helps your body produce of collagen, strengthens your immune system, and boosts your body’s absorption of iron.
And for more up-to-date health advice, .
Vitamin E May Help Prevent Parkinsons Disease And Can Protect The Ageing Brain
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
A moderate dietary intake of vitamin E can protect brain health better and possibly reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
A review study published in Toxicology, 2003 suggests that Parkinson’s disease results from the exposure to a number of environmental toxicants and genetic alterations.
These cause oxidative damage in the substantia nigra .
Vitamin E can prove to be an effective antioxidant that protects the substantia nigra from such oxidative damage.
Excessive iron content may damage the brain cells, thereby contributing to Parkinson’s pathology. It causes inflammation and toxicity in the brain.
Vitamin E along with iron chelators inhibits such iron accumulation, reduces oxidative damage and restores dopamine levels back to normal.
It also exerts an anti-inflammatory action. It reduces the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumour necrosis factor, interferons and interleukins .
Ageing is one of the major risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease. As we age, the level of natural antioxidants reduces and causes mitochondrial dysfunction.
Mitochondria are energy-producing units of the cells and are involved in maintaining antioxidant defences.
Such age-related mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in the brain cells of the substantia nigra in Parkinson’s disease.
It Can Improve Cognition And Reduce Depressive Symptoms In Parkinsons Disease
Vit D is referred to as a ‘neurosteroid’ since it has multiple biological actions that impact brain and nervous system health.
Vitamin D receptors are present in the brain, and they mediate a neuroprotective effect, support growth and development of brain cells, affect brain chemistry and brain’s plasticity. Low Vit D levels during adulthood may worsen underlying brain disorders and may reduce the ability to recover from stress.
Researchers from the University of Queensland, Australia have speculated that low Vit D levels may worsen brain dysfunction in various brain disorders including PD.
Low sunshine vitamin levels arefound to be associated with memory complaints, cognitive decline and increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases in elderly individuals.
The sunshine vitamin can protect cognition in PD; in fact, high levels of this vitamin is associated with better cognition and mood in PD patients without dementia.
In the Parkinson Environment Gene Study, 190 PD patients were assessed for genetic variants in Vitamin D receptor gene and it is was observed that occurrence of FokI variant in VDR gene is associated with cognitive decline in PD.
These findings suggest that vitamin D can protect cognition in PD and clinical trials must evaluate this aspect.
A Review Of The Relationship Between Vitamin D And Parkinson Disease Symptoms John E. Duda
- 1Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, United States
- 2Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- 3Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Which Vitamins Are Good For Parkinsons Disease What Foods Should You Avoid
I have Parkinson’s Disease. What Can I do?
Like with any disease, genetic mutation, temporary illness, etc., it is essential to consume a well-balanced diet. Your doctor can help you decide what meal plan will work best for your current condition and lifestyle.
Ensure that you are consuming enough of the necessary healthy nutrients to help you and, not consuming too many of the bad ones is key. Just like anything else, too much of a good thing can be harmful.
What vitamins are best for you to consume daily if you have Parkinson’s Disease?
A multivitamin quickly attains some essential vitamins for you to consume in everyday life, especially a person with Parkinson’s disease, through food choices. It is vital to maintain your B vitamins, including B2, B6, and B12. Some other supplements that are needed include folic acid, zinc, and TMG. You can obtain all of these nutrients through a multivitamin, pills, supplements, and even food.
Vitamin D is also very important for everyone but especially those who have Parkinson’s disease. It is normally a good idea to take a vitamin D supplement, but make sure you get outside and enjoy the sun when possible. Vitamin D is an anti-inflammatory and is known also to help with brain inflammation.
What foods are best for me to consume with my Parkinson’s disease?
What foods should I avoid since I have Parkinson’s disease?
Make sure that you are not consuming a lot of sugary foods or sugary drinks because they will only damage your system.
Antioxidants Vitamin C And Vitamin E Linked To Lower Risk Of Parkinsons
The American Academy of Neurology is the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals, with 36,000 members. The AAN is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, concussion, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
It Can Protect Dopaminergic Neurons From Damage In Parkinsons Disease
Dopaminergic neurons present in the substantia nigra are of importance when it comes to Parkinson’s disease treatment. Degeneration of these brain cells contributes to Parkinson’s symptoms especially motor symptoms.
Vitamin D may be an essential nutrient for development and survival of dopaminergic neurons. Recentresearch studies suggest that the sunshine vitamin can protect midbrain dopaminergic neurons and may prevent neurodegeneration in PD.
Pre-treatment with Vit D3 protects motor neurons from Parkinson’s like toxicity, reduces hypokinesia and prevents cell death.
Contrastingly a study in PloS One, 2012 demonstrated that vitamin D depletion does not worsen the damage to brain cells in Parkinson’s disease.
Beyond protecting dopaminergic neurons, the sunshine vitamin may also protect the brain from inflammation in PD.
In an animal model of PD, Calvello et al. have demonstrated that Vit D protects dopaminergic cell loss, reduces levels of pro-inflammatory agents and increases the level of anti-inflammatory agents in the brain.
Quick Gist: Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that vitamin D exerts neuroprotection in Parkinson’s diseases by protecting brain cells, preventing neurodegeneration and reducing inflammation in the brain.
These findings still need to be examined in clinical studies.
Natural Compounds Useful In The Prevention And Management Of Pd
Scientific evidences have shown that numerous molecules and natural compounds are able to mitigate the symptoms of PD by counteracting the physiopathological mechanisms which dominate the disease, such as oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, some molecules have shown to possess neuroprotective and neuro-modulatory properties.
Table 1 displays the analyzed molecules, describing for each compound the beneficial effects demonstrated experimentally and the performed mechanism that support a positive incidence in the treatment of PD.
Vitamins C And E Linked To Reduced Risk For Parkinson’s Disease
Erik Greb
January 12, 2021
Higher intake of vitamins C and E was associated with a reduced risk for Parkinson’s disease in an analysis of a national cohort study. Higher intake of both vitamins, as opposed to one, strengthened the association with lower PD risk.
In addition, body mass index and coffee consumption appeared to influence the magnitude of these vitamins’ effect on PD risk. Dietary beta-carotene and dietary nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity had no effect on this risk, however.
Dr Essi Hantikainen
“Our findings suggest that the protective effect of dietary vitamins on Parkinson’s disease risk might be limited to specific vitamins, such as vitamin E and C,” Essi Hantikainen, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy, told Medscape Medical News. “Therefore, implementing foods in the diet that are rich in vitamin E and C might help to prevent the development of Parkinson’s disease,” she said.
More research is needed to confirm these findings, she added. “In addition, it is not yet clear what are the most beneficial amounts of vitamin E and C intake to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.”
The research was January 6 in Neurology.
It Can Reduce Oxidative Stress And Inflammation In Parkinsons
Oxidative stress is the imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant defences in the body.
Oxidative stress is linked to the dopamine cell degeneration, mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity in PD.
Parkinson’s disease patients tend to have lower levels of antioxidant enzymes in the body.
Vitamins A, C and E improve levels of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase, glutathione transferase and catalase and protect the brain from oxidative damage.
A pilot study published in Annals of Neurology, 1992 revealed that treatment with high doses of antioxidants- alpha-tocopherol and ascorbate slowed down the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
To reduce the oxidative stress in the brain, there is a need for an antioxidant which has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Tocotrienol is more effective than alpha-tocopherol in reducing oxidative stress in the brain and also crosses the blood-brain barrier.
Neuroinflammation or inflammation in the brain is also involved in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.
Activation of microglia (immune cells found in the nervous system and increase in inflammation-causing agents is observed in PD.
All these can cause the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain, leading to disease progression.
It has been reported from several preclinical and clinical studies that both alpha and gamma tocopherol have good anti-inflammatory action.
Benefits Of Vitamins In The Treatment Of Parkinsons Disease Ying Zhang
1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Xinmin Street No. 71, Changchun 130000, China
2Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, 126 Xin Min Street, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
3Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
Guest Editor:
Abstract
1. Introduction
Vitamins are natural bioactive products with antioxidant properties, which are necessities for maintaining the normal functions of human organisms. Essential vitamins cannot be endogenously synthesized in the organism and therefore must be obtained through the diet. Clinically, vitamin deficiency is quite common, especially in infants and elderly. Vitamins are generally divided into fat-soluble variants and water-soluble variants . The former mainly bind to cellular nuclear receptors and affect the expression of specific genes . The latter mainly constitute a cofactor for the enzyme, affecting the enzymatic activity .
2. The Pathogenesis of Oxidative Stress in PD
3. Vitamin B and PD
3.1. Vitamin B3
3.2. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin B3 in PD
3.3. Clinical Studies regarding Vitamin B3 in PD
4. Vitamin C and PD
4.1. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin C in PD
4.2. Clinical Studies regarding Vitamin C in PD
5. Vitamin E and PD
5.1. Possible Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Vitamin E in PD
6. Vitamin D and PD
Correcting Vitamin D Deficiency May Protect From Parkinsons
As per clinicalstudies, Parkinson’s disease patients are found to have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency.
According to the Harvard Biomarker Study, there is an association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and PD and thousands of patients with Parkinson’s in North America alone are vitamin D deficient.
Patients with Vit D insufficiency are at increased risk of developing PD while those with a deficiency have a two-fold increased risk of developing PD. A recent meta-analysis in Nutrients, 2015 suggested that vitamin D supplementation, as well as outdoor work, reduces the risk of PD.
Wang and colleagues state that this link between Vit D deficiency and PD is not simply explained by reduced sunlight exposure due to immobility in patients. It could also be attributed to gastric dysfunction, reduced absorption of vitamin D2 and reduced intake of foods rich in vitamin D.
Though somestudies have found that high levels of 25D in the blood can protect from Parkinson’s disease, recentlystudies offer no support to this concept.
Given such contrasting evidence, what we could conclude is that lowered vitamin D levels may not be a direct causative factor of PD but could contribute to its symptoms.
Also, healthy vitamin D levels protect brain health and cognition, and this protective action could indirectly contribute to the prevention of brain disorders.
But Too Much Vitamin E Can Also Have Negative Side Effects
According to Hantikainen, more research is needed to truly know the exact amount of vitamins C and E that would best prevent Parkinson’s.
But, she said in a statement, “the possibility of being able to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease simply with the foods we eat is encouraging news”—emphasis on “foods we eat.” Hantikainen says people should exercise caution when it comes to taking supplements, particularly in the case of vitamin E. “While increasing the amounts of healthy foods in our diet is beneficial, it is important to note that excess intake of some vitamins may be harmful,” she said, adding that “too much vitamin E from supplements has been linked in other studies to a higher risk of certain cancers or stroke.”
Possible side effects from a higher dose of vitamin E include nausea, headache, blurred vision, fatigue, or intestinal cramps, the Mayo Clinic says. They note that vitamin E use can also increase the risk of prostate cancer, or worse, death in people with a “severe history of heart disease.” So, as always, it’s best to consult your doctor before you add any supplements to your routine.
Relationship Of Vitamin B12 Status And Parkinson’s Disease
Objective/Rationale: Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a number of neurological symptoms, including instability, neuropathy and cognitive defects. Recent studies in Parkinson’s disease patients with neuropathy have shown that B12 deficiency is common. Also, we have recently observed that B12 levels decline over the course of PD. These observations have led us to hypothesize that concurrent B12 deficiency may contribute to overall decline in some patients.
Project Description: The DATATOP study was a large study of patients with early PD conducted more than 20 years ago. As part of this study, standardized measurements of cognitive function and mobility were obtained over the course of the two-year study. Blood samples were also collected and stored. In our study, we will measure blood levels of vitamin B12 and other markers of B12 deficiency in the DATATOP subjects to determine how common B12 deficiency is in early PD and if there is a relationship between low B12 levels and early cognitive or mobility problems. Since a number of patients underwent blood testing nine or more months after study entry, we also will measure B12 levels at study completion to determine whether B12 levels decline.
Foods Containing Nutrients That People May Be Deficient In
Some research suggests that people with Parkinson’s often have certain nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron, vitamin B1, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin D.
The above study points out that some of these deficiencies may be associated with neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, which are key factors in Parkinson’s.
Therefore, people with Parkinson’s may wish to consume more of the following foods.
Foods containing iron
The following foods are good sources of iron:
- liver
- certain fortified foods
Vitamins C And E Tied To Lower Risk For Parkinsons Disease
Consuming foods high in vitamins C and E may help protect against the onset of Parkinson’s later in life, a Swedish study suggests.
People who consume a diet rich in vitamins C and E may be at reduced risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers followed 41,058 Swedish men and women for an average of 18 years, gathering data on their health and diet. They assessed intake of vitamins C and E as well as beta-carotene and a measure called NEAC, which takes into account all antioxidants from food and their interactions with each other.
Over the course of the study, published in Neurology, there were 465 cases of Parkinson’s disease.
After adjusting for age, sex, B.M.I., education, smoking, alcohol consumption and other characteristics, they found that compared with the one-third of people with the lowest intake of vitamin C or E, the one-third with the highest intake had a 32 percent reduced risk for Parkinson’s disease. Those in the highest one-third in consumption of both vitamins together had a 38 percent reduced risk. There was no effect for beta-carotene or the NEAC measure.
The lead author, Essi Hantikainen, who was a researcher at the University of Milano-Bicocca when the work was done, said that more research needs to be done before drawing definitive conclusions or offering advice about diet or supplement use and the risk of Parkinson’s.
Higher Vitamin D Levels Beneficial Before Dementia Onset
The researchers found that 225 patients suffered from symptoms of dementia, while 61 did not.
For all patients, those who had higher levels of vitamin D were better able to recall names and experienced a shorter delay in remembering items on a verbal learning test.
But on dividing the participants into dementia and non-dementia groups, higher levels of vitamin D only appeared to improve fluency and verbal learning for Parkinson’s patients who were free of dementia.
“The fact that the relationship between vitamin D concentration and cognitive performance seemed more robust in the non-demented subset suggests that earlier intervention before dementia is present may be more effective.”
The researchers also found that higher levels of vitamin D appeared to improve symptoms of depression in subjects who were free of dementia.
They note that higher vitamin D levels had no impact on depression for participants with dementia, and for the group as a whole, vitamin D levels made no difference to disease severity.
The research team points out that their study has some weaknesses. It was not able to determine causative effects of vitamin D on Parkinson’s, such as whether low levels of the vitamin impact cognitive performance.
Furthermore, the study did not take into consideration whether patients were taking vitamin D supplements.
It Offers Neuroprotection Against Parkinsons Disease
Tocotrienol is suggested to be a good neuroprotective agent against Parkinson’s disease.
Glutamate is a neurotransmitter or chemical in the brain that is involved in memory and learning. However, when present in excess it causes toxicity to brain cells and can lead to cell death.
Glutamate-induced neurotoxicity is observed in Parkinson’s disease as well.
It is reported that tocotrienol is more effective in preventing the glutamate-induced neuronal death than tocopherols. .
An experimental study published in Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 2014 demonstrated that a tocotrienol-rich fraction containing 25% alpha tocopherol and 75% tocotrienol can protect the brain cells from glutamate injury with its potent antioxidant activity.
Repeated Vitamin E administration protects dopaminergic neurons and offers neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease.
Quick Gist: Tocotrienol’s antioxidant action can protect the brain from glutamate toxicity. Regular dietary intake of vitamin E can help protect brain health in PD.
Findings Could Help Inform Development Of New Lrrk2
- New York, NY
The basic micronutrient vitamin B12 inhibits the activity of a protein implicated in LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease the most common inherited form of the condition, according to research conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and published March 11 in the journal Cell Research. The study findings suggest that vitamin B12 may hold promise as a PD therapy.
Parkinson’s disease, the most common chronic neurodegenerative disorder, affects one percent of the world population over the age of 60 by disabling the brain and disrupting both motor and cognitive function. Missense mutations in the gene leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 are the greatest known genetic contributor to PD and are linked to the incidence of both familial and sporadic forms of the disease. These mutations lead to a hyperactive form of the protein kinase that promotes neurotoxicity. Over time, increases in LRRK2 kinase activity lead to a reduction in the activity of dopamine in the brain, which manifests in the muscle rigidity and tremors that are hallmark symptoms of PD. Over the past several years, drug companies have developed LRRK2 kinase inhibitors that target the adenosine triphosphate binding pocket—essentially, the energy store—in the biological system of LRRK2, which is required for LRRK2 signaling.
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiMount Sinai Health SystemNeurologyResearchThe Friedman Brain InstituteIban Ubarretxena, PhDZhenyu Yue, PhD
Vitamin D May Reduce Symptom Severity In Parkinsons
A study in Neurological Sciences, 2014 reveals that blood Vit D levels may predict the severity of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Sleeman and colleagues have investigated the role of Vitamin D levels in disease progression in early Parkinson’s . 145 newly diagnosed PD patients were enrolled in the study, and their 25D levels were assessed at the baseline and after 18 and 36 months.
PD patients had significantly lower 25D levels than healthy individuals at the baseline. A small but significant association between vitamin D levels and severity of motor symptoms was observed at 36 months.
The low Vit D levels could impact bone health in PD patients and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, osteopenia and a greater risk of having fractures in case of falls.
Otherstudieshavehighlighted that low levels of the sunshine vitamin could influence other symptoms of PD such as orthostatic hypotension , balance control, endothelial dysfunction and delayed gastric emptying.
Thus, it can be hypothesised that supplementing with Vit D and rectifying the deficiency can help reduce such non-motor symptoms of PD.
There has been one double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial that has explored the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation in Parkinson’s disease.
114 patients with PD received either 1200 IU of vitamin D3 supplements per day or placebo for 12 months. The researchers observed what percentage of individuals experienced worsening of symptoms.
Who Can Give Me Advice On Diet And Eating Problems
Depending on the country you live in your doctor may be able to refer you to any of the following specialists to give advice on diet or eating problems.
- A dietitian can provide advice on all aspects of nutrition and diet. They will advise on maintaining a healthy diet to suit your needs and symptoms, bearing in mind the medications you take
- A speech and languagetherapist will be able to help you with swallowing problems and strategies to overcome these, as well as speech difficulties. They can also help eliminate any other possible causes of swallowing problems
- An occupational therapist will be able to look at ideas and equipment to make food preparation and mealtimes easier .Simple changes to your kitchen and dining area can make all the difference, for example:
- adding grab rails to help you move around safely
- moving the position of equipment so that food preparation tools are grouped together so you don’t need to move around as much
- buying a blender, microwave or small chopper, for example, to ease preparation and reduce the amount of time spent manually preparing food.
So What Does Nutrition Have To Do With Parkinsons
1. The neurotransmitter dopamine is made in the body from amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Every time we eat a protein rich food we take in protein, which the body breaks down into its component amino acids. Two amino acids are converted in the body into L-Dopa, which is then converted into dopamine in the brain.
2. Nutrient co-factors are required for each stage of this conversion process, so deficiencies of these may reduce dopamine production.
3. L-dopa medication competes for absorption with dietary amino acids, therefore the timing of taking L-dopa and the eating of protein needs to be managed for optimal absorption and effectiveness of the drug and the reduction of side-effects.
Therefore, the nutritional therapy approach to Parkinson’s includes:
1. Supporting dopamine production by ensuring adequate precursors and co-factors
2. Considering drug-nutrient interactions to enhance effectiveness and reduce side-effects
3. Optimising nutritional status and addressing co-morbidities . These co-morbidities include constipation, depression, fatigue, and insomnia.