(from Julia König on the webinar: “Nutrition for Parkinson’s” by the Orbit Parkinson Web Academy)
Here is a blog post about our recent webinar, “Nutrition for Parkinson’s” with guest speaker Julia König. You can watch the webinar on our YouTube channel here. Enjoy!
Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging in many ways, not just medically but also in daily life. Eating a healthy diet can make a big difference by helping ease symptoms and making your medications work better. In this blog post, we’ll share what our guest speaker, Julia König from “Gut Essen Parkinson,” talked about during our recent webinar.
Healthy Eating – An Introduction
A balanced and healthy diet is important for everyone, but it is especially important for those living with a chronic condition such as Parkinson’s disease. Eating right can improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms, and greatly enhance overall well-being. In Parkinson’s disease, it is particularly important to ensure a balanced intake of nutrients and to strategically integrate certain foods to support the effect of medication and minimize side effects. A healthy diet also helps to prevent comorbidities such as osteoporosis, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Levodopa and protein
Levodopa is one of the main medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease. However, the effect of levodopa can be impaired by protein. Since levodopa and protein compete for the same transport mechanisms in the intestines and blood, a high protein intake can reduce the absorption and effect of the medication. This results in the symptoms not being sufficiently controlled.
Tips:
- Timing of protein intake: Consume protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products preferably in the evening. Levodopa should ideally be taken at least half an hour before or an hour and a half after a meal. For example, if your medication is at 8 am, you should eat at 6:30 am or after 8:30 am.
- Distribution of meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to ensure an even intake of nutrients. However, give your intestines a rest for 3-4 hours between meals.
- Consultation with experts: Discuss your diet with a nutritionist or doctor to find the optimal balance and make any necessary adjustments.
The importance of drinking water
Adequate fluid intake is essential to support digestion, maintain bodily functions, and avoid medication side effects such as constipation. Dehydration can lead to worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms, including movement and cognitive function.
Tips:
- Recommended amount: Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily. More fluids may be needed during physical activity or hot weather conditions.
- Suitable drinks: Choose water or unsweetened teas. Soups and water-rich foods such as cucumbers and melons also contribute to fluid intake and can be a welcome change.
- Avoid dehydration: Avoid excessive consumption of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as these can have a dehydrating effect.
Fiber and good gut flora
Fiber plays a crucial role in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation, a common problem for people with Parkinson’s disease. A high-fiber diet also supports the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which in turn promotes the immune system and overall health.
Tips:
- High-fiber foods: Incorporate whole grains (e.g., oatmeal, whole wheat bread), legumes (e.g., lentils, beans), fruits (e.g., apples, berries), and vegetables (e.g., carrots, broccoli) into your diet.
- Slow change: Increase your fiber intake gradually to avoid digestive problems such as bloating. Drink enough water to process the fiber effectively.
- Probiotics: Consider using probiotic foods such as kefir, sauerkraut, and other fermented products that can support your gut flora. However, this should always be discussed with a doctor.
Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12
Vitamin D and vitamin B12 play an essential role in the health of people with Parkinson’s disease. Deficiencies in these vitamins can lead to impaired neurological function and general health problems.
Vitamin D:
- Importance: Vitamin D is important for bone health, the immune system, and possibly nervous system function.
- Food sources: Exposure to sunlight promotes the production of vitamin D in the skin. Supplement this with food such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), egg yolks and beef liver.
- Supplementation: In consultation with your doctor, vitamin D supplementation may be useful, especially in the winter months or when sun exposure is limited.
Vitamin B12:
- Importance: Essential for nerve function and red blood cell formation. Deficiency can exacerbate neurological problems and increase symptoms such as tiredness, weakness and cognitive impairment.
- Sources: Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, dairy products and fortified foods. Vegetarians and vegans should pay particular attention to their B12 intake and take supplements if necessary.
- Supplementation: Supplementation should be done after consulting a doctor, especially if blood tests show a deficiency.
General nutrition tips for people with Parkinson’s
Regular meals: Keep regular mealtimes to help your metabolism and optimize your medication intake.
- Small portions: Several small meals spread throughout the day may be easier to digest than a few large ones, especially if you have problems with digestion or a lack of appetite.
- A varied diet: Opt for a colorful variety of fresh and preferably unprocessed foods to get a wide range of nutrients. Different types of fruits and vegetables, whole grain products, lean meat and fish should be on your menu regularly.
- Avoid sugar and processed foods: These can cause blood sugar levels to rise quickly and then drop again, which has a negative effect on your energy balance and can lead to fatigue. They also promote the growth of unhealthy bacterial strains in the gut. Bitter substances can help to better control food cravings.
Healthy fats: Incorporate healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts and seeds, as they have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart health.
Conclusion
A targeted and conscious diet can make a big difference in the life of a person with Parkinson’s. By paying attention to the above points, you can help support your health and improve your quality of life.
Always consult your doctor or a nutritionist before making major changes to your diet to ensure that they meet your individual needs and conditions.
