Nutrition for Parkinson's patients

Parkinson's disease is a chronic movement disorder and is best managed with a combination of close monitoring, medication, supportive therapy, exercise... Especially nutrition for people Parkinson's disease is very important.

Parkinson's disease is common in the elderly. The disease occurs due to causes such as: poisoning, neurodegeneration, encephalitis, stroke,...
Parkinson's disease patients often show signs such as: fatigue, when remembering when forgetting, clumsiness in words simple movements, shaking limbs,...

According to experts, there is no specific diet recommended for Parkinson's patients. It's important to make sure you're getting enough calories and nutrients to maintain strength, bone structure, and muscle mass. Problems that Parkinson's patients often encounter such as: Unintentional weight loss, poor appetite, difficulty swallowing should be discussed with the doctor more closely. However, numerous studies have shown that the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of dementia in people at risk or with early signs of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Here are some foods that people with Parkinson's disease should eat or avoid:

Foods containing antioxidant ingredients
It can be seen that the cause of inflammation, brain degeneration, and memory impairment in Parkinson's patients is due to the attack of cell radicals. Therefore, the addition of foods containing antioxidants is very important.
In many vegetables, fruits such as tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, ... are rich in this ingredient. In addition, patients can also drink green tea, wine, ... at appropriate times of the day to enhance antioxidant capacity and not affect sleep.
Foods rich in dopamine
One of the reasons why the brain is less flexible, developing in Parkinson's disease is due to a decrease in dopamine. Experts advise in the diet for Parkinson's disease to supplement this ingredient.
Some of the following foods are eligible to meet the body's need for dopamine such as: Legumes, nuts, bananas,...
Omega 3 rich foods
Nutrition for Parkinson's disease patients cannot lack of foods rich in omega 3 . Because this is a healthy fat that helps to nourish the body's cells and tissues. At the same time, this ingredient has the effect of stimulating the brain, enhancing long-term memory...
Parkinson's patients are advised to eat mackerel, salmon, tuna,... to enhance omega 3
Types of fiber
Constipation is common for people with Parkinson's disease because of disease-related changes in the intestines or as a side effect of medication for the disease. Constipation can be completely controlled by changing a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits. At the same time, fiber also plays a role in ensuring nutrition for patients.

As mentioned above, healthy changes in the diet for people with Parkinson's disease will help improve the disease. However, patients also need to abstain from certain foods that can adversely affect Parkinson's disease such as:
Protein-rich foods
Protein is a beneficial and necessary ingredient for health. However, for Parkinson's disease, eating too much protein will reduce the effectiveness of disease-modifying drugs. Therefore, Parkinson's patients should limit the consumption of protein foods.
Need to stay away from sugar
Sugary foods make the patient gain weight, making it difficult to exercise, move, and control the disease. Therefore, in nutrition for Parkinson's disease it is necessary to avoid eating sugar.
Stimulants
These foods should be eliminated or limited in use in all diseases, especially Parkinson's disease. Alcohol, beer, coffee, ... all have the ability to reduce the therapeutic effects of Parkinson's disease drugs, lower blood sugar, negatively affect sleep quality,...

Many studies suggest that exercise can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. This measure helps the patient feel better both physically and mentally. Aerobic exercise can have a positive effect on disease status while improving quality of life. In addition, staying active helps prevent some of the complications of Parkinson's disease caused by stiff posture and flexion (or bending) such as shoulder, hip, and back pain. Some exercises are beneficial for Parkinson's patients such as walking, stationary bike riding, swimming or water aerobics...

As Parkinson's disease worsens, the risk of falls increases. To reduce this risk, patients and caregivers are encouraged to make their homes as safe as possible by:
● Installing shower or tub grab bars, floor tape, and overhead toilet seats have handles.
● Have enough light in the house, especially at night. Using a light-sensitive night light or a timer can help.
Fix loose carpet

Most people with Parkinson's disease can continue to drive as long as their motor symptoms are mild. Driving ability should be formally monitored and re-evaluated as motor and cognitive symptoms worsen.
If necessary to stop or reduce driving, other forms of transportation such as taxicabs, shuttle buses, public buses or trains. People with Parkinson's disease are encouraged to walk to be safer.

Reference source: update.com