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Foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease

Foods that help manage Parkinson’s disease

Getting diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can completely change a person’s life. It is a neurological condition that directly affects the motor movements of a person and can lead to symptoms like shaking, coordination issues, balance issues, stiffness, and difficulty in walking. Receiving all the essential nutrients is important to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s; it can also help avoid the disease altogether. Some foods that are excellent for Parkinson’s disease are as follows:

Berries

The deficiency of antioxidants and vitamins is known to trigger the process of neurodegeneration. Berries such as strawberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. These nutrients can help reduce the amount of oxidative stress in the body, which, in turn, helps in managing the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Nuts

Adding more ingredients such as almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, and pistachios can help in controlling the motor symptoms caused due to Parkinson’s. These ingredients are rich in vitamin E, vitamin B1, and omega-3 fatty acids that help the body fight this disease.

Flax seeds

Flax seeds, in addition to being rich in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, also contain a compound called lignans that helps improve hormonal balance and digestion-related issues in the body. The compound also helps combat the dryness of the skin that’s a symptom of Parkinson’s. The anti-inflammatory properties are also good for those suffering from Parkinson’s disease.

Seafood

Consuming fatty fish and seafood, like salmon, oysters, and shellfish, helps Parkinson’s patients, as these foods provide nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help fight diseases and manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Broccoli, spinach, and kale

Vegetables such as spinach and kale are extremely rich in essential antioxidants. This also includes cruciferous green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, or Brussels sprouts.

Medication for Parkinson’s disease

The medications usually prescribed for people who have Parkinson’s disease are as follows.

Rytary (levodopa and carbidopa)

Rytary is a medication that contains levodopa and carbidopa. Carbidopa acts as an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, and levodopa is an aromatic amino acid. Both have an extended-release formula to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and treat post-encephalitic parkinsonism.

Opicapone (Ongentys)

Opicapone, which is traded under the market name of Ongentys, is a medication prescribed for people who have Parkinson’s. It is usually prescribed in combination with levodopa and carbidopa and helps reach the brain more effectively. As a result, it helps control the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Carbidopa and levodopa are commonly used in combination to treat various signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Both may cause side effects, including but not limited to dizziness, dry mouth, change in taste, throat, and mouth pain. Individuals may also experience constipation, loss of appetite, headaches, and weakness. Nervousness, nightmares, uncontrolled movement in the face, tremors, and trouble sleeping are also common with carbidopa and levodopa.

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