July 25, 2025 • 24 mins
Are you living with Parkinson's disease and wondering how your daily diet can impact your symptoms and medication effectiveness? This special episode of "Live Parkinson's Life: An Exceptional Life" dives deep into the fascinating connection between the foods you eat and your brain's vital chemical messenger: dopamine.
We explore research and practical strategies to empower you with nutritional insights that complement your Parkinson's management. Discover how specific food choices can influence dopamine production, support brain health, and even affect how your medications work.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- The Dopamine Story in PD: A clear explanation of dopamine's role and its significance in Parkinson's.
- Foods That Support Dopamine Pathways: Discover essential nutrients and protein-rich foods that provide the building blocks for dopamine synthesis.
- The Gut-Brain Axis & Parkinson's: Unravel the powerful two-way communication between your gut and brain, and how your microbiome impacts dopamine and overall PD symptoms.
- Navigating Protein & Levodopa: Understand the crucial interaction between dietary protein and your Parkinson's medication for optimized absorption.
- Foods to Be Mindful Of: Learn which foods might negatively impact inflammation and brain health in the context of PD.
- Practical Dietary Tips: Actionable strategies you can implement right away to enhance your nutrition for Parkinson's.
Optimize your brain health and empower your Parkinson's journey through informed food choices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to live an exceptional life with Parkinson's disease.
Ready to explore more resources and take control of your Parkinson's journey?
- Visit our website: Explore a wealth of articles and support at liveparkinsons.com
- Get more free resources: Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter and gain access to valuable insights and tools directly in your inbox.
- Support the mission: If you find this podcast valuable and want to help us continue providing empowering content, please consider contributing at ko-fi.com/liveparkinsons.
Listen now and empower
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only is not intended to treat or diagnose Parkinson's Disease. Please ensure that you are following the treatment plan developed by your doctor. Please ensure before starting anything new you get approval from your doctor. The information being provided is based on my own personal experiences and does not guarantee that it will benefit everyone.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hello, welcome to Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life the podcastdedicated to empowering you to
live your best life withParkinson's.
I'm your host, chrisKustenbader, and I've been
living an exceptional life withParkinson's for 15 years.
(00:24):
Today, we're diving into atopic that is gaining
significant attention in theParkinson's community the
profound connection between whatyou eat and your brain's most
vital chemical messenger,dopamine.
You know, for so long, theconversation around Parkinson's
has focused heavily onmedication to replace dopamine,
and rightfully so.
(00:45):
While the medications areabsolutely crucial, what if I
told you that your daily foodchoices could also play a
significant role in influencingyour body's natural ability to
manage dopamine, support yourbrain health and even impact the
effectiveness of yourmedications?
We're not talking about a cure,but rather a powerful tool in
(01:07):
your arsenal to live a moreexceptional life with
Parkinson's.
Today, we'll explore thefascinating science behind how
diet can impact dopamineproduction and function, and
I'll share actionable strategiesthat you can implement right
away.
So get ready to rethink yourplate.
So, before we jump in with bothfeet, let's look at what we're
(01:29):
covering in today's podcast.
In segment one, we'll look atthe dopamine story in
Parkinson's and provide a quickoverview.
In segment two, we'll look atthe foods that support dopamine
pathways.
Then it's on to the gut-brainaxis, which I've discussed in
another podcast it's your secondbrain and we'll explore
(01:51):
dopamine's role.
Then we'll transition to animportant piece navigating
protein and levodopa, anddiscuss how protein can
interfere with your medication.
And then we'll move into foodsto be mindful of and identify
how certain foods can impactyour medication.
And then we'll move into foodsto be mindful of and identify
how certain foods can impactyour symptoms.
Then we'll provide somepractical tips for integrating
diet into your PD managementprogram and then we'll finish it
(02:14):
out with the power ofprotective nutrition.
So if you're ready to learnmore about dopamine and diet and
how food choices can influenceneurotransmitter production in
Parkinson's, then let's getstarted.
Let's start with the basics Now.
As many of you know,parkinson's disease is
(02:35):
characterized by thedegeneration of dopamine
producing neurons or brain cellsin a specific area of the brain
called the substantia nigracells in a specific area of the
brain called the substantianigra.
Now, dopamine is aneurotransmitter that plays a
crucial role in our motorcontrol, motivation, reward and
even our mood.
So when these neurons or braincells die, dopamine levels are
(03:00):
going to drop, leading to themotor symptoms that we associate
with Parkinson's, like tremor,rigidity and slowness of
movement.
Now, traditional treatmentprimarily focuses on replacing
the dopamine that we're losing,as is in the case of levodopa
which, of course, is still thegold standard medication or in
(03:22):
mimicking the effects ofdopamine, as with dopamine
agonists.
But our bodies are more complexand the pathways that influence
dopamine aren't just limited toour brain's internal production.
What we consume, absorb andprocess through our digestive
system has a direct line to ournervous system.
(03:43):
Now, speaking from personalexperience, I know I feel a lot
better and I move better when Ieat healthier.
I know when I eat too muchsugary foods or a lot of
processed snacks, I feel moresluggish and slightly out of
sorts, and sometimes it takes melonger to get moving.
So I've tried to be a littlebit more conscious about what
(04:03):
I'm eating takes me longer toget moving, so I've tried to be
a little bit more consciousabout what I'm eating.
All right, so then let's lookat foods that support dopamine
pathways.
So this then begs the questionhow can our diet influence
dopamine?
Well, it begins with the basicbuilding blocks.
(04:25):
Dopamine is synthesized or madefrom an amino acid called
L-tyrosine.
Okay, you may be asking well,that's great, chris, but what's
an amino acid?
An L-tyrosine?
That sounds like something thatyou use to clean old greasy
parts.
Someone might say, yeah, canyou toss me the L-tyrosine?
This grease isn't just, it'snot coming off this piece of
machinery.
(04:45):
Now they sound super scientific,but really it's pretty simple
when you think about it.
So imagine you're making abuilding with Legos.
You have all the different Legobricks in front of you.
Maybe some of them are long,some are square, some have bumps
and some are flat.
Now, each of these Lego bricksis like an amino acid.
So when you connect a wholebunch of these Legos and put
(05:11):
them together in a specificorder, in a specific way, what
do you make?
Well, it depends on what you'rebuilding.
So you could be making a house,a spaceship or a car with your
Lego blocks, right?
Well, in our bodies, when welink together a whole bunch of
these amino acids and, if youthink, lego bricks in specific
(05:33):
sequences, we build proteins.
And what are proteins?
Well, they're the superstars ofour body.
They're like the workhorses.
Your muscles are made ofprotein.
Your hair and nails yep, youguessed it protein.
These little workers that helpyou digest your food.
Those are special proteinscalled enzymes, even the things
(05:57):
that help your body fightinfection and sickness proteins.
So, in a nutshell, amino acidsare the tiny individual building
blocks that are going to linktogether to create all the
different proteins in your body.
Now, some of these special aminoacids and bricks, like
(06:18):
L-tyrosine that I mentioned, arealso the starting material for
making important brain chemicalslike our friend dopamine brain
chemicals like our frienddopamine.
So when we talk about eatingprotein-rich foods, what we're
really doing is giving our bodya fresh supply of those
essential amino acids, or Legobricks that it needs to build
and repair everything and evenmake crucial neurotransmitters
(06:41):
for our brain health.
Pretty cool, right?
So let's go back and tie thisall together then.
So dopamine is synthesized froman amino acid called L-tyrosine
, and then L-tyrosine then, inturn, comes from another amino
acid called phenylalanine.
So consuming foods rich inthese amino acids is a good
(07:04):
starting point.
Think about protein-rich foods.
And what are they?
Well, they include things likelean meats, like chicken and
turkey, fish, especially fattyfish rich in omega-3s, like
salmon and sardines, eggs, dairyproducts like milk and yogurt,
legumes and beans, nuts andseeds like peanuts, almonds and
(07:27):
walnuts.
Now, beyond direct precursorsor building blocks, other
nutrients also play vital rolesas co-contributors or factors in
helping to produce dopamine inoverall brain health.
So let's look at some of themicronutrients that are
co-contributors, and we'll leadit off with the B vitamins,
(07:51):
especially vitamins B6, b9, alsoknown as folate and B12.
Now, these are essential for anumber of enzyme reactions in
the body, including thoseinvolved in dopamine production.
You can find B6 in bananas,green leafy vegetables and
chicken, folate in leafy greensand fortified cereals, and then
(08:17):
B12 in animal products andfortified foods.
Now, in 2024, there was areview called Best Vitamins for
Parkinson's Disease that waspublished in verywellhealthcom,
and it highlighted that lowerlevels of B12 and folate were
(08:38):
found in patients withearly-onset Parkinson's, and
that meta-analysis showed acorrelation between cognitive
dysfunction and lower levels ofthese vitamins.
Now, next up in terms ofimportant micronutrients are
antioxidants, and a few thatwe're going to mention are
vitamin C and vitamin E.
(08:59):
Now, these powerful compoundshelp protect our brain cells
from oxidative stress, andthat's believed to contribute to
neurodegeneration inParkinson's.
So don't be bashful.
Load up on colorful fruits andvegetables like berries, citrus,
leafy greens and nuts and seeds.
(09:20):
They'll give you the vitamins Cand E that you need.
Now, also, in the same VeryWell Health article Best
Vitamins for Parkinson's Disease.
They cite an 18-year study inSweden which found that a higher
intake of both vitamin C andvitamin E was associated with a
(09:41):
32% lower risk of Parkinson's.
So there is some science to saythat if you eat your fruits and
veggies, that it's going tohelp provide a potential benefit
and that's always the key word,potential.
And then, finally, omega-3fatty acids, which are found in
fatty fish like salmon, sardinesand mackerel, flax seeds and
(10:06):
chai seeds.
Now, these healthy fats areknown for their
anti-inflammatory properties andthey may help support the
health of dopamine-producingneurons in the brain.
All right now, that was a quicklook at foods that help support
the dopamine pathway.
Now let's look at the gut-brainaxis.
Now.
(10:26):
I've talked about this inanother podcast, but if you're
not familiar with the gut-brainaxis, it may sound like
something out of science fiction, but it's something that's
actually happening inside youright now and it's incredibly
important for Parkinson's.
Imagine your gut, that's, yourintestines, your stomach, your
whole digestive system and yourbrain are constantly talking to
(10:48):
each other.
Of course, not with words, ofcourse, but through a
superhighway of nerves, hormonesand even chemicals produced by
these tiny little living thingsthat live inside your gut.
Think of it like this your gutand brain are like two best
friends who have a direct phoneline and are always chatting and
sharing information back andforth.
So your brain may say to yourgut when you're stressed or
(11:12):
anxious.
Your brain sends signals downto your gut, which is why you
might feel butterflies in yourstomach or even get an upset
stomach when you're nervous.
But then, in turn, your gut maycommunicate with your brain.
And here's the reallyinteresting part, especially for
Parkinson's your gut also sendssignals to your brain.
(11:33):
So how does it do this?
Through the vagus nerve.
There's a big, long nervecalled the vagus nerve that runs
directly from your brainstemall the way down to your gut.
It's like the main fiber opticcable connecting the two.
Now let's look at the secondpart of how the gut talks to the
(11:54):
brain, and that's through gutbugs, or what they call
microbiome.
Now inside your gut you havetrillions yes, I said trillions
of these little bacteria,viruses and fungi living in
there.
Now we call this community yourgut microbiome.
(12:15):
And these little critters inyour gut aren't just sitting
there.
They're busy getting their jobsdone.
They help you digest your food,but they also produce their own
chemicals and even someneurotransmitters which can
travel through your bloodstreamand signal to the vagus nerve
and send messages up to yourbrain.
(12:35):
So why is all this gut-brainaxis talk important for
Parkinson's?
Well, that's a great question.
In the area of Parkinson's, moreand more research is suggesting
that for many people withParkinson's, gut issues like
constipation often appear yearsbefore motor symptoms.
(12:56):
So this hints at something thatmight be going wrong in the gut
early on.
And then, second, those littlegut bugs can influence how well
your body makes or uses certainbrain chemicals, including
dopamine, and some of them caninterfere with your Parkinson's
medications, like levodopa, andget absorbed and cause an
(13:18):
unhealthy balance of gutbacteria and that can lead to
inflammation.
And they might even play a rolein how those problematic
Parkinson's proteins likealpha-synuclein start to clump
together, possibly even startingin the gut and traveling up to
the brain.
So when we talk about thegut-brain axis, what we're
really talking about is thisincredible two-way conversation
(13:41):
system.
It highlights why taking careof your gut health through the
diet with fiber-rich foods, freeand probiotics isn't just good
for digestion, but it's also apowerful way to support your
brain and potentially influenceyour Parkinson's journey.
So it's all connected Just toclose out this with some
(14:02):
scientific research to supportthe gut microbiome.
There was a large study thatwas published in Nature
Communication in 2023, entitledin Nature Communication in 2023,
entitled Research into Bacteriain the Gut Reveals how they
Potentially Cause and AffectProgression of Parkinson's, and
that was published inparkinsonsukorg, and it's
(14:22):
revealing significantdifferences in the gut
microbiome of people withParkinson's compared to healthy
individuals.
And then the imbalance is knownas dysbiosis and it can have
profound implications ondopamine.
Right now, let's turn ourattention to one of the most
common and often confusingdietary considerations for
(14:42):
people with Parkinson's,especially those on levodopa,
and that's the interaction withprotein.
So what's the concern?
And that's the interaction withprotein.
So what's the concern?
Why are we concerned that we'retaking levodopa and eating a
lot of protein?
Well, levodopa and dietaryproteins use the same transport
pathways to get absorbed fromyour gut into your bloodstream
(15:06):
and then across the blood-brainbarrier.
So if you eat a high-proteinmeal shortly before or with your
levodopa medication, the aminoacids from the protein can
compete with levodopa forabsorption, potentially reducing
the medication's effectivenessand leading to off-periods or
unpredictable motor fluctuations.
So how can you manage yourmedications while still getting
(15:30):
the protein your body needs.
First is timing.
Many people with Parkinson'sfind it beneficial to take their
levodopa medication at least 30to 60 minutes before a
protein-rich meal.
This gives the levodopa a headstart to begin working.
Second, some people havesuccess with what they call a
protein redistribution diet, andthat just simply means that you
(15:59):
eat the majority of your dailyprotein in the evening, when the
motor fluctuations might not beas critical as it would be
during the day, when you'retrying to do a lot more of your
activities.
So their earlier meals theytend to eat later amounts of
protein.
And then, finally, it'simportant not to cut out protein
, because protein is essentialfor our muscle health and
(16:21):
fighting infections and just ouroverall well-being.
So talk to your doctor orhealthcare professional about,
if you're taking levodopa, whatthey suggest in terms of when
you should take your medicationand when you should consume the
most protein.
Your doctor is going to giveyou the guidance that you need,
based on your specificindividual needs.
(16:43):
Now, following in the same veinas watchouts for protein, now
let's look at some of the foodsto be mindful of.
So, just as some foods supportdopamine and brain health,
others might have a lessfavorable impact.
So let's take a look at some ofthese foods, and let's start it
off with ultra-processed foods,and I think we're all pretty
(17:04):
familiar with those.
Ultra-processed foods are theones that they, for instance,
they take a lot of the bran andfiber out of, so white breads
and things with a lot of sugarand fats.
So a study calledUltra-processed Foods May
Accelerate Parkinson's BrainChanges was published in
(17:26):
Neurology in May 2025.
Neurology in May 2025, and itindicated an association between
high consumption ofultra-processed foods like
sugary drinks, packaged snacksand processed meats and a higher
likelihood of showing earlysigns of Parkinson's.
Now, while this study shows anassociation, not a causation, it
(17:49):
strengthens the growingevidence that these foods may be
detrimental to our brain healthoverall.
Now, these foods are often lowin nutrients and high in
unhealthy fats, sugar andartificial additives that can
contribute to inflammation andgut dysbiosis.
All right.
(18:10):
Next up is excessive saturatedand trans fats.
So high intake of saturatedfats may increase inflammation,
which is a concern inParkinson's.
So we want to limit foods likered meat, butter, cheese and
fried items and focus on healthyfats, like those found in olive
oil, avocado and nuts.
(18:31):
And focus on healthy fats, likethose found in olive oil,
avocado and nuts.
Next up is sugar.
While not directly impactingdopamine levels in the same way
protein does.
High sugar intake can lead toblood sugar spikes and crashes,
potentially affecting energylevels, your mood and your
overall neurological function.
And then, finally, alcohol andcaffeine, now especially before
(19:00):
bedtime.
While moderate consumptionmight be fine for some,
excessive alcohol can interferewith medications and your sleep,
and caffeine too close tobedtime can worsen sleep issues.
So you want to keep those inmind.
Okay, we've looked at thedopamine story in Parkinson's.
We've looked at foods thatsupport dopamine pathways, the
gut-brain axis, some tips fornavigating protein and levodopa,
(19:21):
and foods to be mindful of.
Now let's turn our attention topractical tips for integrating
diet into your Parkinson'smanagement program.
So how do we put togethereverything that we talked about
into practice?
Well, here are some actionabletips.
Number one prioritize wholefoods.
Build your plate around fruitsand vegetables, whole grains,
(19:45):
lean proteins and healthy fats.
Think colorful, fresh andunprocessed.
Try to eat as many whole foodsas you can.
Number two hydration is key.
Drink plenty of waterthroughout the day.
Dehydration can worsen symptomslike fatigue and confusion and
even impact medicationabsorption.
(20:07):
So make sure that you're alwaysdrinking throughout the day to
stay hydrated, because when youfeel thirsty, you're already
starting to become dehydrated.
Number three meal timing.
If you're on levodopa,experiment with timing your
protein intake around yourmedication doses and discuss
(20:28):
this with your healthcare teamagain When's the best time to
take your medication if I'mgoing to eat a protein-heavy
meal?
Number four listen to your body.
Everyone's Parkinson's journeyis unique, so pay attention to
how different foods affect yoursymptoms and your energy levels.
Keep a food journal.
I know it helps me and it mayseem like something tedious, but
(20:53):
you'd be surprised at how youcan track.
Oh, if I eat certain foods,then my symptoms seem worse, so
it's a good idea, if you havethe time, to track what you're
eating.
Number five small, frequentmeals.
So for some, smaller, morefrequent meals can help you
manage your energy levels andavoid overwhelming the digestive
(21:16):
system, especially if you haveproblems with nausea or early
satiety or fullness.
Number six address constipation,and you can do this through a
fiber-rich diet and adequatehydration.
They're both crucial formanaging constipation, which can
significantly impact yourmedication's effectiveness.
(21:38):
And number seven consult aprofessional.
Always consult with yourneurologist and or registered
dietician specializing inParkinson's disease before
making any significant dietarychanges.
They can provide personalizedguidance and ensure you're
meeting your nutritional needsNow.
The exciting takeaway from allthis is the power that you have
(22:00):
in your own hands Now.
While diet isn't a cure forParkinson's, it's a powerful and
often underestimated tool formanaging your symptoms,
supporting your brain health andpotentially influencing the
progression of the disease.
So consider the holisticpicture when you nourish your
(22:20):
body with wholesome foods,you're not just feeding your
cells, you're supporting yourgut microbiome, you're helping
to reduce inflammation andyou're providing yourself with
essential building blocks forneurotransmitters and
potentially enhancing theeffectiveness of medications.
Now this proactive approach tonutrition empowers you to take
(22:42):
an active role in living anexceptional life with
Parkinson's.
It's about making consciouschoices, one meal at a time, and
that's going to help supportyour brain and your body in the
best way possible.
Now just remember every smallstep towards a healthier eating
is a victory.
So it's always the same witheverything Always start out slow
(23:04):
and then build into it.
So as we wrap up today's episode, I want to emphasize that
understanding the intricaterelationship between dopamine
and diet is a journey and not adestination.
So continue to learn,experiment and, most importantly
, listen to your body and workclosely with your healthcare
team Now for more valuableresources and support on living
(23:26):
an exceptional life withParkinson's.
Please visit my website,liveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find information,resources, tools and articles to
empower you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
Now don't miss out on my freemonthly newsletter that's packed
with the latest insights, tipsand inspiring stories, and you
(23:46):
can subscribe directly on thewebsite liveparkinsonscom.
And you can subscribe directlyon the website liveparkinsonscom
.
And also you can get additionalvaluable resources like my
Parkinson's symptom tracker andmedication tracker, as well as
nine balance exercises to helpyou improve your balance with
Parkinson's.
Now, if you find the podcasthelpful and the resources I
(24:07):
provide helpful and wish tosupport my mission to empower
people to live a great qualitylife with Parkinson's, please
consider contributing to myKo-fi page at ko-ficom slash
liveparkinsons.
Your generous support helps meto continue to produce high
quality content and expand myreach to help others.
So thanks again for listening.
(24:28):
Stay healthy, stay strong andremember to live your best life
with Parkinson's.
I hope to see you soon, thanks.
Hello, welcome to Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life the podcastdedicated to empowering you to
live your best life withParkinson's.
I'm your host, chrisKustenbader, and I've been
living an exceptional life withParkinson's for 15 years.
(00:24):
Today, we're diving into atopic that is gaining
significant attention in theParkinson's community the
profound connection between whatyou eat and your brain's most
vital chemical messenger,dopamine.
You know, for so long, theconversation around Parkinson's
has focused heavily onmedication to replace dopamine,
and rightfully so.
(00:45):
While the medications areabsolutely crucial, what if I
told you that your daily foodchoices could also play a
significant role in influencingyour body's natural ability to
manage dopamine, support yourbrain health and even impact the
effectiveness of yourmedications?
We're not talking about a cure,but rather a powerful tool in
(01:07):
your arsenal to live a moreexceptional life with
Parkinson's.
Today, we'll explore thefascinating science behind how
diet can impact dopamineproduction and function, and
I'll share actionable strategiesthat you can implement right
away.
So get ready to rethink yourplate.
So, before we jump in with bothfeet, let's look at what we're
(01:29):
covering in today's podcast.
In segment one, we'll look atthe dopamine story in
Parkinson's and provide a quickoverview.
In segment two, we'll look atthe foods that support dopamine
pathways.
Then it's on to the gut-brainaxis, which I've discussed in
another podcast it's your secondbrain and we'll explore
(01:51):
dopamine's role.
Then we'll transition to animportant piece navigating
protein and levodopa, anddiscuss how protein can
interfere with your medication.
And then we'll move into foodsto be mindful of and identify
how certain foods can impactyour medication.
And then we'll move into foodsto be mindful of and identify
how certain foods can impactyour symptoms.
Then we'll provide somepractical tips for integrating
diet into your PD managementprogram and then we'll finish it
(02:14):
out with the power ofprotective nutrition.
So if you're ready to learnmore about dopamine and diet and
how food choices can influenceneurotransmitter production in
Parkinson's, then let's getstarted.
Let's start with the basics Now.
As many of you know,parkinson's disease is
(02:35):
characterized by thedegeneration of dopamine
producing neurons or brain cellsin a specific area of the brain
called the substantia nigracells in a specific area of the
brain called the substantianigra.
Now, dopamine is aneurotransmitter that plays a
crucial role in our motorcontrol, motivation, reward and
even our mood.
So when these neurons or braincells die, dopamine levels are
(03:00):
going to drop, leading to themotor symptoms that we associate
with Parkinson's, like tremor,rigidity and slowness of
movement.
Now, traditional treatmentprimarily focuses on replacing
the dopamine that we're losing,as is in the case of levodopa
which, of course, is still thegold standard medication or in
(03:22):
mimicking the effects ofdopamine, as with dopamine
agonists.
But our bodies are more complexand the pathways that influence
dopamine aren't just limited toour brain's internal production.
What we consume, absorb andprocess through our digestive
system has a direct line to ournervous system.
(03:43):
Now, speaking from personalexperience, I know I feel a lot
better and I move better when Ieat healthier.
I know when I eat too muchsugary foods or a lot of
processed snacks, I feel moresluggish and slightly out of
sorts, and sometimes it takes melonger to get moving.
So I've tried to be a littlebit more conscious about what
(04:03):
I'm eating takes me longer toget moving, so I've tried to be
a little bit more consciousabout what I'm eating.
All right, so then let's lookat foods that support dopamine
pathways.
So this then begs the questionhow can our diet influence
dopamine?
Well, it begins with the basicbuilding blocks.
(04:25):
Dopamine is synthesized or madefrom an amino acid called
L-tyrosine.
Okay, you may be asking well,that's great, chris, but what's
an amino acid?
An L-tyrosine?
That sounds like something thatyou use to clean old greasy
parts.
Someone might say, yeah, canyou toss me the L-tyrosine?
This grease isn't just, it'snot coming off this piece of
machinery.
(04:45):
Now they sound super scientific,but really it's pretty simple
when you think about it.
So imagine you're making abuilding with Legos.
You have all the different Legobricks in front of you.
Maybe some of them are long,some are square, some have bumps
and some are flat.
Now, each of these Lego bricksis like an amino acid.
So when you connect a wholebunch of these Legos and put
(05:11):
them together in a specificorder, in a specific way, what
do you make?
Well, it depends on what you'rebuilding.
So you could be making a house,a spaceship or a car with your
Lego blocks, right?
Well, in our bodies, when welink together a whole bunch of
these amino acids and, if youthink, lego bricks in specific
(05:33):
sequences, we build proteins.
And what are proteins?
Well, they're the superstars ofour body.
They're like the workhorses.
Your muscles are made ofprotein.
Your hair and nails yep, youguessed it protein.
These little workers that helpyou digest your food.
Those are special proteinscalled enzymes, even the things
(05:57):
that help your body fightinfection and sickness proteins.
So, in a nutshell, amino acidsare the tiny individual building
blocks that are going to linktogether to create all the
different proteins in your body.
Now, some of these special aminoacids and bricks, like
(06:18):
L-tyrosine that I mentioned, arealso the starting material for
making important brain chemicalslike our friend dopamine brain
chemicals like our frienddopamine.
So when we talk about eatingprotein-rich foods, what we're
really doing is giving our bodya fresh supply of those
essential amino acids, or Legobricks that it needs to build
and repair everything and evenmake crucial neurotransmitters
(06:41):
for our brain health.
Pretty cool, right?
So let's go back and tie thisall together then.
So dopamine is synthesized froman amino acid called L-tyrosine
, and then L-tyrosine then, inturn, comes from another amino
acid called phenylalanine.
So consuming foods rich inthese amino acids is a good
(07:04):
starting point.
Think about protein-rich foods.
And what are they?
Well, they include things likelean meats, like chicken and
turkey, fish, especially fattyfish rich in omega-3s, like
salmon and sardines, eggs, dairyproducts like milk and yogurt,
legumes and beans, nuts andseeds like peanuts, almonds and
(07:27):
walnuts.
Now, beyond direct precursorsor building blocks, other
nutrients also play vital rolesas co-contributors or factors in
helping to produce dopamine inoverall brain health.
So let's look at some of themicronutrients that are
co-contributors, and we'll leadit off with the B vitamins,
(07:51):
especially vitamins B6, b9, alsoknown as folate and B12.
Now, these are essential for anumber of enzyme reactions in
the body, including thoseinvolved in dopamine production.
You can find B6 in bananas,green leafy vegetables and
chicken, folate in leafy greensand fortified cereals, and then
(08:17):
B12 in animal products andfortified foods.
Now, in 2024, there was areview called Best Vitamins for
Parkinson's Disease that waspublished in verywellhealthcom,
and it highlighted that lowerlevels of B12 and folate were
(08:38):
found in patients withearly-onset Parkinson's, and
that meta-analysis showed acorrelation between cognitive
dysfunction and lower levels ofthese vitamins.
Now, next up in terms ofimportant micronutrients are
antioxidants, and a few thatwe're going to mention are
vitamin C and vitamin E.
(08:59):
Now, these powerful compoundshelp protect our brain cells
from oxidative stress, andthat's believed to contribute to
neurodegeneration inParkinson's.
So don't be bashful.
Load up on colorful fruits andvegetables like berries, citrus,
leafy greens and nuts and seeds.
(09:20):
They'll give you the vitamins Cand E that you need.
Now, also, in the same VeryWell Health article Best
Vitamins for Parkinson's Disease.
They cite an 18-year study inSweden which found that a higher
intake of both vitamin C andvitamin E was associated with a
(09:41):
32% lower risk of Parkinson's.
So there is some science to saythat if you eat your fruits and
veggies, that it's going tohelp provide a potential benefit
and that's always the key word,potential.
And then, finally, omega-3fatty acids, which are found in
fatty fish like salmon, sardinesand mackerel, flax seeds and
(10:06):
chai seeds.
Now, these healthy fats areknown for their
anti-inflammatory properties andthey may help support the
health of dopamine-producingneurons in the brain.
All right now, that was a quicklook at foods that help support
the dopamine pathway.
Now let's look at the gut-brainaxis.
Now.
(10:26):
I've talked about this inanother podcast, but if you're
not familiar with the gut-brainaxis, it may sound like
something out of science fiction, but it's something that's
actually happening inside youright now and it's incredibly
important for Parkinson's.
Imagine your gut, that's, yourintestines, your stomach, your
whole digestive system and yourbrain are constantly talking to
(10:48):
each other.
Of course, not with words, ofcourse, but through a
superhighway of nerves, hormonesand even chemicals produced by
these tiny little living thingsthat live inside your gut.
Think of it like this your gutand brain are like two best
friends who have a direct phoneline and are always chatting and
sharing information back andforth.
So your brain may say to yourgut when you're stressed or
(11:12):
anxious.
Your brain sends signals downto your gut, which is why you
might feel butterflies in yourstomach or even get an upset
stomach when you're nervous.
But then, in turn, your gut maycommunicate with your brain.
And here's the reallyinteresting part, especially for
Parkinson's your gut also sendssignals to your brain.
(11:33):
So how does it do this?
Through the vagus nerve.
There's a big, long nervecalled the vagus nerve that runs
directly from your brainstemall the way down to your gut.
It's like the main fiber opticcable connecting the two.
Now let's look at the secondpart of how the gut talks to the
(11:54):
brain, and that's through gutbugs, or what they call
microbiome.
Now inside your gut you havetrillions yes, I said trillions
of these little bacteria,viruses and fungi living in
there.
Now we call this community yourgut microbiome.
(12:15):
And these little critters inyour gut aren't just sitting
there.
They're busy getting their jobsdone.
They help you digest your food,but they also produce their own
chemicals and even someneurotransmitters which can
travel through your bloodstreamand signal to the vagus nerve
and send messages up to yourbrain.
(12:35):
So why is all this gut-brainaxis talk important for
Parkinson's?
Well, that's a great question.
In the area of Parkinson's, moreand more research is suggesting
that for many people withParkinson's, gut issues like
constipation often appear yearsbefore motor symptoms.
(12:56):
So this hints at something thatmight be going wrong in the gut
early on.
And then, second, those littlegut bugs can influence how well
your body makes or uses certainbrain chemicals, including
dopamine, and some of them caninterfere with your Parkinson's
medications, like levodopa, andget absorbed and cause an
(13:18):
unhealthy balance of gutbacteria and that can lead to
inflammation.
And they might even play a rolein how those problematic
Parkinson's proteins likealpha-synuclein start to clump
together, possibly even startingin the gut and traveling up to
the brain.
So when we talk about thegut-brain axis, what we're
really talking about is thisincredible two-way conversation
(13:41):
system.
It highlights why taking careof your gut health through the
diet with fiber-rich foods, freeand probiotics isn't just good
for digestion, but it's also apowerful way to support your
brain and potentially influenceyour Parkinson's journey.
So it's all connected Just toclose out this with some
(14:02):
scientific research to supportthe gut microbiome.
There was a large study thatwas published in Nature
Communication in 2023, entitledin Nature Communication in 2023,
entitled Research into Bacteriain the Gut Reveals how they
Potentially Cause and AffectProgression of Parkinson's, and
that was published inparkinsonsukorg, and it's
(14:22):
revealing significantdifferences in the gut
microbiome of people withParkinson's compared to healthy
individuals.
And then the imbalance is knownas dysbiosis and it can have
profound implications ondopamine.
Right now, let's turn ourattention to one of the most
common and often confusingdietary considerations for
(14:42):
people with Parkinson's,especially those on levodopa,
and that's the interaction withprotein.
So what's the concern?
And that's the interaction withprotein.
So what's the concern?
Why are we concerned that we'retaking levodopa and eating a
lot of protein?
Well, levodopa and dietaryproteins use the same transport
pathways to get absorbed fromyour gut into your bloodstream
(15:06):
and then across the blood-brainbarrier.
So if you eat a high-proteinmeal shortly before or with your
levodopa medication, the aminoacids from the protein can
compete with levodopa forabsorption, potentially reducing
the medication's effectivenessand leading to off-periods or
unpredictable motor fluctuations.
So how can you manage yourmedications while still getting
(15:30):
the protein your body needs.
First is timing.
Many people with Parkinson'sfind it beneficial to take their
levodopa medication at least 30to 60 minutes before a
protein-rich meal.
This gives the levodopa a headstart to begin working.
Second, some people havesuccess with what they call a
protein redistribution diet, andthat just simply means that you
(15:59):
eat the majority of your dailyprotein in the evening, when the
motor fluctuations might not beas critical as it would be
during the day, when you'retrying to do a lot more of your
activities.
So their earlier meals theytend to eat later amounts of
protein.
And then, finally, it'simportant not to cut out protein
, because protein is essentialfor our muscle health and
(16:21):
fighting infections and just ouroverall well-being.
So talk to your doctor orhealthcare professional about,
if you're taking levodopa, whatthey suggest in terms of when
you should take your medicationand when you should consume the
most protein.
Your doctor is going to giveyou the guidance that you need,
based on your specificindividual needs.
(16:43):
Now, following in the same veinas watchouts for protein, now
let's look at some of the foodsto be mindful of.
So, just as some foods supportdopamine and brain health,
others might have a lessfavorable impact.
So let's take a look at some ofthese foods, and let's start it
off with ultra-processed foods,and I think we're all pretty
(17:04):
familiar with those.
Ultra-processed foods are theones that they, for instance,
they take a lot of the bran andfiber out of, so white breads
and things with a lot of sugarand fats.
So a study calledUltra-processed Foods May
Accelerate Parkinson's BrainChanges was published in
(17:26):
Neurology in May 2025.
Neurology in May 2025, and itindicated an association between
high consumption ofultra-processed foods like
sugary drinks, packaged snacksand processed meats and a higher
likelihood of showing earlysigns of Parkinson's.
Now, while this study shows anassociation, not a causation, it
(17:49):
strengthens the growingevidence that these foods may be
detrimental to our brain healthoverall.
Now, these foods are often lowin nutrients and high in
unhealthy fats, sugar andartificial additives that can
contribute to inflammation andgut dysbiosis.
All right.
(18:10):
Next up is excessive saturatedand trans fats.
So high intake of saturatedfats may increase inflammation,
which is a concern inParkinson's.
So we want to limit foods likered meat, butter, cheese and
fried items and focus on healthyfats, like those found in olive
oil, avocado and nuts.
(18:31):
And focus on healthy fats, likethose found in olive oil,
avocado and nuts.
Next up is sugar.
While not directly impactingdopamine levels in the same way
protein does.
High sugar intake can lead toblood sugar spikes and crashes,
potentially affecting energylevels, your mood and your
overall neurological function.
And then, finally, alcohol andcaffeine, now especially before
(19:00):
bedtime.
While moderate consumptionmight be fine for some,
excessive alcohol can interferewith medications and your sleep,
and caffeine too close tobedtime can worsen sleep issues.
So you want to keep those inmind.
Okay, we've looked at thedopamine story in Parkinson's.
We've looked at foods thatsupport dopamine pathways, the
gut-brain axis, some tips fornavigating protein and levodopa,
(19:21):
and foods to be mindful of.
Now let's turn our attention topractical tips for integrating
diet into your Parkinson'smanagement program.
So how do we put togethereverything that we talked about
into practice?
Well, here are some actionabletips.
Number one prioritize wholefoods.
Build your plate around fruitsand vegetables, whole grains,
(19:45):
lean proteins and healthy fats.
Think colorful, fresh andunprocessed.
Try to eat as many whole foodsas you can.
Number two hydration is key.
Drink plenty of waterthroughout the day.
Dehydration can worsen symptomslike fatigue and confusion and
even impact medicationabsorption.
(20:07):
So make sure that you're alwaysdrinking throughout the day to
stay hydrated, because when youfeel thirsty, you're already
starting to become dehydrated.
Number three meal timing.
If you're on levodopa,experiment with timing your
protein intake around yourmedication doses and discuss
(20:28):
this with your healthcare teamagain When's the best time to
take your medication if I'mgoing to eat a protein-heavy
meal?
Number four listen to your body.
Everyone's Parkinson's journeyis unique, so pay attention to
how different foods affect yoursymptoms and your energy levels.
Keep a food journal.
I know it helps me and it mayseem like something tedious, but
(20:53):
you'd be surprised at how youcan track.
Oh, if I eat certain foods,then my symptoms seem worse, so
it's a good idea, if you havethe time, to track what you're
eating.
Number five small, frequentmeals.
So for some, smaller, morefrequent meals can help you
manage your energy levels andavoid overwhelming the digestive
(21:16):
system, especially if you haveproblems with nausea or early
satiety or fullness.
Number six address constipation,and you can do this through a
fiber-rich diet and adequatehydration.
They're both crucial formanaging constipation, which can
significantly impact yourmedication's effectiveness.
(21:38):
And number seven consult aprofessional.
Always consult with yourneurologist and or registered
dietician specializing inParkinson's disease before
making any significant dietarychanges.
They can provide personalizedguidance and ensure you're
meeting your nutritional needsNow.
The exciting takeaway from allthis is the power that you have
(22:00):
in your own hands Now.
While diet isn't a cure forParkinson's, it's a powerful and
often underestimated tool formanaging your symptoms,
supporting your brain health andpotentially influencing the
progression of the disease.
So consider the holisticpicture when you nourish your
(22:20):
body with wholesome foods,you're not just feeding your
cells, you're supporting yourgut microbiome, you're helping
to reduce inflammation andyou're providing yourself with
essential building blocks forneurotransmitters and
potentially enhancing theeffectiveness of medications.
Now this proactive approach tonutrition empowers you to take
(22:42):
an active role in living anexceptional life with
Parkinson's.
It's about making consciouschoices, one meal at a time, and
that's going to help supportyour brain and your body in the
best way possible.
Now just remember every smallstep towards a healthier eating
is a victory.
So it's always the same witheverything Always start out slow
(23:04):
and then build into it.
So as we wrap up today's episode, I want to emphasize that
understanding the intricaterelationship between dopamine
and diet is a journey and not adestination.
So continue to learn,experiment and, most importantly
, listen to your body and workclosely with your healthcare
team Now for more valuableresources and support on living
(23:26):
an exceptional life withParkinson's.
Please visit my website,liveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find information,resources, tools and articles to
empower you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
Now don't miss out on my freemonthly newsletter that's packed
with the latest insights, tipsand inspiring stories, and you
(23:46):
can subscribe directly on thewebsite liveparkinsonscom.
And you can subscribe directlyon the website liveparkinsonscom
.
And also you can get additionalvaluable resources like my
Parkinson's symptom tracker andmedication tracker, as well as
nine balance exercises to helpyou improve your balance with
Parkinson's.
Now, if you find the podcasthelpful and the resources I
(24:07):
provide helpful and wish tosupport my mission to empower
people to live a great qualitylife with Parkinson's, please
consider contributing to myKo-fi page at ko-ficom slash
liveparkinsons.
Your generous support helps meto continue to produce high
quality content and expand myreach to help others.
So thanks again for listening.
(24:28):
Stay healthy, stay strong andremember to live your best life
with Parkinson's.
I hope to see you soon, thanks.
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