May 28, 2025 • 39 mins
Are you living with Parkinson's and feel overwhelmed by generic diet advice? It's time to discover the power of personalized nutrition! In this episode, we cut through the noise to show you why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work for Parkinson's, and how tailoring your diet can significantly impact your well-being and symptom management.
We dive into the latest research and provide actionable strategies to help you optimize your diet for your unique needs.
In this episode, you'll discover:
- Why a "Parkinson's Diet" is a Myth: Understand the heterogeneity of Parkinson's and why personalized nutrition is crucial for varying symptoms and disease progression.
- Medication & Food Interactions: Learn how diet can affect the efficacy of your Parkinson's medications, including practical tips for Levodopa.
- Targeting Specific Symptoms: Nutritional strategies for managing common challenges like constipation, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), weight loss, and dyskinesia.
- Essential Nutrients Decoded: A personalized look at Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Omega-3s, Antioxidants, and Magnesium – backed by the latest research.
- Debunking Diet Myths: Separate fact from fiction about "superfoods" and restrictive diets that lack scientific evidence.
- Practical Steps to Personalize Your Plate: Actionable advice on self-monitoring, working with healthcare professionals, and making sustainable dietary changes.
Ready to take control of your Parkinson's nutrition?
- Visit liveparkinsons.com for more free resources, articles, and valuable tools to help you live an exceptional life with Parkinson's.
- Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter at liveparkinsons.com for the latest research, tips, and community insights delivered straight to your inbox.
- Support our mission to empower people with Parkinson's by visiting ko-fi.com/liveparkinsons. Your contribution helps us continue creating impactful content like this podcast!
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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 (00:10):
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life.
I'm your host, chrisKustenbotter, and I've been
living an exceptional life withParkinson's for the past 15
years.
The mission of this podcast isto help as many people as
possible living with Parkinson'sto lead a great quality of life
.
Today's topic is personalizedParkinson's nutrition latest
research and practical tips.
(00:31):
Imagine a diet that actuallyworks with your Parkinson's,
helping you to manage yourspecific symptoms and improve
your quality of life.
No, this isn't aone-size-fits-all approach.
Join us as we explore thecutting-edge research and
deliver practical steps tocreate a personalized nutrition
plan that truly serves you.
Thank you for joining me todayfor a crucial conversation about
(00:56):
something deeply personal and,at the same time, profoundly
impactful on your health andwell-being your nutrition.
Now, if you or somebody youcare about is living with
Parkinson's, you probablyalready know that this journey
is unique.
Every individual is going toexperience Parkinson's
differently the motor symptoms,the non-motor challenges and the
(01:17):
way your medications work.
It's all part of a verypersonal puzzle and, just like
every other piece of that puzzle, your nutrition shouldn't be a
one-size-fits-all solution.
For too long, the conversationaround diet and Parkinson's has
often been broad and generalized, but what if the real power
lies in understanding yourspecific needs, your unique
(01:40):
symptom profile and how thelatest scientific research can
inform a dietary approach thattruly works for you.
So in this episode, we're goingto delve into why
personalization isn't just abuzzword but a fundamental key
to potentially managing yourParkinson's journey more
effectively.
We're going to explore howdifferent symptoms from our
(02:00):
visible motor symptoms and thechallenges that they present to
the often overlooked non-motorsymptoms, which can present
their own challenges and canhave distinct nutritional
implications.
We'll examine some of the mostrecent research in the field of
nutrition in Parkinson's,cutting through the noise and
the hype to presentevidence-based insights.
(02:20):
But, most importantly,understanding the research is
nice, but we also have to knowhow we can use it in our daily
lives.
So we'll be translating theresearch into practical,
actionable tips that you canstart thinking about and sharing
with your healthcare team.
So, whether you've been newlydiagnosed or have been living
with Parkinson's for years, or acaregiver seeking answers, this
(02:44):
episode is designed to empoweryou with a better understanding
of how to tailor your diet toyour specific needs.
So, if you're ready, getcomfortable, maybe go grab a
healthy snack and let's getstarted on this important quest.
It's time to unlock thepotential of personalized
nutrition in your Parkinson'sjourney.
(03:06):
Now let's start by discussingwhy a one-size-fits-all approach
simply doesn't cut it when itcomes to nutrition and
Parkinson's, and whypersonalizing your diet is so
important.
I know one of the questions Ihad when I was first diagnosed
and maybe you did too was isthere a specific Parkinson's
diet that I should be following?
Well, the short answer is no.
(03:27):
While there are generalguidelines for healthy eating
that apply to everyone,including people living with
Parkinson's, the idea of asingle prescribed Parkinson's
diet is mostly a misconception.
In reality, it's better tothink about personalized
nutrition tailored to yourspecific individual needs.
So I guess that begs thequestion why is personalization
(03:51):
in your nutrition so important?
Well, the answer relates to howParkinson's manifests itself in
each person.
Now, I've often heard it calleda boutique disease, meaning
that each person will experienceParkinson's differently.
Some may have tremors, some maynot the same, with gait issues
and other motor and non-motorsymptoms.
(04:12):
So think of it this wayParkinson's is like a
fingerprint Each person'sexperience is distinct and
personal, just like yourfingerprint.
Another important factor toconsider, besides motor and
non-motor symptoms that are partof Parkinson's, is the disease
progression.
Now we know that Parkinson's isa progressive condition,
(04:33):
meaning that our symptoms aregoing to tend to evolve and
change over time.
So, in terms of nutrition,foods that may be helpful in the
early stages could be lessrelevant or maybe need adjusting
as Parkinson's progresses.
For example, someoneexperiencing significant weight
loss in later stages is going tohave a very different
(04:55):
nutritional priority thansomeone in the early stages with
a healthy appetite.
And then another factor thatreally needs to be considered as
part of the nutrition plan isyour individualized response to
medication.
For instance, levodopa, whichhas been the gold standard of
treatment, can interact withcertain nutrients, particularly
(05:15):
protein.
So the timing and distributionof protein intake throughout the
day can significantly affecthow well levodopa is absorbed
and used in our body.
The optimal protein needs andeating strategy can vary based
on personal specific medicationregimen, dose and how their body
metabolizes the drug.
(05:35):
So what works for one person interms of eating protein and
taking their medication may notbe ideal for someone else.
So it's important to considerthe three factors that we just
discussed the type of symptoms,disease progression and
medication response whenconsidering the nutritional
needs and diet program forsomeone with Parkinson's.
(05:57):
Now let's look at an exampleSomeone struggling with
constipation, which, of course,is a very common non-motor
symptom.
Their nutritional plan mightfocus on increasing their
dietary fiber and making surethey're staying hydrated While
someone else dealing withswallowing difficulties, known
as dysphagia.
The priority shifts totexture-modified foods and
(06:19):
strategies to prevent aspiration, even if they're getting enough
fiber.
Besides these three factors andhow they affect your
nutritional needs, we can'toverlook the fascinating
connection between the gut andthe brain, also known as the
gut-brain axis.
Emerging research suggests thatthe makeup of the individual's
gut microbiome, which is thetrillions yes, I said trillions
(06:47):
of bacteria living in ourdigestive system, can play a
role in the development ofParkinson's and symptom
expression.
It's conceivable that differentgut microbiome profiles might
influence how people absorbnutrients, respond to certain
foods and even impact ourneurological function.
This is a rapidly evolving areaof research and it reinforces
(07:07):
why personalized approach tonutrition, and potentially even
considering health, is soimportant.
So the bottom line is this whatworks incredibly well for one
person with Parkinson's might becompletely ineffective or
detrimental for someone else.
There's no magic pill, nouniversal Parkinson's diet that
(07:28):
meets everyone's unique needsand challenges.
So the key takeaway is the needfor a personalized approach to
nutrition.
In Parkinson's, it's aboutunderstanding your own body,
your specific symptoms, yourmedication regimen and, working
with your healthcareprofessional, they can connect
you with registered dietitianswho specialized in neurological
(07:52):
conditions to help develop adietary plan that's tailored to
you All.
Right now that we understandwhy personalization is so
crucial in Parkinson's nutrition, let's look at some of the key
factors that shape thoseindividual needs.
Now think of these as puzzlepieces that make up your unique
nutritional profile.
(08:13):
Now, one of the most significantfactors we need to consider
right up front is medicationinteraction, particularly with
levodopa, again, the goldstandard medication for managing
our motor symptoms.
Levodopa is an amino acid andit competes with other amino
acids, primarily those found inprotein-rich foods, for
absorption in the smallintestine.
(08:34):
So, as an example, imagineSarah, who finds her levodopa
medication works best when shetakes it about 30 minutes before
a meal.
However, on days she has aprotein-heavy lunch like a large
chicken salad, she notices hermedication seems less effective
for a longer period after themeal.
(08:55):
Now this is likely due to theprotein interfering with the
absorption of levodopa.
Now I have a friend, bob, whotold me he was getting
frustrated because theeffectiveness of his levodopa
was fluctuating a lot during theday and it made it hard for him
to participate in some of theactivities that he really
enjoyed.
Bob said he was discussing themotor fluctuations with his
(09:16):
doctor and his doctor told himto look at his diet.
So Bob went home and he saidwow, that's right, I'm having a
protein smoothie every day forbreakfast and then taking my
medication right afterwards.
So he thought to himself I betthat's what's causing some of
the motor fluctuations.
So what he decided to do was toget away from having a protein
(09:37):
heavy breakfast and moved theprotein to more of the protein
to later in the day, at lunchand dinnertime and a later
breakfast.
After that, he said he startedto notice improvements in his
motor symptoms.
All right, now let's look at howdiet can affect some other
specific symptoms of Parkinson's.
(09:58):
And let's start with everyone'sfavorite topic the bathroom and
in this case constipation.
Constipation is a very common,often bothersome, non-motor
symptom in Parkinson's.
The slowness of movement in ourbodies that we experience can
also affect the digestive system.
(10:18):
Now I have a friend, michael,who said he finds when he
doesn't get enough fiber in hisdiet, especially not eating
enough fruits and vegetables andwhole grains, he experiences
significant constipation anddiscomfort.
Now why he needed to tell methis?
I'm not sure, but since it wasimportant to him, I listened and
sympathized with him.
(10:39):
Now another critical symptomthat can dramatically affect our
nutritional needs is swallowingdifficulties, which is also
known as dysphagia.
Swallowing difficulties canrange from mild difficulty
swallowing liquids and solids toa severe inability to swallow
safely.
So if you're experiencingswallowing issues, make sure you
(11:01):
tell your neurologist or yourmovement disorder specialist and
ask for a referral to a speechtherapist.
Wait, chris, you said get areferral to a speech therapist
if you're having troubleswallowing.
That can't be right.
Yes, I did say a speechtherapist, because they're not
only trained in helping youimprove your speech, but they
(11:21):
can give you actionablestrategies to help you with
specific swallowing issues.
Now I've worked with Gabrielle,a speech therapist, who is
exceptional and has helped mewith my speech issues, but she's
also really well-trained inhelping people with swallowing
issues.
Now, for example, emily, aperson living with Parkinson's,
(11:44):
noticed that thin liquidssometimes make her cough, which
can increase her risk ofaspiration.
She said both her and herdoctor and the speech therapist
have recommended that shethicken her fluids to a more
honey-like consistency to makethem easier to swallow.
Now, next up in specificsymptoms that can be
personalized with nutrition isweight loss.
(12:05):
Weight loss can occur inParkinson's for various reasons,
including increased energyexpenditures due to movement
with your motor symptoms,reduced appetite or even
sometimes, medication sideeffects.
Unintentional weight loss canlead to frailty, lack of
mobility and a host of othercomplications like falling and
(12:29):
things like that where you havethe potential to injure yourself
.
Now, at one of the Parkinson'sseminars I attended, I remember
hearing a doctor speak onmanaging patients who are losing
weight unintentionally.
They said for these patientsthey recommend increasing their
daily calorie intake withnutrient-dense foods like
avocados, nuts and olive oil.
(12:50):
These can provide healthy fatswhile at the same time,
providing extra calories evenwhen the person doesn't feel
particularly hungry.
Now a friend of mine withParkinson's said that the
dietician told him to considereating small, frequent snacks or
meals throughout the day, evenif they're just a few bites of
calorie-rich foods like aspoonful of peanut butter on
(13:12):
crackers.
He said after doing this forseveral weeks, he was able to
keep his weight stable andseemed to have a little bit more
energy.
Now, last but not least, let'stouch on another symptom many of
us experience, and that'sdyskinesia, those involuntary
jerky movements that potentiallyhappen as a long-term side
effect of levodopa use.
(13:33):
While the direct link betweendiet and dyskinesia isn't fully
understood yet and is highlyindividual, some people find
that certain types of foodsmight influence their occurrence
or severity.
One article I read the personsaid their dyskinesia seemed to
be slightly worse aftercarbohydrate-heavy meals.
Other articles I've read, thepeople mentioned anecdotally
(13:58):
that their dyskinesias wereexacerbated when they ate
processed foods or usedartificial sweeteners.
Now, these experiences fromthese articles that I read
aren't universal and research isneeded to determine if certain
foods increase dyskinesias.
But it does show payingattention to what you eat and
how you feel after your meal canaffect your symptoms and how it
(14:21):
may be important.
One other thing to keep in mindwhen you're thinking about
nutrition for Parkinson's is doyou have any coexisting
conditions?
Some people with Parkinson'smay also have other underlying
conditions or diseases, likediabetes, heart disease or
kidney problems, for example,and all of these are going to
(14:42):
have their own specific dietaryrecommendations which you'd need
to consider as part of yourpersonalized Parkinson's
nutrition.
So to conclude this segment,you can see that medication,
specific symptom management,disease progression and other
health conditions create anopportunity for a highly
(15:03):
individualized nutrition planfor each person living with
Parkinson's.
Now, while there's no dietarymagic formula.
Working closely with yourhealthcare team, you can develop
a nutrition plan and strategythat meets your unique needs.
All right, now let's turn ourattention and zoom in on some
specific essential nutrientsthat often come up in
(15:26):
discussions about Parkinson'sand nutrition.
Keep in mind we're looking atthese through our personalized
lens.
It's not just about what thesenutrients do, but how they might
fit into our individual dietaryplan, ideally through food
first and then, if needed,supplements.
Well, and why do they call itthe sunshine vitamin?
Because when you go out intothe sunshine, that helps us
(15:58):
synthesize our body synthesizevitamin D, and vitamin D is
crucial for bone health, whichis important in Parkinson's
because it can affect ourmobility and our risk of falls,
weak bones or osteoporosis.
If you have a fracture, youcould potentially fall and
that's going to limit yourmobility.
Now, beyond bones, emergingresearch has also explored
(16:20):
potential links between vitaminD levels and Parkinson's.
Some studies for example, therewas a meta-analysis that was
published in Nutrients that haveindicated that people with
Parkinson's often have lowervitamin D levels compared to
healthy controls.
And there's been otherobservational studies, including
(16:40):
one published in the Archivesof Neurology in 2010 that
suggested a possible associationbetween higher vitamin D levels
and reduced risk of developingParkinson's or a potential role
in modulating motor symptoms.
However, and this is crucialmore is not always better and
(17:01):
the research is still ongoing.
The key is individualizedtesting.
Your doctor can perform asimple blood test to check your
vitamin D levels.
So if you're deficient invitamin D, supplements may be
recommended, but this shouldalways be guided by test results
and your doctor's advice toavoid potential toxicity.
(17:23):
So some good sources of vitaminD to get in your food include
fatty fish like salmon andmackerel, fortified milk and
plant-based milks and egg yolks.
All right, next up on ournutritional countdown is B
vitamins.
Now, this whole family ofnutrients are vital for energy
(17:45):
production and healthy nervefunction.
In terms of Parkinson's,specific B vitamins like B6, b9,
which is also known as folateand B12 are important because
they help us regulatehomeocysteine levels.
All right, what arehomeocysteine?
(18:05):
Homeocysteine is an amino acidthat plays a role in protein
generation within our bodies.
Amino acid that plays a role inprotein generation within our
bodies, so it helps break downvitamins B12, 6, and B9 folate
to generate other essentialchemicals.
So elevated homeocysteine hasbeen linked in some research to
(18:28):
an increased risk of cognitiveissues and vascular problems,
which can be concerns inParkinson's.
For instance, researchpublished in various journals,
including the Journal ofMovement Disorders, has
investigated the relationshipbetween homeocysteine vitamin B
levels and Parkinson's,sometimes finding that levodopa
(18:50):
therapy can affect homeocysteinelevels, showing the need for
adequate amounts of vitamin B.
Some individuals withParkinson's might also be at
higher risk for deficiencies incertain B vitamins, like B12,
due to their age, dietarypatterns and medication
interactions.
Symptoms of vitamin Bdeficiency can sometimes mimic
(19:14):
or worsen Parkinson's symptoms,like fatigue or neuropathy.
So some good sources of Bvitamins include leafy greens
that's where you're going to getyour folate meat, poultry, fish
, eggs and dairy.
Dairy is going to give you B12,and legumes, so that's your
(19:36):
beans.
Whole grains also give youvarious amounts of B vitamins.
So it's important to note that,while ensuring adequate B
vitamin intake is important,especially through a balanced
diet, any supplementation shouldbe discussed with your health
care provider, especially ifyour specific deficiencies are
suspected or they're identifiedwhen you have a blood test.
(19:59):
Now let's turn our attention toomega-3 fatty acids.
These are essential fats knownfor their anti-inflammatory
properties and their role inbrain health.
Since there's a potentialconnection between
neuroinflammation and its rolein Parkinson's, there's been
considerable interest in omega-3fatty acid studies.
A study Neuroprotective,antioxidant and
(20:21):
Anti-Inflammatory Effects in aModel of Parkinson's that was
published in the Annals ofNeurodegenerative Disorders.
The results of this RAT modelshowed improvements in motor
function and dopamine levels andreduced neurodegeneration.
In another study, omega-3 fattyacids and neurodegenerative
(20:43):
disease, new evidence inclinical trials that was
published in the InternationalJournal of Molecular Sciences.
International Journal ofMolecular Sciences analyzed
clinical trials andepidemiological studies
suggesting that omega-3supplementation could be a
valuable tool in managingneurodegenerative diseases,
including Parkinson's.
(21:05):
While the direction slowingParkinson's in humans is still
developing, ensuring adequateintake is generally considered
beneficial for overall brainhealth.
Now, some excellent sources ofomega-3 fatty acids include your
fatty fish, like salmon,sardines and mackerel, as well
as eating flax seeds, chai seedsand walnuts.
(21:26):
The optimal dose and type ofomega-3 for Parkinson's can vary
, so if you're considering usingsupplements, it's vital to
choose a high-quality productand discuss it with your doctor.
So if you're considering usingsupplements, it's vital to
choose a high quality productand discuss it with your doctor,
especially if you're on bloodthinning medications.
All right, what aboutantioxidants like vitamin C,
vitamin E and coenzyme CoQ10?
(21:49):
Oxidative stress, which I'vetalked about on a number of
podcasts, is an imbalancebetween free radicals and
antioxidants in your body, andit's believed to be a
significant contributor to someof the neurodegenerative
processes in Parkinson's.
So a diet rich in antioxidantsis often recommended.
Now there's been a number ofpopulation studies that have
(22:12):
linked diets high in fruits andvegetables, which are excellent
sources of vitamin C and E andvarious phytonutrients, with
better health outcomes.
Earlier on, there was hope thathigh-dose supplementation with
specific antioxidants likevitamin E or CoQ10 could slow
Parkinson's progression.
For example, there was aDataTop trial in the late 1980s
(22:36):
and early 90s that investigatedvitamin E.
Later, large-scale trials onCoQ10 that were published in the
Archives of Neurology showedmixed or ultimately
disappointing results in termsof significantly altering
disease progression at thedosages that they studied.
To learn more about supplements, check out my podcast entitled
(22:58):
Parkinson's Disease andSupplements Benefits and Risks
in Scientific Findings.
All right now, the results ofthese studies doesn't diminish
the importance of antioxidants,but it does strongly emphasize a
food-first approach.
But it does strongly emphasizea food-first approach.
Brightly colored fruits andvegetables, berries, leafy
greens and then bell peppers,citrus fruits, as well as nuts,
(23:26):
seeds and whole grains, arepacked with a wide array of
antioxidants that are going towork together synergistically in
your body.
Excessive supplementation withsingle antioxidants can
sometimes be unhelpful or evenharmful, so focus on getting
your antioxidants from yourplate Now.
Lastly, let's touch on magnesium.
This mineral is involved inover 300 biochemical reactions
(23:47):
in our body, including musclefunction, nerve transmission and
energy production.
Some people with Parkinson'sexperience muscle cramps and
sleep disturbances, andmagnesium is sometimes suggested
for these issues.
Large-scale clinical trialsspecifically on magnesium
(24:08):
supplementation for motorsymptoms or disease progression
in Parkinson's are limited,while its fundamental role in
the body is well established.
Now, some dietary sources ofmagnesium include leafy green
vegetables, nuts, seeds andwhole grains, and also including
beans, so you can kind of see apattern here that a lot of it
is fruits and vegetables, nuts,whole grains and leafy greens,
(24:34):
fruits, vegetables, nuts, wholegrains and leafy greens.
Now, as with other nutrients,individual responses to
supplementation can differ, andit's best to ensure dietary
intake and discuss any potentialsupplementation with your
healthcare provider, especiallyat high doses, because this can
cause digestive upset orinteraction with certain
medications.
Now in early June, I'm going tobe doing a podcast with Dr
(24:55):
Carolyn Dean, md, an expert onmagnesium, so check that out if
you want to learn more aboutmagnesium and its effects on the
body.
Now, after hearing about allthese important nutrients, you
might be tempted to rush out andbuy a variety of supplements.
You might be tempted to rushout and buy a variety of
supplements, but I want tostrongly emphasize that the
(25:18):
cornerstone of good nutrition,even and especially in
Parkinson's, is eating abalanced diet of whole foods
that are tailored to yourindividual preferences and
tastes, as well as tolerance.
Why?
Because whole foods can providea host of vitamins, minerals
and fiber and other beneficialcompounds that work together in
(25:39):
ways that taking individualsupplements often can't
replicate.
Supplements can play a role,especially if you have a
specific deficiency or if yourdietary intake is insufficient,
but ideally they should be justthat supplementary, and always
discuss any potentialsupplementation with your doctor
(26:00):
to make sure it's anappropriate part of your
treatment plan.
Okay, we've discovered the whyand some of the what when it
comes to personalized nutritionfor Parkinson's.
Now let's look at the how.
What practical steps can wetake to start tailoring our
diets to our specific needs?
The crucial first step in theprocess is self-monitoring and
(26:21):
symptom tracking.
Think of yourself as anutritional detective.
Keeping a detailed food diaryalongside a log of your
Parkinson's symptoms, both motorand non-motor symptoms, can
give you valuable clues.
A friend of mine, karen,started noticing that her tremor
seemed slightly more pronounceda couple hours after she ate
(26:43):
certain processed snacks.
So she started tracking herfood intake and noting the
timing and severity of hertremor, and what she started to
see was a potential correlation.
And then, at one of theParkinson's seminars I attended,
I heard someone speaking andsaying that they were struggling
with fatigue.
The person said they startedkeeping a food diary and
(27:05):
initially didn't see any clearpatterns.
But after a few weeks they saidthey noticed that on days that
they skipped breakfast or had avery carb-heavy lunch, that
their afternoon fatigue wassignificantly worse.
They said the simple act oftaking the time to track their
food and symptoms helped themidentify what he was doing and
(27:27):
eating and how that wascontributing to his fatigue.
So this allowed him to makeadjustments and ensure that they
were eating a healthy breakfastand a more moderate lunch
instead of being so carb-heavy.
So if you want to get a freesymptom tracker, visit my
website, liveparkinsonscom, andyou can get.
(27:48):
There's a link on the homepage.
Go on there and click on thatand you can get a free
medication and symptom trackerto help you track your symptoms.
The second absolutely essentialstep is collaboration with your
healthcare professionals,because we know trying to
navigate both Parkinson's andnutrition can often be
overwhelming, and yourneurologist or movement disorder
(28:10):
specialist, of course, iscentral to your care.
But they can also refer you toa registered dietitian who has
experience working withneurological conditions and they
can also become a valuablemember of your team.
Now, during a breakout sessionon nutrition at one of the
Parkinson's symposiums that Iattended, a neurologist talked
(28:31):
about a patient they had who wasexperiencing unintentional
weight loss, and they referredhim to a registered dietitian.
He said the dietitian conducteda thorough intake of his
dietary eating plan, hisactivity level and his personal
food preferences.
The neurologist said hispatient and the dietician
(28:51):
developed a personalized planthat focused on calorie-dense,
nutrient-rich foods that thepatient enjoyed eating, which is
key, helping him stabilize hisweight.
Now the third piece of practicaladvice is to embrace gradual
dietary changes.
Now we all want to get to ourgoal as fast as possible.
(29:11):
Now we all want to get to ourgoal as fast as possible, but
try to resist the urge to makedramatic overnight changes to
your eating habits, because it'soften hard to sustain and
sometimes can lead to digestiveupset or frustration.
So, instead of completelyeliminating all processed foods
at once, try to focus on maybereplacing one processed snack a
(29:32):
day with a piece of fruit or ahandful of nuts.
Over time, these small changesreally can add up to a
significant shift in youroverall diet.
Now one of the support groups Iattended we were discussing
eating and nutrition and one ofthe people in the group said
that instead of making drasticchanges to her diet, she said
(29:53):
that she focused on adding onenew healthy recipe to her weekly
meal plan.
She said the gradual approachhelped prevent feeling deprived
and helped her make healthyeating habits sustainable.
So remember, small, consistentchanges are often more effective
in the long run than dramaticchanges.
Now the next tip or strategy isto pay attention to your body's
(30:16):
signals.
Be a mindful eater.
Notice how different foods makeyou feel, not just immediately,
but in the hours that follow aswell.
Do certain foods seem to makeyour?
Does a particular type of mealseem to coincide with increased
(30:37):
tremor or stiffness?
A friend of mine, megan,started paying closer attention
to how she felt after eating,especially after eating or
consuming dairy products,because she said she was
noticing that she was gettingsome GI upset.
She noticed that she reallywouldn't feel well when she ate
a lot of cheese or drank milk.
(30:58):
Now, while she didn't entirelyeliminate dairy from her diet,
she said she was more cognizanton how much she ate or drank.
Now I know in my case I wouldoften eat too quickly and
without much thought.
If I enjoyed it down the gulletit went.
I often didn't think about thetexture of the food, as long as
it tasted good.
(31:19):
Then, as I got older andParkinson's joined me on my
life's journey, I began tonotice how I felt immediately
after eating and several hoursafterwards, and I soon realized
that eating too quickly,especially large, carb-heavy
meals, made me feel lethargicand fatigued, in addition to
being very miserable, becauseI'd eaten too much and because I
(31:42):
ate it too quickly.
Was eating two bowls ofspaghetti great?
Sure, it tasted great, but thenI really felt stuffed and
terrible afterwards.
So what I realized was that, byslowing down and paying
attention to the taste, thetexture, the smells and even the
colors of my food, I was ablenot only to enjoy my food more
(32:05):
and the people I was eating withmore, but I also felt so much
better because I knew when tostop eating, because I felt
comfortable rather than beingstuffed, which helped me with my
energy and reduced fatigue.
So listen to your body, becauseit can give you great feedback
if you listen to what it'stelling you.
(32:25):
Finally, I want to provide somevaluable resources for
Parkinson's and nutrition.
The Parkinson's Foundation, ifyou go to parkinsonsorg, offers
a wealth of information,including resources on nutrition
, exercise and managing specificsymptoms.
Also, check out the DavisPhinney Foundation and the
(32:45):
Michael J Fox Foundation,because they also provide some
great information and resources.
The National Institutes ofNeurological Disorders and
Stroke, which are part of theNational Institutes of Health,
also provides comprehensiveinformation on Parkinson's and
research updates.
So, to summarize the keystrategies we just discussed, by
(33:08):
actively engaging inself-monitoring, working closely
with your healthcare team andmaking gradual changes and
listening to your body's signals, you can take significant steps
toward a nutritional strategythat's going to support your
individual well-being on yourParkinson's journey.
Now let's finish up by talkingsome of the common
(33:29):
misconceptions about Parkinson'snutrition and then briefly
touch upon the exciting ongoingresearch in the area.
Now, one of the most common andpersistent myths is the idea of
Parkinson's superfoods.
Specific ingredients that areclaimed to be miracle cures are
often or offer dramaticimprovements in symptoms.
(33:49):
Now you might hear certainberries, spices or specific fats
being touted as essential foreveryone with Parkinson's.
Specific fats being touted asessential for everyone with
Parkinson's.
While many of these foods areundoubtedly nutritional and can
be included as part of a healthydiet, the notion that any
single food will drasticallyalter the course of Parkinson's
(34:10):
lacks any scientific backing,especially for the vast majority
of people.
Remember our discussions aboutpersonalization what might offer
slight benefits to one persondue to their unique needs might
have little or no impact onanother person.
Also, be wary of highlyrestrictive diets marketed as
the Parkinson's diet.
(34:31):
These often lack scientificevidence and support and can
often lead to nutritionaldeficiencies and a decreased
quality of life.
So, unless you have a specificfood intolerance or allergy
identified by a healthcareprofessional, eliminating entire
food groups is generally notrecommended, and it can also
(34:52):
make it hard for your body toget the nutrients it needs.
So, focused on balanced, wholefoods approach tailored to your
individual needs and preferences, rather than adhering to these
rigid, unproven dietary rules.
All right, now let's touch onsome of the fascinating ongoing
research in personalizednutrition for Parkinson's, and
(35:12):
one particularly exciting areais the role of gut microbiome.
Now, as I mentioned earlier,the trillions of bacteria in our
gut may influence variousaspects of Parkinson's,
including motor and non-motorsymptoms, and, potentially, the
effectiveness of medications.
So researchers areinvestigating how different
dietary patterns andinterventions, like specific pre
(35:35):
and probiotics, might impactthe gut microbiome in people
with Parkinson's, and whethermanipulating the gut microbiome
could offer therapeutic benefitsfor different subgroups of
patients with specificmicrobiome profiles.
Now it's a very active area ofinvestigation and while there
are no definitive answers yet,it does show the potential for a
(35:59):
highly personalized nutritionalintervention based on someone's
unique gut bacteria composition.
Now another area of research isexploring is the relationship
between genetic predispositionsand nutritional needs in
Parkinson's.
Since genetic influence caninfluence the risk of developing
Parkinson's, it's possiblecertain genetic variations might
(36:24):
affect how individualsmetabolize nutrients or respond
to different dietary components.
While they're still in theearly stages of research and not
yet ready for clinical trials,it does show how nutritional
recommendations could befine-tuned based on someone's
genetic makeup.
Now, both of these are still inthe early stages and they need
to be reproduced in large-scaleclinical trials before any
(36:47):
recommendations can be made.
But the key takeaway is that thefield of Parkinson's nutrition
is not static.
New discoveries are being madeand the role of diet and how it
relates to Parkinson's is reallya constantly growing field.
Remember, there's no magic foodor secret diet for Parkinson's.
The best approach is going tobe a personalized one, based on
(37:09):
input from your healthcare teamand based on your specific
symptoms and needs.
And this brings us to the endof our important discussion on
personalizing your nutrition forParkinson's.
I hope that the insights andpractical steps that we've
explored today have empoweredyou to think a little bit
differently about your diet andits potential impact on your
(37:30):
well-being.
Now remember, your journey withParkinson's is unique, as your
nutritional needs should be too.
It's about listening to yourbody, reviewing your diet with
your healthcare team and makinginformed decisions based on the
latest research and yourindividual needs and preferences
.
Now, if you're looking for moreresources to support you on
(37:53):
your Parkinson's journey, Iencourage you to visit
liveparkinsonscom.
There, you'll find a wealth ofvaluable resources and articles
to help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
I encourage you to visitliveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find a wealth ofvaluable resources and articles
to help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
And don't forget to subscribeto the free monthly newsletter
to stay up to date on the latestresearch and practical tips and
inspiring stories.
Now my mission is to empowerindividuals with Parkinson's to
(38:15):
lead a great quality of life.
So if you find value in today'sepisode and appreciate the work
I'm doing, please considersupporting the mission and
podcast by visiting my Kofi pageat Koficom slash live
Parkinson's.
Your contribution helps mecontinue to create valuable
content and to reach more peoplewho can benefit from the
(38:37):
information.
Thank you for joining me today.
Remember to stay healthy, staystrong and live your best life
with Parkinson's.
Thanks again for listening.
I really appreciate it.
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life.
I'm your host, chrisKustenbotter, and I've been
living an exceptional life withParkinson's for the past 15
years.
The mission of this podcast isto help as many people as
possible living with Parkinson'sto lead a great quality of life
.
Today's topic is personalizedParkinson's nutrition latest
research and practical tips.
(00:31):
Imagine a diet that actuallyworks with your Parkinson's,
helping you to manage yourspecific symptoms and improve
your quality of life.
No, this isn't aone-size-fits-all approach.
Join us as we explore thecutting-edge research and
deliver practical steps tocreate a personalized nutrition
plan that truly serves you.
Thank you for joining me todayfor a crucial conversation about
(00:56):
something deeply personal and,at the same time, profoundly
impactful on your health andwell-being your nutrition.
Now, if you or somebody youcare about is living with
Parkinson's, you probablyalready know that this journey
is unique.
Every individual is going toexperience Parkinson's
differently the motor symptoms,the non-motor challenges and the
(01:17):
way your medications work.
It's all part of a verypersonal puzzle and, just like
every other piece of that puzzle, your nutrition shouldn't be a
one-size-fits-all solution.
For too long, the conversationaround diet and Parkinson's has
often been broad and generalized, but what if the real power
lies in understanding yourspecific needs, your unique
(01:40):
symptom profile and how thelatest scientific research can
inform a dietary approach thattruly works for you.
So in this episode, we're goingto delve into why
personalization isn't just abuzzword but a fundamental key
to potentially managing yourParkinson's journey more
effectively.
We're going to explore howdifferent symptoms from our
(02:00):
visible motor symptoms and thechallenges that they present to
the often overlooked non-motorsymptoms, which can present
their own challenges and canhave distinct nutritional
implications.
We'll examine some of the mostrecent research in the field of
nutrition in Parkinson's,cutting through the noise and
the hype to presentevidence-based insights.
(02:20):
But, most importantly,understanding the research is
nice, but we also have to knowhow we can use it in our daily
lives.
So we'll be translating theresearch into practical,
actionable tips that you canstart thinking about and sharing
with your healthcare team.
So, whether you've been newlydiagnosed or have been living
with Parkinson's for years, or acaregiver seeking answers, this
(02:44):
episode is designed to empoweryou with a better understanding
of how to tailor your diet toyour specific needs.
So, if you're ready, getcomfortable, maybe go grab a
healthy snack and let's getstarted on this important quest.
It's time to unlock thepotential of personalized
nutrition in your Parkinson'sjourney.
(03:06):
Now let's start by discussingwhy a one-size-fits-all approach
simply doesn't cut it when itcomes to nutrition and
Parkinson's, and whypersonalizing your diet is so
important.
I know one of the questions Ihad when I was first diagnosed
and maybe you did too was isthere a specific Parkinson's
diet that I should be following?
Well, the short answer is no.
(03:27):
While there are generalguidelines for healthy eating
that apply to everyone,including people living with
Parkinson's, the idea of asingle prescribed Parkinson's
diet is mostly a misconception.
In reality, it's better tothink about personalized
nutrition tailored to yourspecific individual needs.
So I guess that begs thequestion why is personalization
(03:51):
in your nutrition so important?
Well, the answer relates to howParkinson's manifests itself in
each person.
Now, I've often heard it calleda boutique disease, meaning
that each person will experienceParkinson's differently.
Some may have tremors, some maynot the same, with gait issues
and other motor and non-motorsymptoms.
(04:12):
So think of it this wayParkinson's is like a
fingerprint Each person'sexperience is distinct and
personal, just like yourfingerprint.
Another important factor toconsider, besides motor and
non-motor symptoms that are partof Parkinson's, is the disease
progression.
Now we know that Parkinson's isa progressive condition,
(04:33):
meaning that our symptoms aregoing to tend to evolve and
change over time.
So, in terms of nutrition,foods that may be helpful in the
early stages could be lessrelevant or maybe need adjusting
as Parkinson's progresses.
For example, someoneexperiencing significant weight
loss in later stages is going tohave a very different
(04:55):
nutritional priority thansomeone in the early stages with
a healthy appetite.
And then another factor thatreally needs to be considered as
part of the nutrition plan isyour individualized response to
medication.
For instance, levodopa, whichhas been the gold standard of
treatment, can interact withcertain nutrients, particularly
(05:15):
protein.
So the timing and distributionof protein intake throughout the
day can significantly affecthow well levodopa is absorbed
and used in our body.
The optimal protein needs andeating strategy can vary based
on personal specific medicationregimen, dose and how their body
metabolizes the drug.
(05:35):
So what works for one person interms of eating protein and
taking their medication may notbe ideal for someone else.
So it's important to considerthe three factors that we just
discussed the type of symptoms,disease progression and
medication response whenconsidering the nutritional
needs and diet program forsomeone with Parkinson's.
(05:57):
Now let's look at an exampleSomeone struggling with
constipation, which, of course,is a very common non-motor
symptom.
Their nutritional plan mightfocus on increasing their
dietary fiber and making surethey're staying hydrated While
someone else dealing withswallowing difficulties, known
as dysphagia.
The priority shifts totexture-modified foods and
(06:19):
strategies to prevent aspiration, even if they're getting enough
fiber.
Besides these three factors andhow they affect your
nutritional needs, we can'toverlook the fascinating
connection between the gut andthe brain, also known as the
gut-brain axis.
Emerging research suggests thatthe makeup of the individual's
gut microbiome, which is thetrillions yes, I said trillions
(06:47):
of bacteria living in ourdigestive system, can play a
role in the development ofParkinson's and symptom
expression.
It's conceivable that differentgut microbiome profiles might
influence how people absorbnutrients, respond to certain
foods and even impact ourneurological function.
This is a rapidly evolving areaof research and it reinforces
(07:07):
why personalized approach tonutrition, and potentially even
considering health, is soimportant.
So the bottom line is this whatworks incredibly well for one
person with Parkinson's might becompletely ineffective or
detrimental for someone else.
There's no magic pill, nouniversal Parkinson's diet that
(07:28):
meets everyone's unique needsand challenges.
So the key takeaway is the needfor a personalized approach to
nutrition.
In Parkinson's, it's aboutunderstanding your own body,
your specific symptoms, yourmedication regimen and, working
with your healthcareprofessional, they can connect
you with registered dietitianswho specialized in neurological
(07:52):
conditions to help develop adietary plan that's tailored to
you All.
Right now that we understandwhy personalization is so
crucial in Parkinson's nutrition, let's look at some of the key
factors that shape thoseindividual needs.
Now think of these as puzzlepieces that make up your unique
nutritional profile.
(08:13):
Now, one of the most significantfactors we need to consider
right up front is medicationinteraction, particularly with
levodopa, again, the goldstandard medication for managing
our motor symptoms.
Levodopa is an amino acid andit competes with other amino
acids, primarily those found inprotein-rich foods, for
absorption in the smallintestine.
(08:34):
So, as an example, imagineSarah, who finds her levodopa
medication works best when shetakes it about 30 minutes before
a meal.
However, on days she has aprotein-heavy lunch like a large
chicken salad, she notices hermedication seems less effective
for a longer period after themeal.
(08:55):
Now this is likely due to theprotein interfering with the
absorption of levodopa.
Now I have a friend, bob, whotold me he was getting
frustrated because theeffectiveness of his levodopa
was fluctuating a lot during theday and it made it hard for him
to participate in some of theactivities that he really
enjoyed.
Bob said he was discussing themotor fluctuations with his
(09:16):
doctor and his doctor told himto look at his diet.
So Bob went home and he saidwow, that's right, I'm having a
protein smoothie every day forbreakfast and then taking my
medication right afterwards.
So he thought to himself I betthat's what's causing some of
the motor fluctuations.
So what he decided to do was toget away from having a protein
(09:37):
heavy breakfast and moved theprotein to more of the protein
to later in the day, at lunchand dinnertime and a later
breakfast.
After that, he said he startedto notice improvements in his
motor symptoms.
All right, now let's look at howdiet can affect some other
specific symptoms of Parkinson's.
(09:58):
And let's start with everyone'sfavorite topic the bathroom and
in this case constipation.
Constipation is a very common,often bothersome, non-motor
symptom in Parkinson's.
The slowness of movement in ourbodies that we experience can
also affect the digestive system.
(10:18):
Now I have a friend, michael,who said he finds when he
doesn't get enough fiber in hisdiet, especially not eating
enough fruits and vegetables andwhole grains, he experiences
significant constipation anddiscomfort.
Now why he needed to tell methis?
I'm not sure, but since it wasimportant to him, I listened and
sympathized with him.
(10:39):
Now another critical symptomthat can dramatically affect our
nutritional needs is swallowingdifficulties, which is also
known as dysphagia.
Swallowing difficulties canrange from mild difficulty
swallowing liquids and solids toa severe inability to swallow
safely.
So if you're experiencingswallowing issues, make sure you
(11:01):
tell your neurologist or yourmovement disorder specialist and
ask for a referral to a speechtherapist.
Wait, chris, you said get areferral to a speech therapist
if you're having troubleswallowing.
That can't be right.
Yes, I did say a speechtherapist, because they're not
only trained in helping youimprove your speech, but they
(11:21):
can give you actionablestrategies to help you with
specific swallowing issues.
Now I've worked with Gabrielle,a speech therapist, who is
exceptional and has helped mewith my speech issues, but she's
also really well-trained inhelping people with swallowing
issues.
Now, for example, emily, aperson living with Parkinson's,
(11:44):
noticed that thin liquidssometimes make her cough, which
can increase her risk ofaspiration.
She said both her and herdoctor and the speech therapist
have recommended that shethicken her fluids to a more
honey-like consistency to makethem easier to swallow.
Now, next up in specificsymptoms that can be
personalized with nutrition isweight loss.
(12:05):
Weight loss can occur inParkinson's for various reasons,
including increased energyexpenditures due to movement
with your motor symptoms,reduced appetite or even
sometimes, medication sideeffects.
Unintentional weight loss canlead to frailty, lack of
mobility and a host of othercomplications like falling and
(12:29):
things like that where you havethe potential to injure yourself
.
Now, at one of the Parkinson'sseminars I attended, I remember
hearing a doctor speak onmanaging patients who are losing
weight unintentionally.
They said for these patientsthey recommend increasing their
daily calorie intake withnutrient-dense foods like
avocados, nuts and olive oil.
(12:50):
These can provide healthy fatswhile at the same time,
providing extra calories evenwhen the person doesn't feel
particularly hungry.
Now a friend of mine withParkinson's said that the
dietician told him to considereating small, frequent snacks or
meals throughout the day, evenif they're just a few bites of
calorie-rich foods like aspoonful of peanut butter on
(13:12):
crackers.
He said after doing this forseveral weeks, he was able to
keep his weight stable andseemed to have a little bit more
energy.
Now, last but not least, let'stouch on another symptom many of
us experience, and that'sdyskinesia, those involuntary
jerky movements that potentiallyhappen as a long-term side
effect of levodopa use.
(13:33):
While the direct link betweendiet and dyskinesia isn't fully
understood yet and is highlyindividual, some people find
that certain types of foodsmight influence their occurrence
or severity.
One article I read the personsaid their dyskinesia seemed to
be slightly worse aftercarbohydrate-heavy meals.
Other articles I've read, thepeople mentioned anecdotally
(13:58):
that their dyskinesias wereexacerbated when they ate
processed foods or usedartificial sweeteners.
Now, these experiences fromthese articles that I read
aren't universal and research isneeded to determine if certain
foods increase dyskinesias.
But it does show payingattention to what you eat and
how you feel after your meal canaffect your symptoms and how it
(14:21):
may be important.
One other thing to keep in mindwhen you're thinking about
nutrition for Parkinson's is doyou have any coexisting
conditions?
Some people with Parkinson'smay also have other underlying
conditions or diseases, likediabetes, heart disease or
kidney problems, for example,and all of these are going to
(14:42):
have their own specific dietaryrecommendations which you'd need
to consider as part of yourpersonalized Parkinson's
nutrition.
So to conclude this segment,you can see that medication,
specific symptom management,disease progression and other
health conditions create anopportunity for a highly
(15:03):
individualized nutrition planfor each person living with
Parkinson's.
Now, while there's no dietarymagic formula.
Working closely with yourhealthcare team, you can develop
a nutrition plan and strategythat meets your unique needs.
All right, now let's turn ourattention and zoom in on some
specific essential nutrientsthat often come up in
(15:26):
discussions about Parkinson'sand nutrition.
Keep in mind we're looking atthese through our personalized
lens.
It's not just about what thesenutrients do, but how they might
fit into our individual dietaryplan, ideally through food
first and then, if needed,supplements.
Well, and why do they call itthe sunshine vitamin?
Because when you go out intothe sunshine, that helps us
(15:58):
synthesize our body synthesizevitamin D, and vitamin D is
crucial for bone health, whichis important in Parkinson's
because it can affect ourmobility and our risk of falls,
weak bones or osteoporosis.
If you have a fracture, youcould potentially fall and
that's going to limit yourmobility.
Now, beyond bones, emergingresearch has also explored
(16:20):
potential links between vitaminD levels and Parkinson's.
Some studies for example, therewas a meta-analysis that was
published in Nutrients that haveindicated that people with
Parkinson's often have lowervitamin D levels compared to
healthy controls.
And there's been otherobservational studies, including
(16:40):
one published in the Archivesof Neurology in 2010 that
suggested a possible associationbetween higher vitamin D levels
and reduced risk of developingParkinson's or a potential role
in modulating motor symptoms.
However, and this is crucialmore is not always better and
(17:01):
the research is still ongoing.
The key is individualizedtesting.
Your doctor can perform asimple blood test to check your
vitamin D levels.
So if you're deficient invitamin D, supplements may be
recommended, but this shouldalways be guided by test results
and your doctor's advice toavoid potential toxicity.
(17:23):
So some good sources of vitaminD to get in your food include
fatty fish like salmon andmackerel, fortified milk and
plant-based milks and egg yolks.
All right, next up on ournutritional countdown is B
vitamins.
Now, this whole family ofnutrients are vital for energy
(17:45):
production and healthy nervefunction.
In terms of Parkinson's,specific B vitamins like B6, b9,
which is also known as folateand B12 are important because
they help us regulatehomeocysteine levels.
All right, what arehomeocysteine?
(18:05):
Homeocysteine is an amino acidthat plays a role in protein
generation within our bodies.
Amino acid that plays a role inprotein generation within our
bodies, so it helps break downvitamins B12, 6, and B9 folate
to generate other essentialchemicals.
So elevated homeocysteine hasbeen linked in some research to
(18:28):
an increased risk of cognitiveissues and vascular problems,
which can be concerns inParkinson's.
For instance, researchpublished in various journals,
including the Journal ofMovement Disorders, has
investigated the relationshipbetween homeocysteine vitamin B
levels and Parkinson's,sometimes finding that levodopa
(18:50):
therapy can affect homeocysteinelevels, showing the need for
adequate amounts of vitamin B.
Some individuals withParkinson's might also be at
higher risk for deficiencies incertain B vitamins, like B12,
due to their age, dietarypatterns and medication
interactions.
Symptoms of vitamin Bdeficiency can sometimes mimic
(19:14):
or worsen Parkinson's symptoms,like fatigue or neuropathy.
So some good sources of Bvitamins include leafy greens
that's where you're going to getyour folate meat, poultry, fish
, eggs and dairy.
Dairy is going to give you B12,and legumes, so that's your
(19:36):
beans.
Whole grains also give youvarious amounts of B vitamins.
So it's important to note that,while ensuring adequate B
vitamin intake is important,especially through a balanced
diet, any supplementation shouldbe discussed with your health
care provider, especially ifyour specific deficiencies are
suspected or they're identifiedwhen you have a blood test.
(19:59):
Now let's turn our attention toomega-3 fatty acids.
These are essential fats knownfor their anti-inflammatory
properties and their role inbrain health.
Since there's a potentialconnection between
neuroinflammation and its rolein Parkinson's, there's been
considerable interest in omega-3fatty acid studies.
A study Neuroprotective,antioxidant and
(20:21):
Anti-Inflammatory Effects in aModel of Parkinson's that was
published in the Annals ofNeurodegenerative Disorders.
The results of this RAT modelshowed improvements in motor
function and dopamine levels andreduced neurodegeneration.
In another study, omega-3 fattyacids and neurodegenerative
(20:43):
disease, new evidence inclinical trials that was
published in the InternationalJournal of Molecular Sciences.
International Journal ofMolecular Sciences analyzed
clinical trials andepidemiological studies
suggesting that omega-3supplementation could be a
valuable tool in managingneurodegenerative diseases,
including Parkinson's.
(21:05):
While the direction slowingParkinson's in humans is still
developing, ensuring adequateintake is generally considered
beneficial for overall brainhealth.
Now, some excellent sources ofomega-3 fatty acids include your
fatty fish, like salmon,sardines and mackerel, as well
as eating flax seeds, chai seedsand walnuts.
(21:26):
The optimal dose and type ofomega-3 for Parkinson's can vary
, so if you're considering usingsupplements, it's vital to
choose a high-quality productand discuss it with your doctor.
So if you're considering usingsupplements, it's vital to
choose a high quality productand discuss it with your doctor,
especially if you're on bloodthinning medications.
All right, what aboutantioxidants like vitamin C,
vitamin E and coenzyme CoQ10?
(21:49):
Oxidative stress, which I'vetalked about on a number of
podcasts, is an imbalancebetween free radicals and
antioxidants in your body, andit's believed to be a
significant contributor to someof the neurodegenerative
processes in Parkinson's.
So a diet rich in antioxidantsis often recommended.
Now there's been a number ofpopulation studies that have
(22:12):
linked diets high in fruits andvegetables, which are excellent
sources of vitamin C and E andvarious phytonutrients, with
better health outcomes.
Earlier on, there was hope thathigh-dose supplementation with
specific antioxidants likevitamin E or CoQ10 could slow
Parkinson's progression.
For example, there was aDataTop trial in the late 1980s
(22:36):
and early 90s that investigatedvitamin E.
Later, large-scale trials onCoQ10 that were published in the
Archives of Neurology showedmixed or ultimately
disappointing results in termsof significantly altering
disease progression at thedosages that they studied.
To learn more about supplements, check out my podcast entitled
(22:58):
Parkinson's Disease andSupplements Benefits and Risks
in Scientific Findings.
All right now, the results ofthese studies doesn't diminish
the importance of antioxidants,but it does strongly emphasize a
food-first approach.
But it does strongly emphasizea food-first approach.
Brightly colored fruits andvegetables, berries, leafy
greens and then bell peppers,citrus fruits, as well as nuts,
(23:26):
seeds and whole grains, arepacked with a wide array of
antioxidants that are going towork together synergistically in
your body.
Excessive supplementation withsingle antioxidants can
sometimes be unhelpful or evenharmful, so focus on getting
your antioxidants from yourplate Now.
Lastly, let's touch on magnesium.
This mineral is involved inover 300 biochemical reactions
(23:47):
in our body, including musclefunction, nerve transmission and
energy production.
Some people with Parkinson'sexperience muscle cramps and
sleep disturbances, andmagnesium is sometimes suggested
for these issues.
Large-scale clinical trialsspecifically on magnesium
(24:08):
supplementation for motorsymptoms or disease progression
in Parkinson's are limited,while its fundamental role in
the body is well established.
Now, some dietary sources ofmagnesium include leafy green
vegetables, nuts, seeds andwhole grains, and also including
beans, so you can kind of see apattern here that a lot of it
is fruits and vegetables, nuts,whole grains and leafy greens,
(24:34):
fruits, vegetables, nuts, wholegrains and leafy greens.
Now, as with other nutrients,individual responses to
supplementation can differ, andit's best to ensure dietary
intake and discuss any potentialsupplementation with your
healthcare provider, especiallyat high doses, because this can
cause digestive upset orinteraction with certain
medications.
Now in early June, I'm going tobe doing a podcast with Dr
(24:55):
Carolyn Dean, md, an expert onmagnesium, so check that out if
you want to learn more aboutmagnesium and its effects on the
body.
Now, after hearing about allthese important nutrients, you
might be tempted to rush out andbuy a variety of supplements.
You might be tempted to rushout and buy a variety of
supplements, but I want tostrongly emphasize that the
(25:18):
cornerstone of good nutrition,even and especially in
Parkinson's, is eating abalanced diet of whole foods
that are tailored to yourindividual preferences and
tastes, as well as tolerance.
Why?
Because whole foods can providea host of vitamins, minerals
and fiber and other beneficialcompounds that work together in
(25:39):
ways that taking individualsupplements often can't
replicate.
Supplements can play a role,especially if you have a
specific deficiency or if yourdietary intake is insufficient,
but ideally they should be justthat supplementary, and always
discuss any potentialsupplementation with your doctor
(26:00):
to make sure it's anappropriate part of your
treatment plan.
Okay, we've discovered the whyand some of the what when it
comes to personalized nutritionfor Parkinson's.
Now let's look at the how.
What practical steps can wetake to start tailoring our
diets to our specific needs?
The crucial first step in theprocess is self-monitoring and
(26:21):
symptom tracking.
Think of yourself as anutritional detective.
Keeping a detailed food diaryalongside a log of your
Parkinson's symptoms, both motorand non-motor symptoms, can
give you valuable clues.
A friend of mine, karen,started noticing that her tremor
seemed slightly more pronounceda couple hours after she ate
(26:43):
certain processed snacks.
So she started tracking herfood intake and noting the
timing and severity of hertremor, and what she started to
see was a potential correlation.
And then, at one of theParkinson's seminars I attended,
I heard someone speaking andsaying that they were struggling
with fatigue.
The person said they startedkeeping a food diary and
(27:05):
initially didn't see any clearpatterns.
But after a few weeks they saidthey noticed that on days that
they skipped breakfast or had avery carb-heavy lunch, that
their afternoon fatigue wassignificantly worse.
They said the simple act oftaking the time to track their
food and symptoms helped themidentify what he was doing and
(27:27):
eating and how that wascontributing to his fatigue.
So this allowed him to makeadjustments and ensure that they
were eating a healthy breakfastand a more moderate lunch
instead of being so carb-heavy.
So if you want to get a freesymptom tracker, visit my
website, liveparkinsonscom, andyou can get.
(27:48):
There's a link on the homepage.
Go on there and click on thatand you can get a free
medication and symptom trackerto help you track your symptoms.
The second absolutely essentialstep is collaboration with your
healthcare professionals,because we know trying to
navigate both Parkinson's andnutrition can often be
overwhelming, and yourneurologist or movement disorder
(28:10):
specialist, of course, iscentral to your care.
But they can also refer you toa registered dietitian who has
experience working withneurological conditions and they
can also become a valuablemember of your team.
Now, during a breakout sessionon nutrition at one of the
Parkinson's symposiums that Iattended, a neurologist talked
(28:31):
about a patient they had who wasexperiencing unintentional
weight loss, and they referredhim to a registered dietitian.
He said the dietitian conducteda thorough intake of his
dietary eating plan, hisactivity level and his personal
food preferences.
The neurologist said hispatient and the dietician
(28:51):
developed a personalized planthat focused on calorie-dense,
nutrient-rich foods that thepatient enjoyed eating, which is
key, helping him stabilize hisweight.
Now the third piece of practicaladvice is to embrace gradual
dietary changes.
Now we all want to get to ourgoal as fast as possible.
(29:11):
Now we all want to get to ourgoal as fast as possible, but
try to resist the urge to makedramatic overnight changes to
your eating habits, because it'soften hard to sustain and
sometimes can lead to digestiveupset or frustration.
So, instead of completelyeliminating all processed foods
at once, try to focus on maybereplacing one processed snack a
(29:32):
day with a piece of fruit or ahandful of nuts.
Over time, these small changesreally can add up to a
significant shift in youroverall diet.
Now one of the support groups Iattended we were discussing
eating and nutrition and one ofthe people in the group said
that instead of making drasticchanges to her diet, she said
(29:53):
that she focused on adding onenew healthy recipe to her weekly
meal plan.
She said the gradual approachhelped prevent feeling deprived
and helped her make healthyeating habits sustainable.
So remember, small, consistentchanges are often more effective
in the long run than dramaticchanges.
Now the next tip or strategy isto pay attention to your body's
(30:16):
signals.
Be a mindful eater.
Notice how different foods makeyou feel, not just immediately,
but in the hours that follow aswell.
Do certain foods seem to makeyour?
Does a particular type of mealseem to coincide with increased
(30:37):
tremor or stiffness?
A friend of mine, megan,started paying closer attention
to how she felt after eating,especially after eating or
consuming dairy products,because she said she was
noticing that she was gettingsome GI upset.
She noticed that she reallywouldn't feel well when she ate
a lot of cheese or drank milk.
(30:58):
Now, while she didn't entirelyeliminate dairy from her diet,
she said she was more cognizanton how much she ate or drank.
Now I know in my case I wouldoften eat too quickly and
without much thought.
If I enjoyed it down the gulletit went.
I often didn't think about thetexture of the food, as long as
it tasted good.
(31:19):
Then, as I got older andParkinson's joined me on my
life's journey, I began tonotice how I felt immediately
after eating and several hoursafterwards, and I soon realized
that eating too quickly,especially large, carb-heavy
meals, made me feel lethargicand fatigued, in addition to
being very miserable, becauseI'd eaten too much and because I
(31:42):
ate it too quickly.
Was eating two bowls ofspaghetti great?
Sure, it tasted great, but thenI really felt stuffed and
terrible afterwards.
So what I realized was that, byslowing down and paying
attention to the taste, thetexture, the smells and even the
colors of my food, I was ablenot only to enjoy my food more
(32:05):
and the people I was eating withmore, but I also felt so much
better because I knew when tostop eating, because I felt
comfortable rather than beingstuffed, which helped me with my
energy and reduced fatigue.
So listen to your body, becauseit can give you great feedback
if you listen to what it'stelling you.
(32:25):
Finally, I want to provide somevaluable resources for
Parkinson's and nutrition.
The Parkinson's Foundation, ifyou go to parkinsonsorg, offers
a wealth of information,including resources on nutrition
, exercise and managing specificsymptoms.
Also, check out the DavisPhinney Foundation and the
(32:45):
Michael J Fox Foundation,because they also provide some
great information and resources.
The National Institutes ofNeurological Disorders and
Stroke, which are part of theNational Institutes of Health,
also provides comprehensiveinformation on Parkinson's and
research updates.
So, to summarize the keystrategies we just discussed, by
(33:08):
actively engaging inself-monitoring, working closely
with your healthcare team andmaking gradual changes and
listening to your body's signals, you can take significant steps
toward a nutritional strategythat's going to support your
individual well-being on yourParkinson's journey.
Now let's finish up by talkingsome of the common
(33:29):
misconceptions about Parkinson'snutrition and then briefly
touch upon the exciting ongoingresearch in the area.
Now, one of the most common andpersistent myths is the idea of
Parkinson's superfoods.
Specific ingredients that areclaimed to be miracle cures are
often or offer dramaticimprovements in symptoms.
(33:49):
Now you might hear certainberries, spices or specific fats
being touted as essential foreveryone with Parkinson's.
Specific fats being touted asessential for everyone with
Parkinson's.
While many of these foods areundoubtedly nutritional and can
be included as part of a healthydiet, the notion that any
single food will drasticallyalter the course of Parkinson's
(34:10):
lacks any scientific backing,especially for the vast majority
of people.
Remember our discussions aboutpersonalization what might offer
slight benefits to one persondue to their unique needs might
have little or no impact onanother person.
Also, be wary of highlyrestrictive diets marketed as
the Parkinson's diet.
(34:31):
These often lack scientificevidence and support and can
often lead to nutritionaldeficiencies and a decreased
quality of life.
So, unless you have a specificfood intolerance or allergy
identified by a healthcareprofessional, eliminating entire
food groups is generally notrecommended, and it can also
(34:52):
make it hard for your body toget the nutrients it needs.
So, focused on balanced, wholefoods approach tailored to your
individual needs and preferences, rather than adhering to these
rigid, unproven dietary rules.
All right, now let's touch onsome of the fascinating ongoing
research in personalizednutrition for Parkinson's, and
(35:12):
one particularly exciting areais the role of gut microbiome.
Now, as I mentioned earlier,the trillions of bacteria in our
gut may influence variousaspects of Parkinson's,
including motor and non-motorsymptoms, and, potentially, the
effectiveness of medications.
So researchers areinvestigating how different
dietary patterns andinterventions, like specific pre
(35:35):
and probiotics, might impactthe gut microbiome in people
with Parkinson's, and whethermanipulating the gut microbiome
could offer therapeutic benefitsfor different subgroups of
patients with specificmicrobiome profiles.
Now it's a very active area ofinvestigation and while there
are no definitive answers yet,it does show the potential for a
(35:59):
highly personalized nutritionalintervention based on someone's
unique gut bacteria composition.
Now another area of research isexploring is the relationship
between genetic predispositionsand nutritional needs in
Parkinson's.
Since genetic influence caninfluence the risk of developing
Parkinson's, it's possiblecertain genetic variations might
(36:24):
affect how individualsmetabolize nutrients or respond
to different dietary components.
While they're still in theearly stages of research and not
yet ready for clinical trials,it does show how nutritional
recommendations could befine-tuned based on someone's
genetic makeup.
Now, both of these are still inthe early stages and they need
to be reproduced in large-scaleclinical trials before any
(36:47):
recommendations can be made.
But the key takeaway is that thefield of Parkinson's nutrition
is not static.
New discoveries are being madeand the role of diet and how it
relates to Parkinson's is reallya constantly growing field.
Remember, there's no magic foodor secret diet for Parkinson's.
The best approach is going tobe a personalized one, based on
(37:09):
input from your healthcare teamand based on your specific
symptoms and needs.
And this brings us to the endof our important discussion on
personalizing your nutrition forParkinson's.
I hope that the insights andpractical steps that we've
explored today have empoweredyou to think a little bit
differently about your diet andits potential impact on your
(37:30):
well-being.
Now remember, your journey withParkinson's is unique, as your
nutritional needs should be too.
It's about listening to yourbody, reviewing your diet with
your healthcare team and makinginformed decisions based on the
latest research and yourindividual needs and preferences
.
Now, if you're looking for moreresources to support you on
(37:53):
your Parkinson's journey, Iencourage you to visit
liveparkinsonscom.
There, you'll find a wealth ofvaluable resources and articles
to help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
I encourage you to visitliveparkinsonscom.
There you'll find a wealth ofvaluable resources and articles
to help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
And don't forget to subscribeto the free monthly newsletter
to stay up to date on the latestresearch and practical tips and
inspiring stories.
Now my mission is to empowerindividuals with Parkinson's to
(38:15):
lead a great quality of life.
So if you find value in today'sepisode and appreciate the work
I'm doing, please considersupporting the mission and
podcast by visiting my Kofi pageat Koficom slash live
Parkinson's.
Your contribution helps mecontinue to create valuable
content and to reach more peoplewho can benefit from the
(38:37):
information.
Thank you for joining me today.
Remember to stay healthy, staystrong and live your best life
with Parkinson's.
Thanks again for listening.
I really appreciate it.
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