April 25, 2025 • 24 mins
Do you find yourself experiencing increased sugar cravings since your Parkinson's diagnosis? You're not alone. This week on the Live Parkinson's - Live an Exceptional Life podcast, we delve into the often-overlooked challenge of sugar cravings in the Parkinson's community. We explore the potential reasons behind these cravings, from neurochemical changes and medication side effects to alterations in taste and smell. More importantly, we provide practical, evidence-based strategies and delicious, healthy alternatives to help you manage these urges and maintain a balanced diet.
In this episode, you'll learn about:
- The potential links between Parkinson's disease and increased sugar cravings. Understand the underlying factors that might be driving your sweet tooth.
- Why high sugar intake can be a concern for individuals with Parkinson's. Learn about the impact on energy levels, weight management, inflammation, and overall well-being.
- A wide range of healthy and satisfying alternatives to sugary snacks and drinks. Discover delicious ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health.
Ready to take control of your sugar cravings and live an even more exceptional life with Parkinson's?
- Visit LiveParkinsons.com for more resources, articles, and past episodes.
- Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter for the latest Parkinson's news, tips, and community updates.
- Support the podcast & website! Get your copies of the Building Your Parkinson's Care Team Resource Guide and Workbook for just $10 and empower your care journey. Purchase on Liveparkinsons.com
- Love the show? You can also support Live Parkinson's by visiting my Ko-fi page: ko-fi.com/liveparkinsons. Every contribution helps us continue to bring you valuable content.
#ParkinsonsDisease #ParkinsonsNutrition #SugarCravings #HealthyEatingForParkinsons #DietForParkinsons #LivingWithParkinsons #ParkinsonsManagement #NeurodegenerativeDisease #Wellness #HealthyAlternatives #LiveParkinsons
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 (00:11):
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore
real-life strategies, storiesand science to help you live
your best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kusnabater and I'vebeen walking the Parkinson's
journey for 15 years.
Today's topic hits close tohome for so many of us Sugar
cravings.
(00:31):
Have you ever found yourselfreaching for something sweet
more often than you used to?
Yep, I'm at the front of thisline.
Maybe it started after yourdiagnosis as your medication
routine changed.
You're not alone and no, you'renot imagining it.
Sugar cravings can be asurprising and sometimes
(00:51):
frustrating challenge for peopleliving with Parkinson's.
In this episode, we'll uncoverwhy these cravings may be
happening and, more importantly,what you can do about them.
So, from practical alternativesto mindset shifts and meal
planning, we've got you covered.
So let's dive in and get thesweet truth behind those sugar
urges.
Let me ask you a question Doyou notice that you suddenly or
(01:15):
gradually notice that, for thatmatter, that you want something
sweet all the time?
Do you want to eat candy ordesserts, or maybe even sugary
drinks, more than you used to?
I know one of the problems Ihave is when there's ice cream,
cookies, pie or candy around.
I say to myself Chris, you'renot going to eat them and you
(01:36):
don't need them.
You're not hungry, but thennext thing, you know, I ate
three scoops of ice cream orfive or six cookies.
I do have to admit that icecream is my kryptonite.
I'm drawn to it like a moth tothe flame.
Now that'd be fine, but mycraving for sugar has led to a
10-pound weight gain, which Ididn't need.
(01:57):
So what causes these cravingsin Parkinson's?
In this episode, we'll start offwith understanding the why we
may experience sugar cravingswith Parkinson's, and we'll
examine brain changes,medication side effects, changes
in taste or smell, stress andemotional eating and fluctuating
energy levels.
Then we'll dive into why toomuch sugar is a problem and what
(02:22):
it can do to our bodies.
Then we'll explore healthystrategies for managing sugar
cravings and then we'll close itout with where you can get
support to help you manage yoursugar cravings.
All right, let's look atunderstanding the why.
So why the sweet tooth?
Well, it turns out there areseveral possible reasons, and
many of them are backed byresearch.
(02:42):
Let's look at the science andbreak it down into clear, simple
terms because, after all, I ama simple person and then I can
see how it connects to everydaylife with Parkinson's, and let's
start with neurochemicalchanges.
And leading us off is dopamineand reward pathways.
Now, one of the hallmarkfeatures of Parkinson's is the
(03:04):
gradual loss of dopaminergicneurons in the brain, meaning
the loss of neurons that producedopamine.
Dopamine is theneurotransmitter that regulates
our movement, but it also playsa critical role in the brain's
reward system, the part of thebrain that lights up when we eat
something pleasurable likesugar.
In the article Sugar andParkinson's Seven Facts to Know
(03:26):
by my Parkinson's Team, theauthor notes that recently they
found that people withParkinson's disease report
changed eating habits andintense cravings for sweets.
Other studies have shown thatpeople with Parkinson's disease
have a strong preference forsweet foods, such as cakes,
chocolates and ice cream.
According to the researchers,this Parkinson's-related
(03:48):
preference may include more thansimple cravings.
The body may need sugar.
Simple sugars are carbohydratesthat break down quickly.
These studies also show thatpeople with Parkinson's disease
eat more simple sugars than dopeople who don't have
Parkinson's eat more simplesugars than do people who don't
have Parkinson's.
(04:10):
Also, research suggests thatParkinson's patients,
particularly those undergoingdopamine replacement therapy,
may experience impulse controldisorders, including binge
eating.
Additionally, dopamine agonistshave been associated with
impulse control disorders.
The connection between dopamineagonist and impulse control
issues suggests that foodcravings, particularly for
sweets, could be part of thispattern.
(04:30):
So, according to the Sugar andParkinson's 7 Facts article you
need to know, eating sugaryfoods triggers your brain to
release dopamine.
This may explain why peoplewith Parkinson's disease crave
sugary foods to boost dopaminelevels and feel better.
So the cravings for sugararen't just in your head, it's a
biological response in thebrain to help release more
(04:54):
dopamine.
Now another potential reason ismedication side effects.
As I just mentioned, dopamineagonists like paramopexol and
ropinerol have been linked toimpulse control disorders,
including compulsive eating,gambling and shopping.
In a study Impulse ControlDisorders in Parkinson's
(05:15):
published in the AmericanMedical Association Neurology
Journal, the researchers foundthat impulse control disorders
were identified in 13.6% ofpatients, gambling was 5%,
compulsive sexual behavior 3.5%,impulsive buying in 5.7% and
(05:36):
binge eating disorders in 4.3%,and 3.9% had two or more impulse
control disorders and 3.9% hadtwo or more impulse control
disorders.
The study found that dopamineagonist treatment in PD is
associated with two to three anda half fold increase in the
odds of having an impulsecontrol disorder.
So if you've been taking adopamine agonist, it doesn't
(05:57):
mean you should stop taking yourmedication, but it does mean
you and your doctor can worktogether to adjust your
medication regimen if foodcravings become overwhelming.
Now, another factor for why suchthe sweet tooth is changes in
taste and smell.
Now, people with Parkinson'soften experience hyposomia, or
(06:19):
reduced smell, and dysgeusiaaltered taste.
When your ability to taste orsmell foods diminishes, you
might gravitate towards sweeter,more intense flavors to get the
same level of satisfaction.
In fact, studies suggest thatup to 90% of people with
Parkinson's experience some formof smell loss, often years
(06:41):
before symptoms begin.
Anosmia, which is the completeloss of smell, and hyposomia can
significantly impact food andappetite and impact our food
preferences.
Interestingly, I lost my senseof smell and I often get asked
by friends how I can taste food,since sense of smell is so
(07:03):
involved in taste.
I say it's just one of themiracles of nature, I guess
because I really didn't know.
But since smell does play acrucial role in how we perceive
flavors, people with Parkinson'smay find food taste dull as a
result and they might cravestronger flavors, such as sweet,
(07:24):
intensely flavored foods, tohelp compensate for the
diminished taste of smell.
Another factor is stress andemotional eating.
Let's not forget the emotionaltoll of living with a chronic
condition like Parkinson's andwhat that can have on our daily
lives.
Constantly dealing with motorand non-motor symptoms can be
stressful.
(07:45):
It's natural to turn to comfortfoods, especially those loaded
with sugar, when you're dealingwith anxiety, stress or my, in
my case, just plain boredom.
I often found myself searchingfor something to eat when I was
bored or stressed.
So I started using a foodjournal because the emotional
eating was having a negativeimpact on my weight.
(08:06):
One of the reasons weemotionally eat is sugar can
give a temporary dopamine hit,making it a quick emotional fix,
but the effect is short-livedand can lead to crashes in both
our energy and mood.
Now, moving on to our finalpiece in the sweet tooth chase
is fluctuating energy levels.
(08:26):
Fatigue is a very commonsymptom in Parkinson's and sugar
can act like a quick energy fix.
The problem is it causes aspike in blood glucose, followed
by a sharp crash, which canactually worsen fatigue and
trigger even more cravings, andthat becomes a vicious cycle.
Fatigue and trigger even morecravings, and that becomes a
(08:48):
vicious cycle.
So, if possible, try to avoidsugary foods that spike your
blood sugar and opt for whole,naturally sweet foods like fruit
, berries, watermelon and evensome vegetables are naturally
sweet, like carrots, sweetpotatoes, so give them a try
when searching for somethingsweet.
So, as you can see, sugarcravings and Parkinson's aren't
just about willpower.
They're a real multifacetedissue driven by brain chemistry,
(09:12):
medications, sensory changesand emotional health.
And understanding it is thefirst step in helping us manage
our sugar intake.
Now, in this next segment, we'lltake a closer look at why too
much sugar can be a problem,especially for those of us
living with Parkinson's, andthen we'll explore healthy
alternatives and practicalstrategies that actually work.
(09:34):
Hey, if you're finding value intoday's episode and you're
wanting to build a strongersupport system for yourself or a
loved one living withParkinson's, I've got something
special for you Check out theBuilding your Parkinson's Care
Team Resource Guide and Workbook.
(09:55):
It's a powerful, easy-to-usetool designed to help you create
the right team from medicalprofessionals to community
support to live your best lifewith Parkinson's, from medical
professionals to communitysupport to live your best life
with Parkinson's.
And right now you can get acopy at liveparkinsonscom or my
Ko-fi page ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons for just $10,
(10:20):
which helps cover the cost ofthe guide and the research.
And if this podcast has helpedyou in any way, big or small and
you'd like to support the showin the work I do on
liveparkinsonscom, considerbuying a virtual cup of coffee.
Just head over to ko-ficomslash liveparkinsons.
Every contribution goesdirectly towards keeping the
podcast website and all ourresources going strong.
Thanks for listening and beingpart of this amazing community.
(10:43):
Now let's get back to theepisode.
Okay, now that we understandwhy sugar cravings happen in
Parkinson's, let's talk aboutthe impact of too much sugar on
your health, especially whenyou're dealing with challenges
of Parkinson's.
And leading it off is increasedinflammation and oxidative
(11:09):
stress.
There's a growing body ofevidence that chronic
inflammation and oxidativestress play a role in the
progression of Parkinson'sdisease.
Unfortunately, a diet high inrefined sugars can worsen both.
Excess sugar leads to spikes inblood glucose, which triggers
the production ofpro-inflammatory cytokines,
(11:30):
which are chemical messengersthat worsen inflammation in the
body.
Now chronic inflammation cancontribute to neurodegeneration,
worsening our Parkinson'ssymptoms like tremors, stiffness
and cognitive decline.
High sugar intake alsoincreases the production of free
radicals, which are unstablemolecules that damage our cells.
(11:53):
Now in Parkinson's, the brainalready struggles with oxidative
stress, as the dopaminergicneurons and again that's the
cells that produce dopamine areparticularly vulnerable to this
damage.
So more sugar means moreoxidative stress, accelerating
the loss of these neurons.
So while that candy bar mighttaste good now, it could be
(12:17):
subtly making things harder foryour brain in the long term.
Now, another big impact thatsugar has on our bodies is
causing blood sugar swings andenergy crashes.
We often turn to sugary foodsfor a quick boost.
Maybe we feel tired in theafternoon and decide to eat some
cookies or a candy bar for asnack.
(12:37):
Yes, those cookies or candy barmake us feel good.
It may perk us up for a littlewhile, but that sugar high is
almost always followed by acrash, leaving you only feeling
more hungry and often morefatigued and irritable.
This is especially tough forthose of us living with
Parkinson's, because we mayalready be battling with low
(12:58):
energy, fatigue and sleep issues.
One moment you're energizedafter eating a package of
Reese's peanut butter cups andthe next minute you're dragging
and don't feel like getting offthe couch.
It's not just physical.
Those spikes and crashes affectyour mood and can worsen
symptoms like brain fog, which Iseem to experience quite often,
(13:21):
tremors and even affect ourbalance.
So before you decide to eatthat king-size snicker bar to
feel better, stop and askyourself do I really feel great
a couple hours after eating thecandy bar.
Sugar can also have a big impacton our cognitive function and
mood.
High-sugar diets have beenlinked to depression and
(13:44):
cognitive decline.
Mood High sugar diets have beenlinked to depression and
cognitive decline.
A study published in BMCPsychiatry found that increased
dietary sugar intake wasassociated with a higher
prevalence of depression in USadults.
Another study from theUniversity of Sydney linked high
fat, high sugar diets toimpaired cognitive function,
particularly affecting spatialnavigation and memory formation.
(14:07):
And excessive sugar consumptionhas been connected to
neuroinflammation, which plays arole in neurological disorders
like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Now, I wanted to highlight thisbecause emotional and mental
well-being are just as importantas physical health and
Parkinson's care.
(14:28):
Now the next impact sugar canhave on your body is weight gain
and diabetes risk.
Now I'm at the front of theline here.
I've always struggled with myweight, and a lot of times, to
be honest with you, it's becauseof what I'm eating.
While I exercise every day,it's hard to overcome a poor
diet, so when I'm eating cookies, candy and ice cream, the
(14:50):
weight starts to pile on andthen I don't feel good about
myself.
So it's no secret that excesssugar can lead to weight gain,
and some of the Parkinson'smedications may already affect
your metabolism or your appetite.
Now, gaining too much weightcan affect your mobility, cause
(15:10):
joint pain and affect yourcardiovascular health.
All of these are important inmanaging our Parkinson's.
Now I know when I gain weight,my feet and ankles hurt, I'm
stiff and I don't feel likemoving too much.
Plus, the more weight you gain,the higher your risk for type 2
diabetes, which only comes withits own issues, but can also
(15:31):
complicate symptoms.
Both complicate symptommanagement and increase
medication sensitivity.
Okay, so, sugar has itsdownsides, but what can we do
about it Now?
I've always been a person whodoesn't like to talk about
problems, but I like to seeksolutions.
So let's do that and talk aboutsolutions.
In this next section, I'llshare some simple, satisfying
(15:54):
and realistic strategies toreduce sugar without feeling
like you're missing out onthings.
All right, let's give you sometools to fight back without
losing the joy that comes witheating and enjoying flavorful
foods, and let's lead it offwith choosing natural sweeteners
.
So, instead of grabbing acookie, a sugary soda or a candy
(16:15):
bar, reach for some naturallysweet foods like berries,
bananas, apples, watermelon orsome people, if you like dates
as well, they're very sweet.
Now, a nice thing about thesefoods is they give your body
fiber, antioxidants andslow-releasing energies.
That helps you avoid thosenasty blood sugar crashes.
(16:36):
So try a bowl of Greek yogurtwith blueberries and maybe a
drizzle of honey.
It's delicious, nutritious,creamy and way better for you
than a sugary dessert.
Next up is to include proteinand healthy fats in every meal.
Now, this one's huge Proteinand fat help to stabilize your
(16:56):
blood sugar, which means youhave fewer cravings.
Now, if you find you need asnack, here's a few ideas.
Have a handful of walnuts,almonds or pecans.
Try some peanut butter on wholewheat toast.
Have some hummus with carrotsand celery.
Eat some hard-boiled eggs andtry guacamole with some
(17:21):
vegetables.
Start your meal with a leansource of protein, like chicken,
fish, turkey, lean beef, pork,tofu and beans.
In addition, add healthy fatslike avocado, olive oil or nuts.
Tip number three on our list iswatch for hidden sugars.
(17:43):
Sometimes sugars can sneak inwhere you least expect them.
Products like salad dressing,ketchup, barbecue sauces,
flavored yogurts especially theones with fruit on the bottom
Even healthy granola bars, powerbars and protein bars can often
be loaded with sugar.
So how do we know if a producthas hidden sugars.
(18:05):
Well, the best way is to readlabels and look for words like
sucrose, fructose, corn syrup,dextrose and cane juice.
High fructose corn syrup isespecially bad.
Now, one of the ways toidentify sugars is if you look
at the word and it ends in O-S-E.
(18:26):
So, for instance, sucrosefructose, they'll end in O-S-E.
So be careful.
Even things labeled as naturalcan be loaded with sugar.
So, when possible, choose whole, simple foods like fruits and
vegetables and whole grainoptions.
(18:47):
Coming in at tip number four onour list is stay hydrated.
Thirst can often disguiseitself as hunger or cravings.
Try drinking a glass of wateror herbal tea before reaching
for a snack.
You can add lemon, limes,oranges, cucumbers or mint to
your water to give it the flavorand make it more satisfying.
Coming in at number five on thelist is address emotional
(19:11):
triggers.
Now let me ask you a questionhave you ever eaten because you
were bored, sad or frustrated?
I know I have, and it's easy togive in to eating foods that
don't always help us or oursymptoms in the long term, and
they may have a detrimentalimpact on our motor and
non-motor symptoms, especiallysugar treats that we all love to
(19:34):
eat, especially when we're sadbecause they make us feel good.
So these are emotional triggersand we want to be aware so that
we don't eat sugary foodsmindlessly.
Now here's some tips to try asnon-food coping tools.
Take a short walk Journal forfive minutes.
Take a short walk Journal forfive minutes.
(20:10):
Listen to a song and move toyour favorite music.
Call a friend, just like on theshow who Wants to Be a
Millionaire.
Think of your friend as yourlifeline.
That's going to help you fromovere techniques.
For example, breathe in slowlyfor a count of four, hold for a
count of four and then slowlyexhale for a count of four.
Believe it or not, even two tothree minutes of mindfulness can
help you break the craving loop.
Also, instead of looking forsomething to eat, pour a big
(20:31):
glass of water with some lemonor cucumber and have some herbal
tea.
They can help satisfy andaddress the triggers and, best
of all, keep you hydrated.
Number six on our list is planfor treats.
Don't ban them Now.
I always like to say there's nosuch thing as a bad food, but
(20:51):
it's important how much youconsume and how often, because,
let's be real, life shouldinclude pleasure and that means
sometimes a treat's okay.
Think about it.
When you tell yourself, orsomeone tells you, that you
can't have certain foods or youcan't do certain things, what's
the first thing you think of?
Yep, it's usually the food theytell you that you can't have,
(21:17):
or you tell yourself you can'thave.
So it's okay to indulge and eata piece of birthday cake,
having dessert on youranniversary, eating cookies at
the holiday.
The key is intentionalindulgence, not impulsive eating
.
So plan out your dessert, maybehave a small treat after dinner
a few times a week.
(21:37):
As an example, eat a smallsquare of dark chocolate as a
treat.
You get the satisfaction ofhaving a snack that can also
provide some health benefits,like antioxidants.
Enjoy your treat by eating itslowly and then also be
guilt-free.
If you plan it out, then don'tfeel guilty about it.
(21:58):
Finally, number seven getsupport.
Talk with your doctor,dietician or Parkinson's support
group.
They can help you stay on trackand adjust your medications if
they're contributing to yourcravings.
And hey, remember, you're notalone.
Just by listening today, you'retaking a step toward regaining
(22:19):
control and helping to protectyour health.
Now there are several supportgroups and resources available
to help you manage your sugarintake and promote healthy
eating.
The Diabetes Foundation offersfree support groups led by
caring guides, whereparticipants can share
experiences and insights onmanaging diabetes if you have
(22:40):
diabetes but also nutritionGoodRx Diabetes Support Groups.
These groups provide emotionalsupport, meal planning tips and
strategies for managing sugar.
They include therapy groups,peer support networks and
educational sessions.
And then you have the PennState Health Support Groups.
(23:02):
They host weight managementclasses offering advice on
healthy eating and lifestylechanges.
So to recap and close out onthis podcast, it's important to
realize sugar cravings andParkinson's are real, common and
deeply rooted in the brain andbody.
But with the right strategies,like eating smart, staying
(23:23):
hydrated and practicingmindfulness, you can regain
balance and feel your best.
So thanks for joining me todayon Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life.
And if you found this episodehelpful, share it with someone
who needs to hear it.
And don't forget to check outthe website liveparkinsonscom
(23:45):
and subscribe to the freemonthly newsletter and get other
free resources and read some ofthe articles on there that can
help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
And if you'd like to support thepodcast, you can visit my Ko-fi
page ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons.
I'll leave a link in theepisode description.
Until next time, stay healthy,stay strong, stay curious and
(24:09):
remember to live your best lifewith Parkinson's, because you
can decide to live positively.
Parkinson's may be a part ofyour life, but it doesn't have
to define it.
You can do it, you just have tobelieve.
Thank you, and I hope to seeyou on future podcasts.
Hello and welcome to Live Parkinson's.
Live an Exceptional Life thepodcast where we explore
real-life strategies, storiesand science to help you live
your best life with Parkinson's.
I'm Chris Kusnabater and I'vebeen walking the Parkinson's
journey for 15 years.
Today's topic hits close tohome for so many of us Sugar
cravings.
(00:31):
Have you ever found yourselfreaching for something sweet
more often than you used to?
Yep, I'm at the front of thisline.
Maybe it started after yourdiagnosis as your medication
routine changed.
You're not alone and no, you'renot imagining it.
Sugar cravings can be asurprising and sometimes
(00:51):
frustrating challenge for peopleliving with Parkinson's.
In this episode, we'll uncoverwhy these cravings may be
happening and, more importantly,what you can do about them.
So, from practical alternativesto mindset shifts and meal
planning, we've got you covered.
So let's dive in and get thesweet truth behind those sugar
urges.
Let me ask you a question Doyou notice that you suddenly or
(01:15):
gradually notice that, for thatmatter, that you want something
sweet all the time?
Do you want to eat candy ordesserts, or maybe even sugary
drinks, more than you used to?
I know one of the problems Ihave is when there's ice cream,
cookies, pie or candy around.
I say to myself Chris, you'renot going to eat them and you
(01:36):
don't need them.
You're not hungry, but thennext thing, you know, I ate
three scoops of ice cream orfive or six cookies.
I do have to admit that icecream is my kryptonite.
I'm drawn to it like a moth tothe flame.
Now that'd be fine, but mycraving for sugar has led to a
10-pound weight gain, which Ididn't need.
(01:57):
So what causes these cravingsin Parkinson's?
In this episode, we'll start offwith understanding the why we
may experience sugar cravingswith Parkinson's, and we'll
examine brain changes,medication side effects, changes
in taste or smell, stress andemotional eating and fluctuating
energy levels.
Then we'll dive into why toomuch sugar is a problem and what
(02:22):
it can do to our bodies.
Then we'll explore healthystrategies for managing sugar
cravings and then we'll close itout with where you can get
support to help you manage yoursugar cravings.
All right, let's look atunderstanding the why.
So why the sweet tooth?
Well, it turns out there areseveral possible reasons, and
many of them are backed byresearch.
(02:42):
Let's look at the science andbreak it down into clear, simple
terms because, after all, I ama simple person and then I can
see how it connects to everydaylife with Parkinson's, and let's
start with neurochemicalchanges.
And leading us off is dopamineand reward pathways.
Now, one of the hallmarkfeatures of Parkinson's is the
(03:04):
gradual loss of dopaminergicneurons in the brain, meaning
the loss of neurons that producedopamine.
Dopamine is theneurotransmitter that regulates
our movement, but it also playsa critical role in the brain's
reward system, the part of thebrain that lights up when we eat
something pleasurable likesugar.
In the article Sugar andParkinson's Seven Facts to Know
(03:26):
by my Parkinson's Team, theauthor notes that recently they
found that people withParkinson's disease report
changed eating habits andintense cravings for sweets.
Other studies have shown thatpeople with Parkinson's disease
have a strong preference forsweet foods, such as cakes,
chocolates and ice cream.
According to the researchers,this Parkinson's-related
(03:48):
preference may include more thansimple cravings.
The body may need sugar.
Simple sugars are carbohydratesthat break down quickly.
These studies also show thatpeople with Parkinson's disease
eat more simple sugars than dopeople who don't have
Parkinson's eat more simplesugars than do people who don't
have Parkinson's.
(04:10):
Also, research suggests thatParkinson's patients,
particularly those undergoingdopamine replacement therapy,
may experience impulse controldisorders, including binge
eating.
Additionally, dopamine agonistshave been associated with
impulse control disorders.
The connection between dopamineagonist and impulse control
issues suggests that foodcravings, particularly for
sweets, could be part of thispattern.
(04:30):
So, according to the Sugar andParkinson's 7 Facts article you
need to know, eating sugaryfoods triggers your brain to
release dopamine.
This may explain why peoplewith Parkinson's disease crave
sugary foods to boost dopaminelevels and feel better.
So the cravings for sugararen't just in your head, it's a
biological response in thebrain to help release more
(04:54):
dopamine.
Now another potential reason ismedication side effects.
As I just mentioned, dopamineagonists like paramopexol and
ropinerol have been linked toimpulse control disorders,
including compulsive eating,gambling and shopping.
In a study Impulse ControlDisorders in Parkinson's
(05:15):
published in the AmericanMedical Association Neurology
Journal, the researchers foundthat impulse control disorders
were identified in 13.6% ofpatients, gambling was 5%,
compulsive sexual behavior 3.5%,impulsive buying in 5.7% and
(05:36):
binge eating disorders in 4.3%,and 3.9% had two or more impulse
control disorders and 3.9% hadtwo or more impulse control
disorders.
The study found that dopamineagonist treatment in PD is
associated with two to three anda half fold increase in the
odds of having an impulsecontrol disorder.
So if you've been taking adopamine agonist, it doesn't
(05:57):
mean you should stop taking yourmedication, but it does mean
you and your doctor can worktogether to adjust your
medication regimen if foodcravings become overwhelming.
Now, another factor for why suchthe sweet tooth is changes in
taste and smell.
Now, people with Parkinson'soften experience hyposomia, or
(06:19):
reduced smell, and dysgeusiaaltered taste.
When your ability to taste orsmell foods diminishes, you
might gravitate towards sweeter,more intense flavors to get the
same level of satisfaction.
In fact, studies suggest thatup to 90% of people with
Parkinson's experience some formof smell loss, often years
(06:41):
before symptoms begin.
Anosmia, which is the completeloss of smell, and hyposomia can
significantly impact food andappetite and impact our food
preferences.
Interestingly, I lost my senseof smell and I often get asked
by friends how I can taste food,since sense of smell is so
(07:03):
involved in taste.
I say it's just one of themiracles of nature, I guess
because I really didn't know.
But since smell does play acrucial role in how we perceive
flavors, people with Parkinson'smay find food taste dull as a
result and they might cravestronger flavors, such as sweet,
(07:24):
intensely flavored foods, tohelp compensate for the
diminished taste of smell.
Another factor is stress andemotional eating.
Let's not forget the emotionaltoll of living with a chronic
condition like Parkinson's andwhat that can have on our daily
lives.
Constantly dealing with motorand non-motor symptoms can be
stressful.
(07:45):
It's natural to turn to comfortfoods, especially those loaded
with sugar, when you're dealingwith anxiety, stress or my, in
my case, just plain boredom.
I often found myself searchingfor something to eat when I was
bored or stressed.
So I started using a foodjournal because the emotional
eating was having a negativeimpact on my weight.
(08:06):
One of the reasons weemotionally eat is sugar can
give a temporary dopamine hit,making it a quick emotional fix,
but the effect is short-livedand can lead to crashes in both
our energy and mood.
Now, moving on to our finalpiece in the sweet tooth chase
is fluctuating energy levels.
(08:26):
Fatigue is a very commonsymptom in Parkinson's and sugar
can act like a quick energy fix.
The problem is it causes aspike in blood glucose, followed
by a sharp crash, which canactually worsen fatigue and
trigger even more cravings, andthat becomes a vicious cycle.
Fatigue and trigger even morecravings, and that becomes a
(08:48):
vicious cycle.
So, if possible, try to avoidsugary foods that spike your
blood sugar and opt for whole,naturally sweet foods like fruit
, berries, watermelon and evensome vegetables are naturally
sweet, like carrots, sweetpotatoes, so give them a try
when searching for somethingsweet.
So, as you can see, sugarcravings and Parkinson's aren't
just about willpower.
They're a real multifacetedissue driven by brain chemistry,
(09:12):
medications, sensory changesand emotional health.
And understanding it is thefirst step in helping us manage
our sugar intake.
Now, in this next segment, we'lltake a closer look at why too
much sugar can be a problem,especially for those of us
living with Parkinson's, andthen we'll explore healthy
alternatives and practicalstrategies that actually work.
(09:34):
Hey, if you're finding value intoday's episode and you're
wanting to build a strongersupport system for yourself or a
loved one living withParkinson's, I've got something
special for you Check out theBuilding your Parkinson's Care
Team Resource Guide and Workbook.
(09:55):
It's a powerful, easy-to-usetool designed to help you create
the right team from medicalprofessionals to community
support to live your best lifewith Parkinson's, from medical
professionals to communitysupport to live your best life
with Parkinson's.
And right now you can get acopy at liveparkinsonscom or my
Ko-fi page ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons for just $10,
(10:20):
which helps cover the cost ofthe guide and the research.
And if this podcast has helpedyou in any way, big or small and
you'd like to support the showin the work I do on
liveparkinsonscom, considerbuying a virtual cup of coffee.
Just head over to ko-ficomslash liveparkinsons.
Every contribution goesdirectly towards keeping the
podcast website and all ourresources going strong.
Thanks for listening and beingpart of this amazing community.
(10:43):
Now let's get back to theepisode.
Okay, now that we understandwhy sugar cravings happen in
Parkinson's, let's talk aboutthe impact of too much sugar on
your health, especially whenyou're dealing with challenges
of Parkinson's.
And leading it off is increasedinflammation and oxidative
(11:09):
stress.
There's a growing body ofevidence that chronic
inflammation and oxidativestress play a role in the
progression of Parkinson'sdisease.
Unfortunately, a diet high inrefined sugars can worsen both.
Excess sugar leads to spikes inblood glucose, which triggers
the production ofpro-inflammatory cytokines,
(11:30):
which are chemical messengersthat worsen inflammation in the
body.
Now chronic inflammation cancontribute to neurodegeneration,
worsening our Parkinson'ssymptoms like tremors, stiffness
and cognitive decline.
High sugar intake alsoincreases the production of free
radicals, which are unstablemolecules that damage our cells.
(11:53):
Now in Parkinson's, the brainalready struggles with oxidative
stress, as the dopaminergicneurons and again that's the
cells that produce dopamine areparticularly vulnerable to this
damage.
So more sugar means moreoxidative stress, accelerating
the loss of these neurons.
So while that candy bar mighttaste good now, it could be
(12:17):
subtly making things harder foryour brain in the long term.
Now, another big impact thatsugar has on our bodies is
causing blood sugar swings andenergy crashes.
We often turn to sugary foodsfor a quick boost.
Maybe we feel tired in theafternoon and decide to eat some
cookies or a candy bar for asnack.
(12:37):
Yes, those cookies or candy barmake us feel good.
It may perk us up for a littlewhile, but that sugar high is
almost always followed by acrash, leaving you only feeling
more hungry and often morefatigued and irritable.
This is especially tough forthose of us living with
Parkinson's, because we mayalready be battling with low
(12:58):
energy, fatigue and sleep issues.
One moment you're energizedafter eating a package of
Reese's peanut butter cups andthe next minute you're dragging
and don't feel like getting offthe couch.
It's not just physical.
Those spikes and crashes affectyour mood and can worsen
symptoms like brain fog, which Iseem to experience quite often,
(13:21):
tremors and even affect ourbalance.
So before you decide to eatthat king-size snicker bar to
feel better, stop and askyourself do I really feel great
a couple hours after eating thecandy bar.
Sugar can also have a big impacton our cognitive function and
mood.
High-sugar diets have beenlinked to depression and
(13:44):
cognitive decline.
Mood High sugar diets have beenlinked to depression and
cognitive decline.
A study published in BMCPsychiatry found that increased
dietary sugar intake wasassociated with a higher
prevalence of depression in USadults.
Another study from theUniversity of Sydney linked high
fat, high sugar diets toimpaired cognitive function,
particularly affecting spatialnavigation and memory formation.
(14:07):
And excessive sugar consumptionhas been connected to
neuroinflammation, which plays arole in neurological disorders
like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Now, I wanted to highlight thisbecause emotional and mental
well-being are just as importantas physical health and
Parkinson's care.
(14:28):
Now the next impact sugar canhave on your body is weight gain
and diabetes risk.
Now I'm at the front of theline here.
I've always struggled with myweight, and a lot of times, to
be honest with you, it's becauseof what I'm eating.
While I exercise every day,it's hard to overcome a poor
diet, so when I'm eating cookies, candy and ice cream, the
(14:50):
weight starts to pile on andthen I don't feel good about
myself.
So it's no secret that excesssugar can lead to weight gain,
and some of the Parkinson'smedications may already affect
your metabolism or your appetite.
Now, gaining too much weightcan affect your mobility, cause
(15:10):
joint pain and affect yourcardiovascular health.
All of these are important inmanaging our Parkinson's.
Now I know when I gain weight,my feet and ankles hurt, I'm
stiff and I don't feel likemoving too much.
Plus, the more weight you gain,the higher your risk for type 2
diabetes, which only comes withits own issues, but can also
(15:31):
complicate symptoms.
Both complicate symptommanagement and increase
medication sensitivity.
Okay, so, sugar has itsdownsides, but what can we do
about it Now?
I've always been a person whodoesn't like to talk about
problems, but I like to seeksolutions.
So let's do that and talk aboutsolutions.
In this next section, I'llshare some simple, satisfying
(15:54):
and realistic strategies toreduce sugar without feeling
like you're missing out onthings.
All right, let's give you sometools to fight back without
losing the joy that comes witheating and enjoying flavorful
foods, and let's lead it offwith choosing natural sweeteners
.
So, instead of grabbing acookie, a sugary soda or a candy
(16:15):
bar, reach for some naturallysweet foods like berries,
bananas, apples, watermelon orsome people, if you like dates
as well, they're very sweet.
Now, a nice thing about thesefoods is they give your body
fiber, antioxidants andslow-releasing energies.
That helps you avoid thosenasty blood sugar crashes.
(16:36):
So try a bowl of Greek yogurtwith blueberries and maybe a
drizzle of honey.
It's delicious, nutritious,creamy and way better for you
than a sugary dessert.
Next up is to include proteinand healthy fats in every meal.
Now, this one's huge Proteinand fat help to stabilize your
(16:56):
blood sugar, which means youhave fewer cravings.
Now, if you find you need asnack, here's a few ideas.
Have a handful of walnuts,almonds or pecans.
Try some peanut butter on wholewheat toast.
Have some hummus with carrotsand celery.
Eat some hard-boiled eggs andtry guacamole with some
(17:21):
vegetables.
Start your meal with a leansource of protein, like chicken,
fish, turkey, lean beef, pork,tofu and beans.
In addition, add healthy fatslike avocado, olive oil or nuts.
Tip number three on our list iswatch for hidden sugars.
(17:43):
Sometimes sugars can sneak inwhere you least expect them.
Products like salad dressing,ketchup, barbecue sauces,
flavored yogurts especially theones with fruit on the bottom
Even healthy granola bars, powerbars and protein bars can often
be loaded with sugar.
So how do we know if a producthas hidden sugars.
(18:05):
Well, the best way is to readlabels and look for words like
sucrose, fructose, corn syrup,dextrose and cane juice.
High fructose corn syrup isespecially bad.
Now, one of the ways toidentify sugars is if you look
at the word and it ends in O-S-E.
(18:26):
So, for instance, sucrosefructose, they'll end in O-S-E.
So be careful.
Even things labeled as naturalcan be loaded with sugar.
So, when possible, choose whole, simple foods like fruits and
vegetables and whole grainoptions.
(18:47):
Coming in at tip number four onour list is stay hydrated.
Thirst can often disguiseitself as hunger or cravings.
Try drinking a glass of wateror herbal tea before reaching
for a snack.
You can add lemon, limes,oranges, cucumbers or mint to
your water to give it the flavorand make it more satisfying.
Coming in at number five on thelist is address emotional
(19:11):
triggers.
Now let me ask you a questionhave you ever eaten because you
were bored, sad or frustrated?
I know I have, and it's easy togive in to eating foods that
don't always help us or oursymptoms in the long term, and
they may have a detrimentalimpact on our motor and
non-motor symptoms, especiallysugar treats that we all love to
(19:34):
eat, especially when we're sadbecause they make us feel good.
So these are emotional triggersand we want to be aware so that
we don't eat sugary foodsmindlessly.
Now here's some tips to try asnon-food coping tools.
Take a short walk Journal forfive minutes.
Take a short walk Journal forfive minutes.
(20:10):
Listen to a song and move toyour favorite music.
Call a friend, just like on theshow who Wants to Be a
Millionaire.
Think of your friend as yourlifeline.
That's going to help you fromovere techniques.
For example, breathe in slowlyfor a count of four, hold for a
count of four and then slowlyexhale for a count of four.
Believe it or not, even two tothree minutes of mindfulness can
help you break the craving loop.
Also, instead of looking forsomething to eat, pour a big
(20:31):
glass of water with some lemonor cucumber and have some herbal
tea.
They can help satisfy andaddress the triggers and, best
of all, keep you hydrated.
Number six on our list is planfor treats.
Don't ban them Now.
I always like to say there's nosuch thing as a bad food, but
(20:51):
it's important how much youconsume and how often, because,
let's be real, life shouldinclude pleasure and that means
sometimes a treat's okay.
Think about it.
When you tell yourself, orsomeone tells you, that you
can't have certain foods or youcan't do certain things, what's
the first thing you think of?
Yep, it's usually the food theytell you that you can't have,
(21:17):
or you tell yourself you can'thave.
So it's okay to indulge and eata piece of birthday cake,
having dessert on youranniversary, eating cookies at
the holiday.
The key is intentionalindulgence, not impulsive eating
.
So plan out your dessert, maybehave a small treat after dinner
a few times a week.
(21:37):
As an example, eat a smallsquare of dark chocolate as a
treat.
You get the satisfaction ofhaving a snack that can also
provide some health benefits,like antioxidants.
Enjoy your treat by eating itslowly and then also be
guilt-free.
If you plan it out, then don'tfeel guilty about it.
(21:58):
Finally, number seven getsupport.
Talk with your doctor,dietician or Parkinson's support
group.
They can help you stay on trackand adjust your medications if
they're contributing to yourcravings.
And hey, remember, you're notalone.
Just by listening today, you'retaking a step toward regaining
(22:19):
control and helping to protectyour health.
Now there are several supportgroups and resources available
to help you manage your sugarintake and promote healthy
eating.
The Diabetes Foundation offersfree support groups led by
caring guides, whereparticipants can share
experiences and insights onmanaging diabetes if you have
(22:40):
diabetes but also nutritionGoodRx Diabetes Support Groups.
These groups provide emotionalsupport, meal planning tips and
strategies for managing sugar.
They include therapy groups,peer support networks and
educational sessions.
And then you have the PennState Health Support Groups.
(23:02):
They host weight managementclasses offering advice on
healthy eating and lifestylechanges.
So to recap and close out onthis podcast, it's important to
realize sugar cravings andParkinson's are real, common and
deeply rooted in the brain andbody.
But with the right strategies,like eating smart, staying
(23:23):
hydrated and practicingmindfulness, you can regain
balance and feel your best.
So thanks for joining me todayon Live Parkinson's Live an
Exceptional Life.
And if you found this episodehelpful, share it with someone
who needs to hear it.
And don't forget to check outthe website liveparkinsonscom
(23:45):
and subscribe to the freemonthly newsletter and get other
free resources and read some ofthe articles on there that can
help you on your Parkinson'sjourney.
And if you'd like to support thepodcast, you can visit my Ko-fi
page ko-ficom slashliveparkinsons.
I'll leave a link in theepisode description.
Until next time, stay healthy,stay strong, stay curious and
(24:09):
remember to live your best lifewith Parkinson's, because you
can decide to live positively.
Parkinson's may be a part ofyour life, but it doesn't have
to define it.
You can do it, you just have tobelieve.
Thank you, and I hope to seeyou on future podcasts.
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