Diet

A detailed dietary guide written for patients written by the APDA (American Parkinon's Disease Association) is available from their Web site.

Is there a special diet for PD patients?

Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is important for general well-being, and in this respect it can help a person with PD maintain his or her optimum level of health. While there are no specific nutritional guidelines for PD patients, three dietary components - fiber, calcium/vitamin D, and protein - deserve special attention in Parkinson's disease.

Fiber

Constipation is a common occurrence in PD, especially later in the disease course. In addition to being uncomfortable, constipation can interfere with uptake of drugs such as levodopa. Eating a diet high in fiber and fluids reduces constipation.

Calcium/Vitamin D

Lack of vitamin D prevents calcium absorption, which can lead to brittle bones and an increased risk for fractures. This condition is especially dangerous in PD, where falling is more common because of gait and balance impairment. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D help prevent loss of bone density.

Low Protein diet

Most patients with Parkinson's need to eat a balanced diet with adequate calories low in fat and cholesterol. However, for patients with significant motor fluctuations, a diet low in protein, especially during the day, may help to minimize motor fluctuations by maximizing Levodopa absorption. Levodopa competes with amino acids for transport into the brain and high protein foods interfere with this transport

A low protein diet should not be used by all or even most patients with Parkinson's; only those with significant motor fluctuations, usually on advice of their Neurologist, with assistance of a dietition.

High protein foods

• Meats
• Cheese
• Eggs
• Soybeans
• Peanut butter
• Fish
• Poultry

Moderate protein food

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Ice cream

Low protein foods

• Breads bagels
• Cereals
• Flour
• Most pasta
• Cookies
• Rice
• Most vegetables

Protein free (or nearly) foods

• Fruits
• Fruit juices
• Butter
• Margarine
• Vegetable oils
• Mayonnaise
• Candy
• Honey
• Jellies
• Sherbet
• Sugar