Eating Tips for Those with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that affects 166,000 people in the UK alone. It’s a result of not having enough dopamine in the brain due to nerve damage, leading to symptoms such as tremors, slow movements and rigidity. However, there are over 40 symptoms of Parkinson’s, so it can impact everyone differently.

Many people living with Parkinson’s report changes in all aspects of their lives, including eating and drinking. Weight changes are a common result of the disease and can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms. Many professionals advise maintaining a steady weight to avoid negative symptoms from getting worse.

Today, we’ll explore why diet matters when living with Parkinson’s, foods to eat and avoid, how to navigate possible challenges and how a carer can help.

Does diet matter when living with Parkinson’s?

Yes, studies have shown that proper nutrition may slow down the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms, and not focusing on your diet can have negative implications.

While there’s no set diet prescribed for people living with Parkinson’s, it’s recommended that you prioritise whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods to nourish your body and improve your overall well-being.

Weight changes are common for Parkinson’s patients, including gain and loss. Symptoms like difficulties swallowing and digesting food can lead to weight loss, an increased fall risk, fractures and cognitive decline.

On the other hand, changes in your mobility and increased appetite may lead to weight gain. Both can negatively impact your quality of life, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight for as long as possible.

Tips to eating well and maintaining health with Parkinson’s

There are several fad diets out there designed for people with Parkinson’s, which will advise you to cut out foods completely or only eat a few chosen meals. However, these aren’t necessary unless they’ve been specifically recommended by your doctor.

Instead, you should eat from all food groups while making conscious, healthy choices. Here are some tips for eating well with Parkinson’s:

• Prioritise fruit, vegetables and whole grains that provide plenty of fibre, vitamins and minerals, along with complex carbohydrates to lower your intake of fat.
• Limit sugar to avoid eating too many ‘empty calories’ without any nutritional benefit.
• Reduce salt and sodium intake to avoid spiking your blood pressure.
• Choose foods that are high in antioxidants, as these are important for overall brain health.
• Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol to lower the risk of heart-related diseases and certain cancers.
• Know the healthy weight for your height and age, and work towards it to lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.
• Make sure you’re drinking alcohol and caffeine in moderation, as these can exacerbate health conditions and provide the body with too many ‘empty calories’.

Beneficial foods for those with Parkinson’s

Planning your diet around Parkinson’s doesn’t have to be restrictive. There are plenty of foods that can help fuel your brain and body, giving you as much energy as possible to tackle your Parkinson’s symptoms head-on. These include:

Protein-rich foods

Protein is essential for the overall health and well-being of our muscles, avoiding weakness and loss of mass. Protein can also help with energy levels and boost your quality of life by boosting feelings of strength and alertness. Foods high in protein include:

• Eggs
• Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and milk
• Beans and legumes
• Chicken
• Tofu
• Nuts and seeds

However, protein can impact the effectiveness of levodopa, a common medication for Parkinson’s. Talk to your doctor about your protein intake to make sure you know how much you should be having, when in relation to your medication times and whether the pros outweigh the cons.

Nutrient-dense foods

A common problem for people with Parkinson’s is malnutrition, especially when they begin experiencing symptoms like tremors and difficulty chewing. Malnutrition can increase the risk of cognitive decline, so opting for nutrient-dense foods can help avoid this.

If your doctor has warned you about nutritional deficiencies, here’s how to increase your intake:

• Iron deficiency: Spinach, tofu and fortified cereals
• Zinc deficiency: Whole grains, oysters, red meat and chicken
• Vitamin B1 deficiency: Pork, beans, lentils and peas
• Calcium deficiency: Dairy products, leafy greens and fortified soy products
• Vitamin D deficiency: Tuna, salmon, cod liver oil and fortified dairy products

Antioxidants

Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, a common by-product of Parkinson’s. Oxidative stress occurs when there is a noticeable difference in the amount of unstable compounds and antioxidants in the body.

Foods full of antioxidants include:

• Nuts, including walnuts, pecans, pistachios and Brazil nuts
• Berries, including goji berries, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries and elderberries
• Dark red and purple vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers and aubergine
• Leafy greens, including spinach and kale

Omega-3 foods

Omega-3 fatty acids are a healthy type of fat that may be able to reduce and slow the progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. You can find these fats in:

• Salmon
• Oysters
• Halibut
• Kidney beans
• Soy beans
• Flaxseeds

Foods to avoid

With that being said, you may want to limit certain foods in your diet if you’re living with Parkinson’s, to improve your quality of life and make the most of mealtimes. Foods to stay away from may include:

Foods high in saturated fats

Healthy fats are essential for the body to continue running efficiently with enough energy. However, saturated fats can cause cholesterol to build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and a stroke. Since Parkinson’s is associated with an increased risk of these conditions, it’s wise to steer clear of unhealthy fats.

Foods high in saturated fat include:

• Beef
• Butter and lard
• Cheese
• Palm oil
• Fried foods

Processed foods

Research has shown a link between too much processed food and the rapid progression of Parkinson’s symptoms. Examples of processed foods include:

• Bread
• Cheese
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Breakfast cereals
• Ready-made meals
• Fried foods
• Fizzy drinks

Tough or chewy foods

Many people with Parkinson’s find it difficult to chew and swallow food as their symptoms progress. Avoiding foods that are tough or chewy can make your eating experience much more enjoyable, with a lower risk of choking.

Navigating eating challenges as a result of Parkinson’s

Symptoms of Parkinson’s might make it difficult to eat, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Weight changes can occur rapidly and cause symptoms to progress just as quickly, so it’s important to find ways to overcome the challenges you’re facing.

Here are some of the most common problems you may experience, and how to navigate them:

Swallowing problems

Swallowing problems are more common as Parkinson’s symptoms progress in later stages. A speech and swallow therapist will be able to evaluate the issue and recommend any changes that need to be made to your diet.

These might include:

• Different consistency foods and drinks
• Cutting food into smaller pieces
• Eating at a slower pace
• Making purees from certain foods

Tremors

Tremors are incredibly common for those living with Parkinson’s, and they can affect daily tasks like eating and drinking. Tremors in the hands can make holding utensils and cups difficult, leading to people feeling frustrated with the idea of mealtimes.

To help, try timing mealtimes so that they coincide with when your medication is keeping tremors at bay. If this doesn’t work, there are several types of equipment designed to help people with Parkinson’s eat, such as specially designed cutlery and plate guards.

Loss of smell and taste

Losing your smell and taste are common symptoms of Parkinson’s, often among the first to appear. This can quickly turn into a loss of appetite, as eating is much less enjoyable without your senses.

Unfortunately, there aren’t any medications or therapies to resolve this issue. To appeal to your weakened senses, it’s recommended to eat foods with as much flavour as possible. Spices like sage, cinnamon, oregano, turmeric and cloves add plenty of flavour, as do chilli and garlic.

Reduced manual dexterity

Some people with Parkinson’s experience a loss of dexterity, making it difficult for them to perform tasks with their hands, such as eating. Dexterity is defined as the ability to use the hands to grasp and manipulate objects with small, precise movements.

Again, adaptive eating utensils may help you eat more easily. Similarly, larger utensils with a bigger grip area may be helpful. Small handles are easily dropped or missed when reaching for them.

Can I still eat out?

Yes, you can still eat out when dealing with Parkinson’s – in fact, it’s often encouraged to help maintain an active social life. However, you may find the challenges that come with eating difficult and anxiety-inducing. To avoid your diagnosis stopping you from eating out altogether, here are some tips to make the most of meals out:

• Choose a restaurant that serves your meal to your table rather than a buffet-style setting
• Time your meal for when your medication is working most effectively to make sure your symptoms are well-controlled
• Check the menu beforehand to ensure there’s something suitable for your needs, especially if you have trouble swallowing or chewing
• If you experience incontinence symptoms, ask for a table closer to the toilets
• Take adaptive equipment with you, such as a plate guard or tremor-proof cutlery
• If you find it more comfortable to sit in a chair with armrests than in a booth, call ahead to make sure the restaurant can accommodate your needs

How Trinity Homecare can help

At Trinity Homecare, we understand how impactful Parkinson’s can be on everyday life. To give you the best support possible, we’ll match you with a fully trained carer who’s experienced in your condition and its symptoms. Whether you need live-in or visiting care, we’ll assist with feeding where necessary, meal preparation, and cooking – fostering independence and maintaining dignity as we do so.

The care we provide includes:

• One-to-one support at home
• Completely bespoke live-in care that has been tailored to you
• Specialist care for a number of different circumstances
• Home carers carefully matched to your needs
• CQC rated ‘Outstanding’ live-in care services

Our carers are friendly, compassionate and professional, ensuring you’re given as much support as you need. We’re happy to serve you as long as you need us, so as symptoms progress, so will our care plan. Our Parkinson’s care also includes personal care, medication management, encouragement to continue hobbies and companionship.

Talk to us today

If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.

Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.