Eating Healthy With PD
- Stephanie Soto
- 21 hours ago
- 2 min read
Eating healthy is important for everyone, but especially if you have Parkinson's. Let's discuss a few key tips for eating healthy with PD.
Tips to eat healthy
Limit sugar intake. Excessive sugar can increase inflammation, lead to tooth decay, and effect your energy levels.
Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol will reduce your risk of heart attack and certain types of cancer.
Limit alcohol. Alcohol can lead to balance changes and can have poor reactions with certain medications.
Drink water. At least 8 glasses of day is important to stay hydrated. Hydration helps with cognition, constipation, balance, and keeps your organs happy and healthy.
Limit caffeine in the afternoon and evening. Caffeine can stay in our body for up to 12 hours! This means any coffee, caffeinated tea, and sodas will have a serious impact on your sleep if you ingest it later in the day.
Choose a diet that is rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Tips specific for PD
Limit protein intake an hour before or after your PD medication. Protein can impact the effectiveness of your PD medication.
If you have symptoms that effect your ability to swallow or eat food, try to eat softer foods in smaller bites.
People with PD often eat less and will lose weight because of difficulty with swallowing, changes in appetite, nausea, or constipation. Losing weight will impact your strength, endurance, and balance. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing weight loss.
Use adaptive cutlery and dishes to help with any motor challenges with eating.
Dirty Dozen
The Environmental Working Group shoppers guide to pesticides in produce has released the top 12 non-organic fruits and vegetables that have the highest traces of pesticides.
Produce listed in order:
spinach
kale, collard and mustard greens
strawberries
grapes
nectarines
peaches
cherries
apples
blackberries
pears
potatoes
blueberries.
Sources: