1) VITAMIN D - Studies have shown widespread
deficiency of vitamin D among people with PD;
whether it contributes to the development of PD, or
is a result of PD, is not yet known. But deficiency
is associated with falls and fractures, diabetes,
cancers and autoimmune diseases. You may want
to ask your doctor to check your Vitamin D level,
and take supplements as needed.
2) FLAX SEED, GROUND - Very high
in two kinds of fiber: one helps
control blood sugar; the other
keeps the stool soft and bulky,
which relieves constipation.
3) GINGER - Helps with the nausea that often occurs
when starting PD medications; also helps speed
stomach emptying.
4) TURMERIC - Contains a substance, curcumin,
which has been recommended by some groups
as useful in treatment of diabetes, heart disease,
cancer, and liver damage; it is currently being
investigated as a possible treatment for PD.
5) BERRIES, CHERRIES - PD is a stressful
disease, and stress produces free radicals;
antioxidants destroy free radicals. Cherries may
be better free-radical scavengers than
vitamin E. Blueberries may protect
against dementia; cranberries are
remarkably high in antioxidants
and help protect against urinary tract
infections. Blackberries, raspberries,
strawberries – all are rich sources of
powerful and protective phytonutrients.
6) HONEY - People with PD often
develop a “sweet tooth.” If so,
choose honey over sugar every
day. Sugar has no nutritional
value, whereas honey contains
as many antioxidants as some
fruits, along with trace minerals.
7) BEANS - Dried beans of all kinds are not only rich
in protein; they are among the foods with the very
highest sources of fiber, helping to prevent
constipation, which frequently occurs in people
with PD. Besides this, they contain B vitamins
and magnesium, important to the nervous system.
8) FISH - Did you know that 20%
of the gray matter of the brain
is composed of DHA, found
in fatty fish? Especially fatty
fish like salmon, sardines,
herring, anchovies and halibut.
They contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA & DHA
which protect against dementia and depression.
9) TEA - Black, green, white and oolong teas contain
substances called “polyphenols” and people who
drink more tea seem to be diagnosed less with
Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. There are
studies underway that are aimed at demonstrating
improvement in PD symptoms.
10) NUTS - Rich in all the forms of vitamin E, as well as
fiber – good enough reasons by themselves to eat
nuts. Several studies have indicated the
possibility that foods high in vitamin
E (but not supplements) seem to
protect against the development
of PD. Nuts are a storehouse of
hard-to-find trace minerals like
selenium, which work together
with vitamin E as an antioxidant.
#
Kathrynne Holden is a nutritionist who specializes in the science
of nutrition for PD. She moderates the online forum “Ask about
Nutrition” on the NPF web site at www.parkinson.org. Click on
“Discussion Forums.”
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