Nutrition Considerations for
Parkinson’s
Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist
Attention to diet can help you:Feel better overall
Ward off other nutrition-related diseases/ complications
Prevent hospitalization **
Common Problems
ConstipationOsteoporosisUnplanned weight loss/gainVitamin deficiencies
Leads to other problems; ie depression, low appetite, etc
Why is Nutrition Important?
Helps GI function properly (fiber)
Impacts mood, stressHelps prevent weight loss or
gainMaintains bone healthKeeps heart healthyImproves sleep
Constipation - CausesMedications often slow the
movement of the GI tract
Degeneration of the nerves of the GI tract
Lack of adequate fluids and fiber
FIBER
In addition to keeping GI tract running smoothly:
Reduction of cholesterolBlood sugar controlPossible cancer preventionWeight control (fullness factor)
FIBER . . .
Average American gets 10-12 grams of fiber per day
Newest recommendations:Women should aim for 27 grams per day
Men should aim for 35 grams per day
Where is fiber found?
Whole grains Beans and legumes (SF) Fruits and Vegetables (SF) Nuts and seeds (SF)
› Flax (SF), chia, hemp› Walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc
Functional FiberManufacturers will add functional fibers to foods to
increase appeal . . . But are they healthy?
Cereal bars Cold cereals Yogurt Beverages Sugar substitutes (Spenda, nutrasweet, etc)!
Often contain large amounts of sugar, food dyes, unhealthy fats, etc.
Avocado (medium, one half): 6.5 gramsBroccoli (1 cup): 5 gramsBlack beans (1/2 cup): 7 gramsGround flaxseed (2T): 4 gramsOatmeal (1 cup, cooked): 4 gramsSweet potato (medium, with skin): 4 grams
Provides 30 grams fiberMonounsaturated and omega-3 fat
Host of phytonutrientsPotassium, calcium, B vitamins,
magnesium, protein, folic acid, etc etc
Fruits and Veggies
Meals and snacks, at least ½ of your
plate should be covered with
unprocessed fruits and veggies
THINK RAINBOW! Dark leafy greens, broccoli, shitake mushrooms, red and green cabbage, sweet potatoes, root veggies, colored peppers, berries, melons, citrus, etc!
Anthocyanins (SF)
Plant compound/pigment (dark purple, red and blue colors of many fruits)
Powerful antioxidant in the human body, showing neuro-protective activity
Berries, cherries, black currants. Also in bananas, black and kidney beans, pomegranates, asparagus
Helps prevent build-up of Alpha-synuclein protein in the brain that regulates dopamine
ANTI-OXIDANT SMOOTHIE
1 cup almond milk, unsweetened ¼ cup unsweetened cranberry juice 1/2 banana ½ cup frozen dark cherries ½ cup blueberries 1 cup spinach 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoons seeds (hemp, sesame,
pumpkin)
Beans and Legumes
Split pea soupSalad sprinkled with
garbanzo beansHummus Lentil stew/soupWhite beans and escaroleVeggie or turkey chili
Whole Grains: Gluten Free
Brown/black rice and beans
Quinoa salad or soup with veggies
Oatmeal, gluten free with flax seeds, raisins and nuts
Nuts and Seeds
Provide fiber and also great source of healthy fats –
Seeds: chia, hemp and flax seeds1 Tbs = 3 grams
Nuts: ¼ cup = 3 grams
Healthy Fats
Brain function, vit D production, hormone regulation, absorption fat soluble vitamins
In addition to nuts and seeds
Coconut oil – lots of ongoing research
Avocados Olive oil Ghee Grass fed butter and meats
OSTEOPOROSISStudies have shown that people
with PD: have lower bone mineral density greater incidence of severe
osteoporosis greater incidence of falling higher rate of bone fracture recovery from hip fracture takes
longer; more likely to result in discharge to a long-term-care facility
Prevention
Stay at healthy weightTalk to Dr about medications (acid
blockers, PPI’s)Don’t smokeExerciseWatch alcohol intakeHave adequate Vit D levels Dietary cofactors (next slide)
Not Just Calcium!!!
Also need:Mgvitamin K2
Magnesium
Helps rebuild and strengthen bone
Relaxation, sleep, blood sugar control
Broccoli, dark green vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts/seeds
Best in (citrate or glycinate)
Vitamin K2
Two types (K1 and K2) K1 for blood clottingK2: directs calcium from blood
to bone Heart disease prevention Limited food sources:
Natto, fermented foods, grass-fed meat, butter, eggs,
Supplements seen as MK-790mcg minimum – 200mcg
Vitamin D
Most in early-stage PD have low levels of vitamin D
Studies showing higher plasma vitamin D levels = lower symptom severity, better cognition, less depression
Helps prevent falls and fractures
Vitamin D . . .
Deficiency associated with several types of cancers, heart disease, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases
KNOW YOUR LEVELS and follow up!!!!
Other Vitamin DeficienciesB vitamin deficiency can
lead to confusion, depression, insomnia, irritability, memory loss; and can worsen poor appetite.
The Bs’ role: keep the lines moving along on the energy pathway
Work like a team; one B missing in diet, other Bs are affected
Vitamin B Sources
MeatPoultryFishBeansFruits, veggiesNuts
Vitamin B6 and Parkinson’s disease
Needed for strong immune system
Interferes with levodopaOk to take B6 – just not in
high doses (over 15mg)Garden of Life Raw B
Complex
TESTING FOR MICRONUTRIENTS
Spectracell can test for micronutrient status – all minerals, vitamins, antioxidant status
AMAZING coverage for Medicare patients with Dr. approval!
Good Nutrition Critical to Combat Side Effects
Stress and unplanned weight lossAnemiaFatigueDepressed immune systemDepression/lack appetitePoor wound healingChewing/swallowing
problems
Basics of Healthy Diet“Whole foods” dietClean up carbs – reduce
sugars, refinedMore fruits and veggies,
whole grains, beans and legumes
Choose healthy fats – olive oil, avocado, coconut oil, nuts and seeds
Lean proteins – fish, chicken, organic meats and eggs
Minimize Damaging Foods
Processed foods that contain:
Trans fatsOxidized fatsSugarsSugar substitutesFood dyes and lots of
preservatives
Food is Medicine!
Ice cream, pudding, milkshakes?Think outside the box . . .
NUTRITION HEALSSavory soupsSmoothies, coconut oilCreamy breakfast cerealsPureed veggies with organic
butter/gheeNut butters
Favorite Cookbook ResourcesPour love into your cooking –
Food is nourishment!!
Rebecca KatzOne Bite at a TimeThe Cancer Fighting Cookbook
Timing of Sinemet
Protein made of amino acidsAA’s compete with same
receptors in intestine AND brain that Sinemet uses
Best to take Sinemet 30-60 minutes before eating a meal
Nauseous? Take Sinemet with a carb vs protein
CONTACT INFO
Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Website: janeschwartz-rd.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 609-865-3999