Treatment of Parkinson's Disease - Diet

Diet

See also: Dietary management of Parkinson's disease

Muscles and nerves that control the digestive process may be affected by PD, therefore, it is common to experience constipation and gastroparesis (food remaining in the stomach for a longer period of time than normal). A balanced diet is recommended to help improve digestion. Diet should include high-fiber foods and plenty of water. Levodopa and proteins use the same transportation system in the intestine and the blood–brain barrier, competing between them for access. When taken together the consequences of such competition is a reduced effectiveness of the drug. Therefore when levodopa is introduced excessive proteins are discouraged, while in advanced stages additional intake of low-protein products such as bread or pasta is recommended for similar reasons. To minimize interaction with proteins levodopa is recommended to be taken 30 minutes before meals. At the same time, regimens for PD restrict proteins during breakfast and lunch and are usually taken at dinner. As the disease advances dysphagia may appear. In such cases specific measures include the use of thickening agents for liquid intake, special postures when eating and gastrostomy in the worst cases.

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