Good nutrition can help you maintain a better level of well-being when you have Parkinson's. The quality of your diet will have an impact on reaching a healthy weight, maintaining optimal energy and providing adequate muscle strength.
There are three main areas of concern for people with Parkinson's: weight loss or gain and constipation.
Weight Loss
Weight loss may occur in up to 70% of people living with Parkinson's. A number of factors may contribute to the problem: difficulty preparing food, including fatigue; problems chewing or swallowing; constipation, reduced appetite perhaps due to loss of sense of smell, depression or changes in cognitive ability.
Weight Gain/Overweight
Some people with Parkinson's may be overweight and this may lead to other health problems. Stringent diets may decrease your energy. Compulsive (binge eating) may be a side effect of Parkinson medications. If you are experiencing this behaviour, tell your neurologist and/or doctor.
Constipation
Your diet can have a significant impact on constipation. Two key dietary recommendations for managing constipation are: eat high fiber foods and drink more fluid. Being constipated can slow the absorption of your Parkinson medication, thereby minimizing its effectiveness. Constipation can be treated. More information is available in the brochure on Constipation (PDF).
Other Helpful Resources
Visit Parkinson Society Canada's website for more information and resources on diet and nutrition related to Parkinson's disease. Contact Parkinson Society Canada to request a free Manual for People Living with Parkinson's Disease and find out about the Progression of Parkinson's Disease (PDF) and other resources for individuals and health professionals.
By: Grace Ferrari, Parkinson Expert at Agecomfort.org Health Care Resource Centre
Photo Credit: Michael Fludkov
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