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Beneficial and harmful foods for Parkinson’s disease patients

Beneficial and harmful foods for Parkinson’s disease patients

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that occurs due to damaged nerve cells, which causes an imbalance in the dopamine levels in the brain. Nearly 1 million Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a condition closely related to the dopamine levels. So, apart from being aware of the symptoms and the treatment options for the disease, it is imperative for patients to make the right dietary choices to get relief from the symptoms.

Foods to eat with Parkinson’s disease
Here are some foods that should be eaten to keep the symptoms at bay:

  • Foods rich in antioxidants
    Eating foods rich in antioxidants can reduce oxidative stress, which is defined as the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant defenses. When a person has Parkinson’s disease, the reduced dopamine levels can result in tissue damage, but foods rich in antioxidants can help alleviate this. Some antioxidant-rich foods that should be included in the diet are tree nuts, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, pecans, blueberries, goji berries, blackberries, cranberries, spinach, and kale.
  • Omega-3-rich foods
    Foods like salmon, oysters, halibut, soybeans, kidney beans, and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help improve cognitive function. Regularly consuming these can help relieve symptoms like confusion and dementia, which are commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease.
  • Calcium-rich foods
    Osteoporosis is a condition that causes the bones to become weak and fragile, and it is also one of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Increased severity of the neurological disorder is also linked to osteoporosis, so experts suggest vitamin D and calcium intake to help build stronger bones. Some foods that are great sources of calcium are sardines, canned salmon, beans and lentils, almonds, broccoli, and leafy greens like spinach and kale.
  • Co-enzyme Q10
    The enzyme is naturally present in small amounts in a wide range of foods like oily fish, soya oil, offal, and beef and can help relieve the symptoms of this neurological disease.

Foods to avoid with Parkinson’s disease
It is also important to know which foods to stay away from to avoid worsening the disorder. The following is a list of foods that one should keep off their plates if suffering from Parkinson’s disease:

  • Dairy
    Studies have shown that Parkinson’s disease patients who consume dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk face a higher risk of worsening the symptoms. Medical researchers suggest that consuming dairy could reduce uric acid levels, which increases the risk of Parkinson’s.
  • Iron
    It can bind with Parkinson’s disease medications, reducing the amount of medication absorbed by the system.
  • Vitamin B6
    The nutrient can interact with Parkinson’s disease medications and reduce their effects. However, health experts suggest that this might not be possible if an individual is taking a combination of medications to fight the disease.

The symptoms can vary from one person to another, so the type of diet and treatment approach also differ accordingly. It is imperative to discuss which foods should be included in or left out of the diet to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Apart from making nutritional adjustments, some medications, like those mentioned below, can be helpful in treating Parkinson’s.

Ongentys (Opicapone)
Ongentys is often used by doctors along with a common dopamine replacement agent such as levodopa and carbidopa. Opicapone, an ingredient in Ongentys, inhibits the activity of COMT. This, in turn, enhances the effect of levodopa, which is commonly used as a primary line of treatment for Parkinson’s patients. The available dosage of Ongentys for Parkinson’s treatment is between 25 to 50 mg daily. The patient is supposed to take the medication orally to stop the breaking down of levodopa and carbidopa.

RYTARY®
RYTARY is an extended-release capsule that can be taken orally to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. A single capsule contains both carbidopa and levodopa that help manage symptoms like poor muscle control, muscle spasms, stiffness, and tremors. The capsule contains both immediate release and extended time release beads that deliver a steady dose of the medication throughout the day. RYTARY helps lower the risk and frequency of “off” time one might experience during the day.

FYCOMPA
Parkinson’s disease can also cause seizure attacks, which can be treated with medications. FYCOMPA (perampanel) is one such medication that can be used to treat seizures due to Parkinson’s disease. It is an anticonvulsant that comes in the form of tablets as well as off-white opaque liquid. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor. FYCOMPA for Parkinson’s can be bought at discounted prices using Rx coupons available on various websites.

In addition to these options, a crucial step in disease management is securing the patient and their family’s financial future by buying the best life insurance for seniors. Such policies offer additional benefits and unique coverage and prices based on seniors’ needs. One can check out USAA Life Insurance Company and its policies, with premiums starting at just $12 a month.

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