BALANCED DIET, THE SECOND WAY TO BEAT PD

Through the words of the Holy Bible, the Greatest Book ever written in the world, you will find the answer to your greatest need, the miracle of healing in THE SECOND WAY to beat Parkinson's disease.

"Summer Sweets"
From an original painted with the foot by S. Subadri

EAT A BALANCED DIET

 "Please test your servants for 10 days. Give us vegetables to eat and water to dringk. Then see how we look in comparison with the other young men who eat from the royal table, and treat your servants according to what you see." He acceded to this request, and tested them for ten days; after ten days they looked healthier and better fed than any of the young men who are from the royal table. So the steward continued to take away the food and wine they were to receive, and gave them vegetables.

  

                                                                                                         DANIEL 1: 12-16    

Is there a diet recommended for Parkinson’s disease?

Good nutrition is important for everyone and has a significant role in the management of Parkinson’s disease (PD). In general, a healthy diet can increase energy, optimize the effect of medications, and promote overall well-being, especially in a patient with PD.

Patients with PD may experience constipation, delayed stomach emptying,drug-nutrient interactions, and weight loss. Parkinson's disease affects the autonomic nervous system, resulting in slowed movement of the GI tract. An individual may experience constipation and/or delayed gastric emptying. Gastric emptying may delay or decrease effectiveness of medications. With adequate intake of fluids and fiber, constipation may be prevented. Signs and symptoms of delayed gastric emptying should be observed when determining the timing of meals and medications.

Some individuals, particularly those who experience fluctuations of PD symptoms with their medications, may be very sensitive to the amount of protein in their diets. For these individuals, the timing of medications and meals/snacks containing protein becomes important. With the right amount of  protein consumed at the proper intervals throughout the day, that is 30-60 minutes after medications, both optimal absorption of medications and protein needs are met.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremor and the medication side-effect of dyskinesia may increase one’s caloric needs. When caloric needs are not met, the individual may experience unintentional weight loss and even malnutrition in instances of continuous low calorie intake. Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is also important for many bodily functions. Each individual’s diet varies greatly, so you should first consult your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplements.

Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet will greatly benefit a patient with Parkinson's disease so he can have more energy and his medications will work properly.

There are seven basic tips of having a proper diet in Parkinson's disease, namely:

1. Eat a variety of foods from each food category (carbohydrates, protein, fat) based on the food pyramid. It is recommended that 55 to 60 percent of the calories in your diet come from carbohydrates but moderate your intake of sugars. Fat intake should be no more than 30 percent of your total calories and should be low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

2. Include high-fiber foods such as vegetables, cooked dried peas and beans (legumes), whole-grain foods, bran, cereals, pasta, rice, and fresh fruit in your diet. Dietary fiber prevents constipation by adding bulk and softness to stools. To ensure adequate fiber intake, try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and choose whole grains over refined foods.

3. Ask your doctor if there is a need for a daily vitamin supplement. Both Vitamin C and E are easily consumed in the diet in the recommended amounts per day so supplementation in mega doses is not warranted. Depending on your individual diet, a multi-vitamin formulation or supplement may be beneficial.

4. Ask your doctor about the need for mineral supplements. People with Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of bone loss and should be sure their diet isn’t deficient in calcium. If you find it hard to get enough calcium in your diet, you may want to consider a supplement. Calcium carbonate is the most commonly used supplement but it reduces stomach acid, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and can also cause constipation for some people. Calcium citrate is a better choice because it doesn’t affect stomach acidity and isn’t constipating. Iron supplements can interfere with Levodopa absorption, so they should be taken separately but the small amount of iron in a standard multivitamin preparation won't be a problem.

5. Limit your salt intake and drink eight or more glasses of liquid each day. However, those PD patients with concommittant heart problems may need to limit their fluids so it is better to seek advice from your doctor.

6. Ask your doctor about your ideal body weight and how many calories you should consume each day. Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself more often. If you are taking diuretics or steroids, such as prednisone, you should weigh yourself daily.If you have an unexplained weight gain or loss (2 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in one week), contact your doctor. He or she may want to modify your food or fluid intake to help manage your condition.

7. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages since alcohol may interfere with some of your medications. Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) because it may also interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.

REFERENCES:
1.http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/03/ask-the-md-is-there-a-diet-recommended-for-parkinsons-disease/

2. http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/eating-right

3. Jenny E. Loew, MS, RD, CSN, LDN and Carol Pratt , LDN. Good Nutrition and Parkinson's Disease (American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc)Copyright 2005 Revised 2007