What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease, or PD, is a brain and nervous system disorder where dopamine neurons gradually decrease over time. PD affects each sufferer differently, but these are some of the common symptoms: Tremor, slow movement, depression, anxiety, movement whilst asleep, sleep pattern disruption, rigid muscles, constipation, and hallucinations (audio, visual and/or sensory).
It takes more than just dietary change to alleviate the progression of PD, but these nutrition tips will help manage symptoms, and as part of a wider protocol, could make a significant difference to how one experiences the disease.
Include Foods that Increase Dopamine
As lowered dopamine levels are central to PD, including foods which naturally boost dopamine in the body will be beneficial to sufferers of the disease.
Broad beans, or fava beans (vicia faba), are one of the best sources of L-dopa (the precursor to dopamine) to be found. A 16 oz (455g) can of fava beans should provide enough L-dopa to produce a psychological effect on PD, but even better than that, sprouted fava beans contain ten times more L-dopa, meaning a handful of sprouts a day should be effective.
Velvet beans (mucuna pruriens), another great source of L-dopa, have been used in clinical trials to treat PD. One small 1992 study found that consuming 250 grams of cooked velvet beans significantly raised dopamine levels and reduced PD symptoms one to two hours after the meal. Several other studies on Mucuna pruriens supplements found that they may be even more effective and longer lasting than traditional PD medications, as well as have fewer side effects. Take note, however, that mucuna is toxic in high doses so one should stick to the guidelines. In the Ayurvedic tradition, mucuna has been used for over three thousand years in the treatment of PD (before it even had that name), amongst other ailments. All parts of the plant are used in more than 200 indigenous medicinal preparations in India. The seeds contain up to 7% levodopa, which is used in Ayurveda for the treatment of PD. Mucuna is also recommended as an aphrodisiac, and studies have shown that its use causes a rise in testosterone levels, increased muscle mass and strength, and also improves coordination and attention. It is important to note that therapeutic amounts of natural sources of L-dopa, such as mucuna, should not be taken in conjunction with pharmaceutical dopamine raising medications. If a patient wants to try therapeutic doses of mucuna, they must first gradually lower their current medication under the supervision of their doctor and have a break of at least two weeks before starting mucuna, to ensure the medication has left their system.
Protein Timing
Other amino acids in protein-rich foods compete with L-dopa in the gut for absorption into the bloodstream so it is important that patients of PD are careful not to consume high sources of protein, such as meat, dairy and eggs, with L-dopa containing foods and herbs, or near when they take their PD medication like levodopa. For most people this will mean lowering intake of animal products in general. This is not to say that those with PD should try to remove protein sources from the diet altogether. Protein is necessary for strong muscles which is especially important when your symptoms include dyskinesia (involuntary movements), which commonly leads to fatigue. Following a whole foods diet with a focus on plant foods, and less meat and dairy, may be a good option for people with PD as they will be less likely to over-consume protein, while still consuming enough to keep their muscles strong.
The coffee question
When it comes to the popular stimulant, coffee, there are arguments on both sides presenting the ways coffee is both beneficial and detrimental to one’s health. We’re drawn to coffee because it keeps us awake and alert, but the negative effect of coffee is primarily that it taxes the adrenal glands. Every time you drink a coffee, your adrenal glands produce cortisol, the main stress hormone. Consistent consumption of caffeine can force the adrenal glands to overproduce the hormone, causing adrenal fatigue.
Coffee is also dehydrating and dehydration is extremely harmful to the body as a whole, but especially brain function. A 2018 meta-analysis of 33 studies including a total of 413 participants found that dehydration corresponding to more than a 2% reduction in body mass (e.g. 3 lbs. of fluid loss in a 150 lb. person) was associated with significant impairments on attention, executive function, and motor coordination.
It is also important to note, that caffeine is contraindicated with anxiety and anxiety can be common with nervous system disorders like PD. If you experience anxiety, it’s best to put the cup down.
The positives:
Dr. Richard Shulze rates coffee as an excellent nervous system stimulator and suggests nervous system stimulation for the healing of nervous system disorders. He even includes one part coffee bean in his nerve regenerating herbal formula. He does say that one cup of coffee per day is all you need and that, like many substances, taking breaks from it every now and again is recommended.
The Parkinson’s Foundation website states, “For years, drinking coffee has been associated with having a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). In fact, a 1968 study suggested that coffee drinkers were less likely to get PD (Nefzger, Quadfasel, & Karl, 1968). Since then, multiple epidemiologic studies have confirmed the PD/coffee connection (Ascherio et al., 2003; Ascherio et al., 2004; Fujimaki et al., 2018)... research has demonstrated that caffeine enhances dopamine signalling in the brain (Volkow et al., 2015); and, it’s the death of dopamine-producing cells that results in movement symptoms of PD.”
Whether or not coffee is right for you means considering all the factors (Are you able to stay hydrated? Do you suffer from anxiety at all?) and if coffee is given the green light, make sure it is not over-consumed in such a way as to cause adrenal fatigue.
Mineral rich foods
The minerals found in food are extremely important for nervous system and brain function. For example, Iron is a blood builder, producing haemoglobin which transports oxygen around the body. The brain is the most sensitive organ when it comes to oxygen deprivation and a lack of iron will impair brain function. Iron supplements can be constipating so it is important to get iron from food and herb sources that contain other nutrients, such as vitamin C, which will prevent constipation. Yellow dock, for example, is a great iron tonic while also having mild laxative qualities, making it a perfect tonic for the iron deficient. Other great sources of iron include nettle, beetroot, beans, legumes, tofu, seeds, and dark leafy greens. While including iron-rich plant foods in the diet is generally safe, note that it is only necessary to consume therapeutic dose iron tonics and supplements if your blood work indicates an iron deficiency.
Magnesium is another mineral that is important for nervous system function. It is important for optimal nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination, as well as serving to protect against excitotoxicity (excessive excitation leading to cell death).
Some population studies have shown a connection between magnesium deficiency and PD, reporting a higher incidence of the neurodegenerative disorder in the presence of magnesium deficiency. Therefore, in theory, raising brain magnesium levels could ease PD symptoms or reduce progression. Magnesium can also help with relaxation, muscle spasms, restless legs, depression, constipation, and better quality sleep, all things people with PD tend to experience.
Magnesium rich foods include spinach, quinoa, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Regarding supplements, magnesium comes in many forms, so which one should you go for? Magnesium L-threonate is the form most recommended for PD as it crosses the blood-brain barrier most easily. Alternatively, magnesium bisglycinate is also a highly absorbable form, which sees good results, and magnesium malate is supportive to brain and nervous system function as well. If constipation is an issue, magnesium citrate is a highly studied form and can help move the bowel. You can of course combine the different types of magnesium to achieve your desired results, however, I recommend working with a practitioner, such as a nutritional therapist, to ensure that you are taking the correct amounts and not over-doing it.
Reduce Sugar
It’s pretty common knowledge nowadays that consumption of sugar has a negative effect on our health, and research suggests that imbalanced blood sugar levels are linked to faster progression of motor difficulties in those with PD. Unfortunately, because of its influence on dopamine levels, people with PD tend to increasingly enjoy a sugary treat as the condition progresses. But after the spike in blood sugar (and the dopamine hit) comes the fall, and both high and low blood sugar has been shown to have detrimental effects on motor symptom progression in PD. Further to that, there’s the risk of developing type 2 diabetes which in turn increases risk of postural instability, poorer gait, and cognitive issues.
So stay away from the obvious things like cakes, biscuits, and sugary drinks, and switch out processed carbs for whole grains. In other words, swap the white version for the brown version, for example, choose brown rice over white. A little fruit is totally fine. If you want that sweet taste, healthy sweeteners such as stevia (use a quarter of the amount of sugar you would normally use as stevia is very sweet and has a particular flavour), erythritol, and monk fruit, don’t spike blood sugar or affect insulin, and have actually been shown to have some health benefits. Steer clear of artificial sweeteners found in “diet” or “zero” soft drinks, and sweeteners like Canderel and Splenda. These contain substances such as aspartame, acesulfame-K, dextrose, maltodextrin, and sucrose, some of which can cause a similar reaction in the body to that of table sugar, and all of which have been linked to disease.
Increase B vitamin-rich food
B vitamins are important for nervous system support, cognitive function and energy metabolism, among other things. Studies show that low levels of vitamin B6 were associated with higher risk of PD and dietary intake of B6 exhibited a preventative effect. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common amongst those with PD, the symptoms being instability, neuropathy (which may cause numbness and tingling) and cognitive defects. The DATATOP study, which was carried out between 1987 and 1990, found that a more rapid progression of PD symptoms occurred in those with lower B12 levels than in those with higher levels, signifying a need for regular testing of B12 levels in those with PD.
As B vitamins are water-soluble, we need a regular intake of them to keep our levels high. When supplementing, it is recommended to go for a B Complex containing all the B vitamins, rather than taking individual B vitamins, as not only do the Bs work synergistically with each other, taking one B Vitamin on its own over a long period of time can lower the other B vitamins in your system, all of which have important functions in the body. Keeping a balance is always the best route!
Foods high in B vitamins include spirulina, nutritional yeast, and whole grains. Foods especially high in B6 are salmon, chickpeas, dark leafy greens, bananas and oranges. Healthy sources of B12 include salmon, eggs, nori seaweed and shiitake mushrooms. I recommend taking a good quality B Complex supplement high in B6 and B12 until your diet catches up. Vitamin B6 should be in the form, pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP), and vitamin B12 should be in the form, methylcobalamin, as these are the most absorbable forms. There’s no point in spending your money on supplements if you’re not absorbing them!
Increase Hydration
Water is essential for every function of our bodies, and the brain and nervous system are no exception. In fact, many symptoms of dehydration are the same as common PD symptoms; fatigue, brain fog, confusion, depression, sleep issues, memory difficulties, hallucinations. Therefore, a person with PD may find their symptoms worsen significantly when not adequately hydrated. Rather than the generic 6-8 glasses of water per day, a more accurate and personalised recommended water intake is to calculate your body weight in lbs, divide in half, and drink that amount of water in ounces as a baseline. Add an extra glass for every cup of coffee, tea, or alcohol (as they are highly diuretic and dehydrating), and an extra glass if your medication requires so.
There are a few reasons why someone with PD might not be drinking enough water. These include:
As we age, the body’s mechanism for signalling thirst and distributing water to the cells becomes compromised. PD may further the lack of thirst sensation.
Difficulty swallowing and/or tremors may make drinking a chore.
Some prescription medications can be dehydrating.
Some medications may cause nausea, making drinking undesirable.
Depression can make it difficult to stick to a regimen.
Concerns about incontinence may lead to avoidance of fluids.
Here are some tips for staying hydrated:
Eat your water! Add more high water content foods to your daily diet, such as cucumber, melon, tomatoes, oranges and celery.
Lower caffeine and alcohol intake.
Add tasty things to your water to make it more appealing, such as lemon, lime, cucumber, orange, pineapple, or a splash of juice.
Consider drinking hot water if room temperature or cold water makes you feel colder.
If you have trouble swallowing, try using a straw. There are many reusable straws on the market these days.
If incontinence at night is a worry, try and get all your water in earlier in the day. Having at least a quarter of your daily intake first thing in the morning when you get up gives you a good head start.
Tricks for remembering to drink enough everyday include: setting reminder alarms on your phone, lining up all the glasses on your kitchen counter in the morning, filling big bottles and keeping them beside you, putting a checklist somewhere you will see it regularly throughout the day.
If you are currently diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and are interested in how you can treat this condition naturally, schedule a consultation for personalised treatment.
Disclaimer: Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your lifestyle, diet or medication. Individualised treatment is essential for healing, and what works for one person may not work for another so I urge you to seek out a practitioner of your choosing to work with on your health journey. No man is an island!
References
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Ioanna Markaki MD, Theodora Ntetsika MD, Kimmo Sorjonen PhD, Per Svenningsson MD, PhD (2021) Euglycemia Indicates Favorable Motor Outcome in Parkinson's Disease. Movement Disorders 36, 6, 1430-1434.
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