Outpatient physicians often receive consultations from patients and families about dietary restrictions and restrictions for people with Parkinson's disease.
This is a very important topic because diet can directly affect the symptoms and drug efficacy of people with Parkinson's disease. In this article, we will combine the latest research and expert opinions to introduce some dietary restrictions and restrictions that Parkinson's disease patients need to pay attention to.
Protein in the diet
Protein is an important nutrient in our body that helps maintain healthy muscle tissue and bones.
However, for people with Parkinson's disease, consuming too much protein may affect the efficacy of the drug and lead to worsening symptoms. This is because brain cells in Parkinson's disease lack dopamine, a neurotransmitter, and the number of dopamine receptors is limited.
Therefore, when too much protein is consumed, they compete with the drug for the location of dopamine receptors, reducing the efficacy of the drug and causing symptoms to worsen.
Patients with Parkinson's disease are advised to moderate their protein intake in their diet to maintain drug efficacy and stable symptoms. (Reference: Protein intake in patients with Parkinson's disease)
Caffeine and beverages
Antioxidants and other substances contained in caffeine and tea can help protect neurons, slowing the progression of the condition.
In addition, caffeine and tea can also improve concentration, alertness, and cognition, so moderate amounts of caffeine and tea can be part of a healthy diet for people with Parkinson's disease.
However, it is important to note that excessive intake of caffeine and tea may cause adverse reactions such as nervous excitement, insomnia, and palpitations. Therefore, it is recommended that people with Parkinson's disease enjoy coffee and tea in moderation and not overdose. At the same time, coffee and tea should be avoided or reduced intake for those who are sensitive to caffeine or have other health problems. (Reference: What are the benefits of coffee and tea for Parkinson's patients?) ）
Fats and cholesterol
A diet high in fat and cholesterol increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis in people with Parkinson's disease. These disorders may affect the efficacy of the drug, causing symptoms to worsen.
Therefore, people with Parkinson's disease are advised to choose a diet low in fat and cholesterol to maintain health and drug efficacy.
Salt and sodium
Orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinson's disease is closely related to sodium salt.
Orthostatic hypotension refers to a drop in blood pressure when a person suddenly stands up from a sitting or lying position. Patients with Parkinson's disease often present with orthostatic hypotension, which is due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system due to damage to the nervous system.
Sodium salt is an important substance for maintaining blood volume and blood pressure, and the lack of sodium salt will lead to a decrease in blood volume and blood pressure. Therefore, it is very important for people with Parkinson's disease to maintain adequate sodium intake.
Patients are advised to add some foods high in sodium salt, such as salted fish, pickles, tofu milk, etc. to their diet. In addition, doctors will also give sodium supplements according to the specific conditions of the patient to maintain normal blood volume and blood pressure levels and reduce the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
It is important to note that for Parkinson's disease patients, excessive sodium intake may also lead to other health problems, such as a diet high in salt and sodium can lead to edema and increased blood pressure in Parkinson's disease patients, which may affect drug efficacy and symptoms. In addition, a high-salt diet has also been linked to osteoporosis.
Therefore, it is recommended that patients with Parkinson's disease appropriately limit salt and sodium intake to maintain good health and drug efficacy, and if in case of confusion, reasonable sodium salt supplementation should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor. (Reference: Expert Chat Pa, Parkinson's disease orthostatic hypotension patients need to know)
Certain herbs and supplements
Certain herbs and supplements may interact with Parkinson's disease medications, causing symptoms to worsen or drugs to become less effective.
For example, herbs that interact with dopamine include ephedra, honeysuckle, Changshan, etc. In addition, health supplements such as vitamin B6 and magnesium may also affect the efficacy of drugs.
Therefore, patients with Parkinson's disease are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using these herbs and supplements.
Dairy products and fermented foods
Caseic acid and tyrosine contained in dairy products and fermented foods may affect drug efficacy and symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease.
This is because tyrosine can compete for the location of dopamine receptors, which reduces the efficacy of the drug and causes symptoms to worsen.
Therefore, it is recommended that patients with Parkinson's disease appropriately limit the intake of dairy products and fermented foods to maintain drug efficacy and symptom stability. At the same time, patients can choose other protein-rich foods such as meat, legumes, fish, etc. When eating, it is also necessary to pay attention to staggering the time of taking the medicine.
For people with Parkinson's disease, diet is very important.
On the one hand, patients with Parkinson's disease need to pay attention to nutrient intake to help protect neurons and slow down the progression of the disease.
On the other hand, Parkinson's disease patients also need to pay attention to avoid side effects to ensure their health.
In the daily diet, people with Parkinson's disease should consume foods containing antioxidants and other substances in moderation, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, etc. In addition, moderate amounts of caffeine and tea can also be used as healthy beverage options. However, it should be noted that excessive intake of caffeine and tea may lead to adverse reactions such as nervous excitement, insomnia, and palpitations, so Parkinson's disease patients should enjoy coffee and tea in moderation and not excessive intake.
In addition, coffee and tea should be avoided or reduced intake for those who are sensitive to caffeine or have other health problems.
While enjoying food, Parkinson's disease patients also need to pay attention to avoid eating, drinking or eating harmful substances, such as alcohol.
In conclusion, it is important for people with Parkinson's disease to have a balanced diet, moderate nutrient intake and avoid side effects. Only on the basis of healthy eating habits can we better protect your health and slow down the progression of the disease.