Nutrition Considerations for

Parkinson’s

Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT

Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist

Attention to diet can help you:Feel better overall

Ward off other nutrition-related diseases/ complications

Prevent hospitalization **

Common Problems

ConstipationOsteoporosisUnplanned weight loss/gainVitamin deficiencies

Leads to other problems; ie depression, low appetite, etc

Why is Nutrition Important?

Helps GI function properly (fiber)

Impacts mood, stressHelps prevent weight loss or

gainMaintains bone healthKeeps heart healthyImproves sleep

Constipation - CausesMedications often slow the

movement of the GI tract

Degeneration of the nerves of the GI tract

Lack of adequate fluids and fiber

FIBER

In addition to keeping GI tract running smoothly:

Reduction of cholesterolBlood sugar controlPossible cancer preventionWeight control (fullness factor)

FIBER . . .

Average American gets 10-12 grams of fiber per day

Newest recommendations:Women should aim for 27 grams per day

Men should aim for 35 grams per day

Where is fiber found?

Whole grains Beans and legumes (SF) Fruits and Vegetables (SF) Nuts and seeds (SF)

› Flax (SF), chia, hemp› Walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc

Functional FiberManufacturers will add functional fibers to foods to

increase appeal . . . But are they healthy?

Cereal bars Cold cereals Yogurt Beverages Sugar substitutes (Spenda, nutrasweet, etc)!

Often contain large amounts of sugar, food dyes, unhealthy fats, etc.

Avocado (medium, one half): 6.5 gramsBroccoli (1 cup): 5 gramsBlack beans (1/2 cup): 7 gramsGround flaxseed (2T): 4 gramsOatmeal (1 cup, cooked): 4 gramsSweet potato (medium, with skin): 4 grams

Provides 30 grams fiberMonounsaturated and omega-3 fat

Host of phytonutrientsPotassium, calcium, B vitamins,

magnesium, protein, folic acid, etc etc

Fruits and Veggies

Meals and snacks, at least ½ of your

plate should be covered with

unprocessed fruits and veggies

THINK RAINBOW! Dark leafy greens, broccoli, shitake mushrooms, red and green cabbage, sweet potatoes, root veggies, colored peppers, berries, melons, citrus, etc!

Anthocyanins (SF)

Plant compound/pigment (dark purple, red and blue colors of many fruits)

Powerful antioxidant in the human body, showing neuro-protective activity

Berries, cherries, black currants. Also in bananas, black and kidney beans, pomegranates, asparagus

Helps prevent build-up of Alpha-synuclein protein in the brain that regulates dopamine

ANTI-OXIDANT SMOOTHIE

1 cup almond milk, unsweetened ¼ cup unsweetened cranberry juice 1/2 banana ½ cup frozen dark cherries ½ cup blueberries 1 cup spinach 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoons seeds (hemp, sesame,

pumpkin)

Beans and Legumes

Split pea soupSalad sprinkled with

garbanzo beansHummus Lentil stew/soupWhite beans and escaroleVeggie or turkey chili

Whole Grains: Gluten Free

Brown/black rice and beans

Quinoa salad or soup with veggies

Oatmeal, gluten free with flax seeds, raisins and nuts

Nuts and Seeds

Provide fiber and also great source of healthy fats –

Seeds: chia, hemp and flax seeds1 Tbs = 3 grams

Nuts: ¼ cup = 3 grams

Healthy Fats

Brain function, vit D production, hormone regulation, absorption fat soluble vitamins

In addition to nuts and seeds

Coconut oil – lots of ongoing research

Avocados Olive oil Ghee Grass fed butter and meats

OSTEOPOROSISStudies have shown that people

with PD: have lower bone mineral density greater incidence of severe

osteoporosis greater incidence of falling higher rate of bone fracture recovery from hip fracture takes

longer; more likely to result in discharge to a long-term-care facility

Prevention

Stay at healthy weightTalk to Dr about medications (acid

blockers, PPI’s)Don’t smokeExerciseWatch alcohol intakeHave adequate Vit D levels Dietary cofactors (next slide)

Not Just Calcium!!!

Also need:Mgvitamin K2

Magnesium

Helps rebuild and strengthen bone

Relaxation, sleep, blood sugar control

Broccoli, dark green vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts/seeds

Best in (citrate or glycinate)

Vitamin K2

Two types (K1 and K2) K1 for blood clottingK2: directs calcium from blood

to bone Heart disease prevention Limited food sources:

Natto, fermented foods, grass-fed meat, butter, eggs,

Supplements seen as MK-790mcg minimum – 200mcg

Vitamin D

Most in early-stage PD have low levels of vitamin D

Studies showing higher plasma vitamin D levels = lower symptom severity, better cognition, less depression

Helps prevent falls and fractures

Vitamin D . . .

Deficiency associated with several types of cancers, heart disease, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases

KNOW YOUR LEVELS and follow up!!!!

Other Vitamin DeficienciesB vitamin deficiency can

lead to confusion, depression, insomnia, irritability, memory loss; and can worsen poor appetite.

The Bs’ role: keep the lines moving along on the energy pathway

Work like a team; one B missing in diet, other Bs are affected

Vitamin B Sources

MeatPoultryFishBeansFruits, veggiesNuts

Vitamin B6 and Parkinson’s disease

Needed for strong immune system

Interferes with levodopaOk to take B6 – just not in

high doses (over 15mg)Garden of Life Raw B

Complex

TESTING FOR MICRONUTRIENTS

Spectracell can test for micronutrient status – all minerals, vitamins, antioxidant status

AMAZING coverage for Medicare patients with Dr. approval!

Good Nutrition Critical to Combat Side Effects

Stress and unplanned weight lossAnemiaFatigueDepressed immune systemDepression/lack appetitePoor wound healingChewing/swallowing

problems

Basics of Healthy Diet“Whole foods” dietClean up carbs – reduce

sugars, refinedMore fruits and veggies,

whole grains, beans and legumes

Choose healthy fats – olive oil, avocado, coconut oil, nuts and seeds

Lean proteins – fish, chicken, organic meats and eggs

Minimize Damaging Foods

Processed foods that contain:

Trans fatsOxidized fatsSugarsSugar substitutesFood dyes and lots of

preservatives

Food is Medicine!

Ice cream, pudding, milkshakes?Think outside the box . . .

NUTRITION HEALSSavory soupsSmoothies, coconut oilCreamy breakfast cerealsPureed veggies with organic

butter/gheeNut butters

Favorite Cookbook ResourcesPour love into your cooking –

Food is nourishment!!

Rebecca KatzOne Bite at a TimeThe Cancer Fighting Cookbook

Timing of Sinemet

Protein made of amino acidsAA’s compete with same

receptors in intestine AND brain that Sinemet uses

Best to take Sinemet 30-60 minutes before eating a meal

Nauseous? Take Sinemet with a carb vs protein

CONTACT INFO

Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT

Website: janeschwartz-rd.com

Email: janeschwartz.rd@gmail.com

Phone: 609-865-3999