Aliya I. Sarwar, MD, our Education Director, has just written a most beneficial article entitled Nutrition in Parkinson's Disease. In addition to comprehensive diet recommendations, she gives detailed information on vitamin, mineral and herbal therapy, as well as a list of things to avoid.
This article is too lengthy to print in our newsletter, so it will be available upon request and at our February and March meetings at West University Place. If you can't attend the meeting, you may request a copy by phoning 713-552-0858, leaving your name, mailing address and telephone number, or by e-mail to sarahmalcolm@sbcglobal.net.
Please Consume:
· Multiple small meals (4-5) in a day
· Well-balanced, high-fiber diet consisting of “live foods”, free from pesticides and preservatives
· Plenty of organic fresh produce including green leafy vegetables and fruits
· Various nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds) and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame including sesame butter) in moderation. (Check for allergy through the physician)
· Limited amounts of high quality lean protein (poultry, fish, soy, other beans), with the largest portion preferable at the evening meal (unless otherwise stated by the physician)
· Fresh, filtered water (8-10, 8 oz servings/day)
Supplements:
· Vitamin B-complex (especially Folate and Vitamin B12) , Vitamin D, and antioxidants like Vitamins C, E and CoQ10
· Mineral supplements, especially Calcium with Magnesium and others as needed
· Herbal, as recommended by the physician
Please Avoid:
· Large meals
· Processed and/or preservative-containing food.
· Simple sugars (cookies, cakes, candies), caffeine (regular coffee, tea, colas), alcohol and nicotine products
· High protein food just before or just after the intake of L-Dopa. (Levodopa-containing medications should be taken at least 30-45 minutes before or 2.5 hours after a protein-containing meal, to facilitate absorption)
· Carbonated beverages, even caffeine free and diet drinks