Diseases

Parkinson's Disease: Eating Right Information

Controlling Nausea

There are several ways to control or relieve nausea, including:

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Drinks containing sugar may calm the stomach better than other liquids.
• Avoid orange and grapefruit juices because these are too acidic and may worsen nausea.
• Drink beverages slowly.
• Drink liquids between meals instead of during them.
• Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
• Eat slowly.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
• Do not mix hot and cold foods.
• Eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid getting nauseated from the smell of hot or warm foods.
• Rest after eating, keeping your head elevated. Activity may worsen nausea and may lead to vomiting.
• Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
• If you feel nauseated when you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers before getting out of bed or eat a high protein snack before going to bed (lean meat or cheese).
• Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.
• If these techniques do not seem to ease your queasy stomach, consult your doctor.

Here are some high-calorie recipes to try.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake Makes one serving; 1090 calories per serving. Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons chocolate syrup
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate ice cream

• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup ice cream (1-2 scoops)
• 1 package Carnation Instant Breakfast

• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 package instant pudding
• 3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder

Introduction to eating right with Parkinson's disease

While there is no special diet required for people with Parkinson's disease, eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet is extremely beneficial. With the proper diet, our bodies work more efficiently, we have more energy, and Parkinson's disease medications will work properly. This article addresses the basics of good nutrition. Please consult your doctor or dietitian before making any dietary changes. A registered dietitian can provide in-depth nutrition education, tailor these general guidelines to meet your needs, and help you create and follow a personal meal plan.

Maintaining Your Weight With Parkinson's Disease

Malnutrition and weight maintenance is often an issue for people with Parkinson's disease. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy weight.

• Weigh yourself once or twice a week, unless your doctor recommends weighing yourself 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.

• Ask your doctor about nutritional supplements. Sometimes supplements in the form of snacks, drinks (such as Ensure or Boost), or vitamins may be prescribed to eat between meals to help you increase your calories and get the right amount of nutrients every day. But, be sure to check with your doctor before making any dietary changes or before adding supplements to your diet. Some can be harmful or interfere with your medication.
• Avoid low-fat or low-calorie products. (unless other dietary guidelines have been recommended). Use whole milk, whole milk cheese, and yogurt.

Medication and Food Interactions

The medication levodopa generally works best when taken on an empty stomach, about ½ hour before meals or at least one hour after meals. It should be taken with 4-5 oz. of water. This allows the drug to be absorbed in the body more quickly. For some patients, levodopa may cause nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Therefore, your doctor may prescribe a combination of levodopa and carbidopa (called Sinemet) or carbidopa by itself (called Lodosyn). If nausea is a continual problem, your doctor may be able to prescribe another drug to relieve these symptoms. There are also tips listed below that can help relieve nausea. Also, ask your doctor if you should change your daily protein intake. In rare cases, a diet high in protein limits the effectiveness of levodopa.

Relieving Thirst/Dry Mouth

Some Parkinson's disease medications may make you thirsty. Here are some tips for relieving thirst and dry mouth:

• Drink eight or more cups of liquid each day. But, some people with Parkinson's disease who also have heart problems may need to limit their fluids, so be sure to follow your doctor's guidelines.
• Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) as it may interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.
• Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, decaffeinated tea or coffee to soften them.
• Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help you swallow.
• Add sauces to foods to make them soft and moist. Try gravy, broth, sauce, or melted butter.
• Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
• Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about alternative mouthwash products.
• Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products. They are available by prescription.

The Basics of Eating Well

• Eat a variety of foods from each food category. Ask your doctor if you should take a daily vitamin supplement.
• Maintain your weight through a proper balance of exercise and food. Ask your doctor what your "goal" weight should be and how many calories you should consume per day.
• 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.
• Choose foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Try to limit sugars.
• Moderate your use of salt.
• Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water per day.
• Ask your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages (alcohol may interfere with some of your medications).