Nutrition and PD

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When it came to the dinner table, my grandfather had rules. What you take on your plate, you eat, he would say. That rule was not a problem for me. I was outdoors all year round, being active, building an appetite.

There was a large garden, plus fruit and walnut trees, that sustained the family in fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts for months. I remember, the cold cellar in the farmhouse.  My grandfather built wood shelves on two sides of the room. Every food to be canned, pickled, smoked, or otherwise prepared had a spot on the shelf.

Do you know anybody today that either cans or pickles anything?  Families today are aware of the need to eat healthy. That despite the billions of dollars spent each year by the fast food industry to promote "on the go" or “fast food.”

Today, families have a fast paced lifestyle. That makes it difficult, especially for children, to eat healthy.  It can be done.

A person with PD can lose weight because of poor appetite. Some people who take Levodopa find that protein interferes with their med. if taken just before or after a meal.

According to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, what matters most about nutrition is to eat a balanced diet, maintain bone health and bowel regularity. Balance your meds and food. Adjust nutritional priorities for the stage of disease.

If you lose weight for no reason, see your physician. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables that provide fiber. Limit the amount of protein or stagger the Levodopa dosage to avoid conflicts with meals. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day to remain hydrated.