What is a good diet for Parkinson’s patients?
First, it is necessary to supplement the diet with adequate vitamins and trace elements. Additionally, attention should be paid to consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits daily to increase vitamin C, as well as potassium, magnesium, and other trace elements (diabetics should control sugar intake). Among these, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the human body; it can lower blood lipids, improve the permeability of blood vessels, and enhance resistance to infections, while potassium and magnesium have protective effects on blood vessels.
Second, the diet should avoid high-fat foods, taking measures to lower cholesterol and delay arteriosclerosis. Excessive consumption of animal fats can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, so limits should be placed on foods like lard, beef tallow, and cream. Foods high in cholesterol also include egg yolks, fish roe, animal organs and skin, and fatty meat.
Third, the foods in daily meals should be based on light, low-fat, and easily digestible principles. Parkinson’s patients are mostly elderly, and some of these elderly patients may also suffer from other cardiovascular system conditions, so the diet should primarily consist of light, low-fat, and easily digestible foods.
For Parkinson’s patients, if they can manage their three daily meals well, it will be very beneficial for their health.
1. Parkinson’s patients should pay attention to drinking plenty of water in their three daily meals. It’s important to stay hydrated. Juice, soybean milk, vegetable juice, etc., can also be consumed, but care should be taken to avoid frozen drinks to prevent harming the spleen and stomach.
2. Parkinson’s patients should pay attention to staple foods in their three daily meals. Staples should include rice, bread, yam, potatoes, sweet potatoes, porridge, noodles, etc.
3. Parkinson’s patients should pay attention to side dishes in their three daily meals. Side dishes can include legumes, soy products, vegetables, poultry eggs, bone soup, fish soup, etc.
4. Parkinson’s patients should pay attention to eating fruits in their three daily meals. They can consume bananas, oranges, papayas, watermelons, tomatoes, etc. Additionally, nuts like walnuts and almonds are recommended.
In terms of diet for Parkinson’s patients, carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and typically do not affect the efficacy of levodopa. It is advisable to eat about 300 grams of vegetables or melons daily, along with 1-2 medium-sized fruits, to obtain various vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which also helps relieve constipation. Dairy products are rich in calcium, but due to the protein content in milk possibly having a certain effect on the efficacy of levodopa medication, it is suggested to drink milk in the evening before bed to avoid impacting the effectiveness of medication during the day. Eating tofu and dried tofu, in addition to providing protein, can also supplement calcium.
