Treatments for Parkinsons, reduce symptoms and slow the progression

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive nerve disorder that causes uncontrollable shaking or trembling (tremors), a fixed staring expression, muscle rigidity, stooped posture, and an abnormal gait. The disease varies from one person to another; some people develop speech problems and difficulty swallowing, while others suffer progressive dementia. Parkinson’s affects men and women equally and generally develops after the age of 50.

Nutrition Connection
Although there are no nutritional treatments for Parkinson’s disease, diet helps to increase the effectiveness of treatment with levodopa, which is a medication patients often take to control the tremors and muscle spasms, and manage such problems as constipation and difficulty in chewing and swallowing. Here’s how:
-Make treatments more effective. To be its most effective, some physicians advise taking levodopa 20 to 30 minutes before meals, but if this provokes nausea, it can be taken with a carbohydrate snack, such as crackers or bread. Protein delays the absorption of levodopa, so avoid high-protein diets while on the medication. Some doctors suggest eating the day’s protein in the evening, when it’s less likely to create problems.
-Control other symptoms. Constipation can be minimized by consuming ample fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, and other high-fiber foods, as well as drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water or other fluids daily.
-Put easy-to-chew foods on the menu. Those with advanced Parkinson’s often have trouble chewing and swallowing food, because the tongue and facial muscles are affected. Meals should emphasize foods that are easy to chew and swallow. These include cooked cereals or well-moistened dry cereals, poached or scrambled eggs, soups, mashed potatoes, rice, soft-cooked pasta, tender chicken or turkey, well-cooked boneless fish, pureed or mashed vegetables and fruits, custard, yogurt, and juices. If eating is tiring, try smaller but more frequent meals.
-Consider vitamin K. Some initial research has shown that vitamin K can improve cellular energy production and possibly ward off the Parkinson’s symptom of diminished energy distribution among brain cells. Sources of vitamin K include green vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach.

Beyond the Diet
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but various medications, especially levodopa, can reduce symptoms and slow the progression. Here are some other guidelines for easing the symptoms:
-Make time for fitness. Exercise promotes healthy bowel function and is advised for anyone with Parkinson’s disease, because it preserves muscle tone and strength.
-Ease digestion. Sit up straight and tilt your head slightly forward when swallowing. Take small bites, chew thoroughly, and swallow everything before taking another bite. Sip a liquid between bites to help wash food down.