Introduction
If you’ve been experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your doctor. As a doctor, I’m here to help you understand the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as provide advice on what to eat and what to avoid. Eating the right foods can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve your overall health. In this article, I’ll discuss the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid.
I’m a Doctor and Here are Signs You Have Parkinson’s — Eat This Not That
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s. While there is no cure for the disease, early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away:
- Tremors or shaking, especially in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
- Stiffness or decreased movement of the arms, legs, and torso
- Slowed movement
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Changes in speech, such as softness, slurring, or a monotone voice
- Changes in handwriting, such as smaller handwriting or difficulty writing
In addition to seeking medical attention, there are certain dietary changes that can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help maintain energy levels and reduce inflammation. It is also important to limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, as these can worsen symptoms.
Here are some specific foods to eat and avoid if you have Parkinson’s:
Eat This
- Fruits and vegetables, especially dark leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables
- Lean proteins, such as fish, poultry, and beans
- Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice
- Healthy fats, such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados
- Herbs and spices, such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic
Not That
- Processed foods, such as chips, crackers, and cookies
- Sugary drinks, such as soda and juice
- Saturated fats, such as butter and lard
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta
- Processed meats, such as bacon and sausage
By making dietary changes and seeking medical attention, you can help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s and improve your quality of life.
Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system and symptoms oftentimes develop slowly over the course of a few years. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), which is more than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease (or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.” Eat This, Not That Health spoke with Dr. Arif Dalvi, Neurologist and Physician Chief of the Movement Disorders Program at Delray Medical Center part of the Palm Beach Health Network who explained what to know about Parkinson’s disease and symptoms to be aware of. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to Dr. Dalvi, “There is most likely a genetic predisposition to Parkinson’s Disease. That doesn’t mean it’s inherited but certain genetic make-up can be a predisposition to Parkinson’s Disease. For example, the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) mutation in that gene predisposes someone to Parkinson’s Disease. Other risk factors for Parkinson’s Disease are environmental factors including exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. This is the result of a gene-environment interaction. Essentially, the gene loads the gun and the environment pulls the trigger.”
Dr. Dalvi shares, “One of the biggest misconceptions of Parkinson’s Disease is that everyone with it has tremors. But about 30 percent of patients with Parkinson’s Disease don’t have any tremors. Another misconception is that every tremor is Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, the most common cause of tremor is Essential Tremor, not Parkinson’s Disease. Essential Tremor is when a patient has an isolated tremor and no other Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.”
Dr. Dalvi explains, “Patients with Parkinson’s Disease can also have non-motor symptoms including sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, memory impairment, as well as constipation or incontinence. To make a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, patients will usually get a CT scan or MRI of the brain. This does not make the diagnosis but is used to exclude other causes such as stroke in the brain. Specialized imaging DaTscan is not required to make a diagnosis but is supported if it’s positive.”
“Doctors look for rest tremor which is when they see the tremor in a patient’s hands when they’re resting their hands in their lap. About 70 percent of Parkinson’s Disease patients have this sign,” says Dr. Dalvi.
Dr. Dalvi states, “Slowness of movement, otherwise known as Bradykinesia is the defining sign of Parkinson’s Disease. This is the sign that doctors look for in making the diagnosis.”
Dr. Dalvi explains, “Muscle stiffness especially on just one side of the body is a sign of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a defining feature of Parkinson’s Disease.”
Dr. Dalvi shares, “Difficulty with walking and balance issues are another sign of Parkinson’s Disease.”
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, other movement signs of the disease include:
“Festination: short, rapid steps taken during walking. May increase risk of falling and often seen in association with freezing.
Freezing: gives the appearance of being stuck in place, especially when initiating a step, turning or navigating through doorways. Potentially serious problem as it may increase risk of falling.”
Dr. Dalvi reveals, “People with Parkinson’s can experience a change in facial expression. Patient expressions appear masked or not so visible.”
Heather Newgen