Nutrition in case of Parkinson

If you have Parkinson, it’s possible that eating and drinking will get harder over time. Because of the Parkinson drug, but also because of the progression of the disease, symptoms can arise such as decreased appetite, chewing and swallowing problems, nausea, constipation and weight loss.
In addition, the effect of the Parkinson drug can often be optimized by a good protein breakdown throughout the day. The ParkinsonNet dietician is the best person to guide people with Parkinson. Renate de Schaap is member of ParkinsonNet.
In case of Parkinson's disease, there is a deficiency of dopamine in the brains. It’s therefore that people with Parkinson have often been prescribed Levodopa; this is a substance that is converted into dopamine in the body. Levodopa goes through the stomach into the small intestine, where it is transported to the blood. Then, Levodopa is taken out of the blood and absorbed in to the brains. In the brains, the Levodopa is converted in to dopamine. The shortage of dopamine in the brains is supplemented in this way. The absorption of levodopa can be disturbed in different ways. This can be caused by a full stomach, by constipation or by eating proteins. Examples of Levodopa medication are: Madopar, Sinemet, Duodopa, Stalevo

The role of the Parkinson dietitian

The functioning of Levodopa can be affected by the consumption of proteins. By limiting the consumption of proteins slightly and by dividing it better over the day, the functioning of Levodopa can be improved. The effects of protein restriction are different for each individual. Within two weeks, you’ll know if it’s effective for you. Together with your ParkinsonNet dietician, you can adjust your diet.

In what products can you find proteins?

• Plant based protein: Soy products (tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, soy burgers, Quorn), eggs, bread, grain products (potatoes, rice, pasta, quinoa), pulses (chickpeas, kidney beans, brown beans)
• Animal products: Meat, poultry, fish, wild, milk and milk products.

What can we help you with?

Because Renate de Schaap is member of ParkinsonNet and is specialized in advising you on different food-related complaints. The goal is to reduce your symptoms and/or to improve your fitness. Complaints that may arise and with which Renate can guide you:

1. Decreased appetite and nausea
2. Chewing and swallowing problems
3. Weight loss
4. Full stomach
5. Constipation
6. Ingestion of Levodopa and protein

In addition, Renate can also advise you on how to optimize the effect of the levodopa medication by dividing proteins over the day. In some cases, it helps to follow a slightly limited protein diet.