I now eat more fresh fruit and vegetables (especially green, leafy ones), focus on fish rather than meat for protein, cut down on dairy products, processed foods and canned drinks as much as possible and drink lots of water (especially with meds) and wine only in moderation. I’ve converted to decaffeinated tea and added fruit, herb and green tea bags to the shopping list (Pukka’s ‘feel new’ organic aniseed, fennel and cardamom blend is particularly soothing).
Breakfast always includes at least 2 portions of fruit, and nuts and seeds (golden linseed, pumpkin, chia) liberally sprinkled on muesli with oat or almond milk and plant cream. It’s actually delicious and filling, and stops that slightly queasy feeling I get first thing, which may be linked to Sinemet.
I feel best if I stick to soup or salad for lunch (with teabread made by Peter if there’s still any in the tin). A large meal at lunchtime always results in the rest of the day being a write-off – I feel tired and my meds don’t work.
In the evenings I make vegetable-based stir-fry’s, pasta or rice dishes and casseroles with a little meat, or preferably fish, and include fresh herbs and spices (turmeric is thought to be particularly beneficial for PwP). I’ve added more high fibre foods like avocados. chickpeas, lentils and pistachios to the shopping list and tried fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir), recommended in a recent podcast by Dr Michael Mosely for being rich in probiotic bacteria.
Making these changes has been easier than I thought and means I am ‘following the science’ (like Boris) at least! It’s seven years since my diagnosis and I don’t know if my new diet is helping to slow my progression or not. What I do know is that when my meds are working I feel pretty good – long may it continue!
Other tips:
- Only drink water between 7 pm and 7 am (daily 12 hour fast). Helps sleep.
- Protein and constipation stop your meds working. Save protein for the evening meal and eat foods that will get your bowels moving naturally if possible.
- Tremor uses up a lot of energy and some PwP struggle to maintain their weight. Plan healthy snacks between meals at times that won’t affect your meds and make sure you eat them.
- Loss of taste/smell can affect your appetite so choose healthy foods you like!
Laurel Miller
Sources: Dr Laurie Mischley (Pro-PD scale and diet 2021); Richelle Flanagan (nutrition specialist).