While there is no prescription for a PD-specific diet, one that includes a variety of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods can improve health. Also consider including nuts, olive oil, fish and eggs to your diet, for their beneficial fats.
Eating plenty of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, beans and legumes, and whole grains, and staying hydrated are key ways to stay energized and healthy overall.
Berries, green leafy vegetables, eggs, fish and oil have neuroprotective properties which can reduce cognitive decline and improve memory function. Yogurt, kefir and raw sauerkraut, natural probiotics, can also increase natural dopamine production.
Green tea is a great beverage if you wish to increase your dopamine levels naturally. Green tea is high in caffeine which boosts our energy levels. Along with this, it also boosts our metabolism. It is also rich in antioxidants and promotes better overall health.
These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine. Studies have shown that symptoms of Parkinson's develop in patients with an 80 percent or greater loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra.
While genetics is thought to play a role in Parkinson's, in most cases the disease does not seem to run in families. Many researchers now believe that Parkinson's results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.
An acute episode of anxiety or panic attacks can lead to a sudden deterioration of Parkinson's, but once the anxiety is treated the patient's symptoms may return to baseline. Several treatments are available to help people manage symptoms of anxiety.
But did you know avocados are especially good for people with Parkinson's Disease? Avocados are high in: Fiber and good fats. Both help fill you up, absorb water, and prevent constipation.
Clinical observations amongst in-patients with PD in Dresden suggested an increased chocolate consumption. We speculated that due to its high content of biogenic amines chocolate may partially substitute the dopaminergic system and may improve PD symptoms.
3. Eggs. Many seniors with Parkinson's disease are deficient in vitamin D, and one boiled egg contains about 11 percent of the daily recommended intake of the vitamin. Make sure your loved one eats the yolk, as that is where most of the vitamin D is stored.
Bananas along with watermelon are great sources of dopamine as they contain high quantities of Tyrosine– the building block of dopamine. Vitamin C has many positive effects on Parkinson's and can help to reduce the symptoms.
Healthy Eating and Regular Exercise: A Powerful Combo
Studies show targeted nutrition may slow Parkinson's advancement. Eating a whole-food, plant-based, Mediterranean-style diet — including fresh vegetables, fruit and berries, nuts, seeds, fish, olive and coconut oils and more — may be linked to slower PD progression.
Patients with vitamin C deficiencies and parkinsonism can show rapid improvement with vitamin C replacement therapy. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency is known to affect brain function and is associated with parkinsonism.
It should be noted that the life expectancy of Parkinson's disease can be normal or near normal. However, a number of factors can shorten life expectancy. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, patients usually live between 10 and 20 years after diagnosis.
Some studies have reported that the average time from onset of Parkinson's to developing dementia is about 10 years. One large study found that about three-quarters of people who live with Parkinson's for more than 10 years will develop dementia.
People consuming high sugar and saturated fats reportedly suffer from lower levels of dopamine. Lack of protein-based foods too can lead to dopamine deficiency, as it compromises on I-tyrosine, an amino acid which plays a major role in triggering dopamine in the body.
May Boost Your Mood
Past research reveals that submerging your body in cold water increases dopamine concentrations by 250 percent. Dopamine is known as the “feel-good” hormone because of the key role it plays in regulating mood, per the Cleveland Clinic.