Fueling the Brain and Body: Why a Balanced Diet Matters in Parkinson’s Disease

Written By: Renee Rouleau- B.S., PhD student, Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo

We’re back for another great article about living well and eating nutritiously! This article covers the importance of a balanced diet for individuals managing Parkinson's Disease (PD). It emphasizes that food is not just fuel but also a tool for supporting brain and muscle health. The article introduces the concept of macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein, and fats – as key components of a healthy diet. It suggests that a balanced mix of these macronutrients can help manage PD symptoms, maintain energy levels, and support overall well-being. Today we are going to investigate these three ingredients. 

 Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source. Although you may have a negative perception of them (how many of you have heard that Carbs are the “bad food?), they’re found in all foods, healthy or unhealthy, even veggies! They provide the glucose that powers our muscles and keeps our brain sharp. There are two types of carbs: simple carbs and complex. 

Simple carbs are the ones people have bad feelings about, and are found in more processed foods, easily breaking down into sugar for the body to use. Complex carbs are a bit different: these carbs are formed of different sugars that are harder to break down, and can be attached to fiber, something we talked about previously, which makes your body work harder to digest and keeps you full for longer. For people with PD, complex carbs—like those found in whole grains like whole wheat or brown rice, vegetables, fruits, and legumes—are especially helpful because they release energy slowly and keep blood sugar steady. This can help reduce fatigue and support better focus and movement. Interestingly, it’s been reported in several studies that people living with PD crave more “simple” carbs and sugary foods, perhaps because it increases dopamine production (Schaeffer et al., 2021; Haas et al., 2022)! Short term, this might seem good, but long term can lead to complications like increased insulin resistance and diabetes. It may be best to stick to fiber-rich carbs that can support gut health, which is closely linked to brain function and may play a role in managing PD symptoms (Kwon et al., 2024). Furthermore, this study describes carbohydrates as the body's main energy source, found in various foods including vegetables. It explains the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbs, often found in processed foods, break down quickly into sugar. Complex carbs, found in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes, are harder to break down, often contain fiber, and provide a slower release of energy, helping maintain stable blood sugar.

For people with Parkinson's Disease (PD), complex carbs are recommended to reduce fatigue and support focus and movement. Studies suggest that individuals with PD may crave simple carbs and sugary foods due to increased dopamine production, but emphasizes that long-term consumption of simple carbs can lead to complications like insulin resistance and diabetes. It recommends focusing on fiber-rich carbs to support gut health, which is linked to brain function and PD symptom management.

Proteins are vital for the body, serving as building blocks made of amino acids. These amino acids are crucial for repairing tissues and maintaining muscle strength. This is particularly important for individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) who may experience muscle stiffness and weakness. Protein also aids in muscle fiber repair after exercise, which can contribute to improved movement in the long term.

Good sources of protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, tofu, beans, and nuts. However, the timing of protein intake is important, especially for those taking carbidopa-levodopa. High-protein meals can interfere with the absorption of this medication due to chemical interactions.

To manage this, experts recommend spreading protein intake evenly throughout the day. Another suggestion is to take levodopa 30-60 minutes before eating protein to enhance its effectiveness. In some cases, restricting protein intake under the guidance of a nutritionist may be recommended (Wang et al., 2017; Rusch et al., 2023). It is crucial to consult with a dietitian or doctor before making any dietary changes to determine the best approach for individual needs, as medical and health advice is not one-size-fits-all.

Fats often get a bad reputation, but healthy fats are essential for brain health. Although we do want to avoid some types of fats, like saturated fats, unsaturated fats are extremely healthy and provide a lot of benefits! Compounds like omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds, may help reduce inflammation and protect brain cells from neurodegeneration. There are several studies detailing that omega-3s may have neuroprotective effects by reducing neuroinflammation potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s (Kiecolt-Glacier et al., 2012; Kidd, 2019). Replacing saturated fats (found in fried or processed foods) with unsaturated fats can also support heart health, which benefits brain circulation. A balanced diet does more than support the brain and muscles—it can also improve mood, digestion, and even sleep, which are often affected by Parkinson’s. While no one diet fits all, many people with PD benefit from a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil, which we’ll talk more in depth about diets in our next article!

In short, what’s on your plate can make a real difference. A diet that includes the right mix of carbs, proteins, and fats—not too much, not too little—can help people with Parkinson’s live more energized, more comfortable lives. It’s not just about eating healthy—it’s about eating smart

This text discusses the importance of healthy fats, particularly unsaturated fats, for brain health, especially in the context of Parkinson's Disease (PD). It highlights the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds, for reducing inflammation and protecting brain cells from neurodegeneration. Replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats is also recommended for supporting heart health and brain circulation.

The passage emphasizes that a balanced diet, including the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, is crucial for managing PD symptoms, improving mood, digestion, and sleep. It suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil, can be beneficial for many people with PD. The overall message is that a thoughtful and strategic approach to diet can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's.

References :

Haas J, Berg D, Bosy-Westphal A, Schaeffer E. Parkinson's Disease and Sugar Intake-Reasons for and Consequences of a Still Unclear Craving. Nutrients. 2022 Aug 8;14(15):3240. doi: 10.3390/nu14153240. PMID: 35956417; PMCID: PMC9370710.

Kidd PM. Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids. Altern Med Rev. 2007;12:207–227. https://altmedrev.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/v12-3-207.pdf.

Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Belury MA, Andridge R, Malarkey WB, Hwang BS, Glaser R.Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation in healthy middle-aged and older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2012;26:988–995. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.05.011.

Rusch C, Flanagan R, Suh H, Subramanian I. To restrict or not to restrict? Practical considerations for optimizing dietary protein interactions on levodopa absorption in Parkinson's disease. NPJ Parkinsons Dis. 2023 Jun 24;9(1):98. doi: 10.1038/s41531-023-00541-w. PMID: 37355689; PMCID: PMC10290638.

Schaeffer E, Schermann A, Zirbs F, Berg D. Increased Intake of Fast-Acting Carbohydrates in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. Neurodegener Dis. 2021;21(3-4):103-108. doi: 10.1159/000520594. Epub 2021 Nov 9. PMID: 34753131.

Wang L, Xiong N, Huang J, Guo S, Liu L, Han C, Zhang G, Jiang H, Ma K, Xia Y, Xu X, Li J, Liu JY, Wang T. Protein-Restricted Diets for Ameliorating Motor Fluctuations in Parkinson's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci. 2017 Jun 28;9:206. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2017.00206. PMID: 28701947; PMCID: PMC5487390.