The Truth About Social Media Trends in Parkinson’s Disease

Written By: Renee Rouleau- M.S. Neuroscience and Bridges for Parkinson’s Medical Science Advisor

Are you hooked on social media?

How many of you spend time scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok? If you do, chances are you’ve seen a flood of health claims—posts promising that you’ll feel amazing in under two weeks if you just buy a recipe book, drink cherry juice by the gallon, sip probiotic sodas, or load up on electrolytes.

If you're living with Parkinson’s Disease—or know someone who is—you’ve probably come across even more dramatic claims. There are juice cleanses that “reverse” symptoms, keto diets that “cure” tremors, AND miracle foods that promise to “reboot” your brain.

So, what’s the Truth behind these claims? While these posts can be tempting, they often spread misinformation. Fad diets and so-called holistic remedies may seem harmless, but they can be risky—especially for those with Parkinson’s.

We’ve said it before and we’ll keep saying it - Yes, what you eat does matter. Nutrition plays a real role in supporting the brain

Many diet fads promote quick fixes, but Parkinson’s disease is a long-term condition that requires sustained and careful management. Extreme diets often restrict, or even eliminate, essential nutrients such as fiber, protein, or healthy fats. For instance, juice cleanses can result in inadequate protein intake, potentially leading to muscle loss. On the other hand,  very low-carbohydrate diets may exacerbate common Parkinson’s symptoms like constipation and low energy and, some restrictive diets can interfere with medications such as levodopa, complicating symptom control (Cereda et al., 2010). What may seem effective or trendy on platforms like TikTok or Facebook is rarely safe or sustainable in real-life clinical contexts—and can pose significant risks to individuals who follow online advice without professional guidance (Al-Busaidi & Almari, 2020).

Another concern is that some people turn to “holistic healers” or unlicensed nutrition coaches and social media influencers for guidance. While these practitioners may mean well, they often lack the specialized training needed to understand how Parkinson’s disease and its medications interact with food. Following unverified advice can sometimes worsen symptoms or lead to dangerous interactions. For instance, supplements marketed as “dopamine boosters” may actually interfere with prescribed treatments (Bega et al., 2014). In contrast, a licensed dietitian working alongside a neurologist can develop a safe, individualized nutrition plan that supports both brain and body health.

Science shows that balance—not restriction—is key. Research supports dietary patterns like the Mediterranean diet, which focuses on whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (Alcalay et al., 2012). These foods provide the nutrients needed to support brain function, reduce inflammation, and keep muscles strong. Unlike fad diets, this approach to eating is flexible, sustainable, and backed by years of research—not trends.

The bottom line: if you or someone you love has Parkinson’s, be cautious about nutrition claims on social media.   You may be  tempted to try the latest fad, these diets can do more harm than good. Instead, work with a registered dietitian and neurologist who specialize in Parkinson’s care. They can help create a plan that supports your health, works with your medications, and keeps you strong for the long run—no gimmicks required.

Al-Busaidi, I. S., & Alamri, Y. (2020). Parkinson’s disease and social media. Diagnosis and Management in Parkinson’s Disease, 125–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-815946-0.00008-9 

Alcalay, R. N., Gu, Y., Mejia-Santana, H., Cote, L., Marder, K. S., & Scarmeas, N. (2012). The association between Mediterranean diet adherence and Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 27(6), 771–774. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.24918

Bega, D., Gonzalez-Latapi, P., Zadikoff, C. et al. A Review of the Clinical Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Parkinson’s Disease. Curr Treat Options Neurol 16, 

Cereda, E., Barichella, M., Pedrolli, C., & Pezzoli, G. (2010). Low-protein and protein-redistribution diets for Parkinson’s disease patients with motor fluctuations: A systematic review. Movement Disorders, 25(13), 2021–2034. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.23226