Basic Diet

Basic Diet


Discussion Corner Forum Index -> Ask The Parkinson Dietician

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Anonymous
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:35 am Post subject: Basic Diet

Dear Ms Holden: Is there a basic diet for Parkinson Patients? Are there specific foods that should and should not be eaten? Thank you. Sincerly Ed Tierney [/i][/b]
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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 8:26 am Post subject:

Dear Ed, The best possible diet for a person with PD is individualized for that person's specific needs. This can be affected by many factors. For example, a newly-diagnosed 38-year-old male using Requip would likely have very different needs than a 78-year-old female in late-stage PD using Sinemet. If you care to provide more data, I might be able to give a fuller response: - age - gender - when diagnosed with PD - the names of all medications used (both PD, and other medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal or other supplements) - any other diagnosed conditions (such as elevated blood pressure, food allergies, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.) - any particular complaints or concerns such as nausea, edema, weight changes, constipation, sadness, etc._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD -- For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit: http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
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Anonymous
Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 11:34 pm Post subject:

Dear Kathrynne: Following is the data requested. Age: 74 Gender: Male Diagnosed with PD: Oct'05 Meds: Mirapex 0.5mg 3x a day, Atenolol 25mg 1per day,Pravastatin 40mg 1 per day, Aspirin 81mg 1 per day,Folic acid 400mcg 1 per day, Vitamin D 400I.U. 1 per day, Glucosamine-Condroiten 2 per day. Diagnosed Conditions: PD, Angina, Ischemia, Arthritis,Elevated blood pressure, controlled by med, Elevated cholesteral, controlled by med. Complaints & Concerns:nausea,edema,weight gain, difficulty sleeping,weak,no pep. Sincerely Ed Tierney
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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RDJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 94Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2007 5:43 pm Post subject:

Dear Ed, Thanks, this is very helpful. I suspect that most, if not all, of your concerns are side effects of your medications. Here is a list of possibilities. Medication, possible side effects Mirapex: edema, weight gain, nausea, fatigue Atenolol: nausea, drowsiness, fatigue – may require a low-sodium diet Pravastatin: nausea, weakness, insomnia; may deplete natural supply of Coenzyme Q10 My comments: 1) It might be a good idea to discuss with your neurologist whether Sinemet might be a better choice than Mirapex. Often, the agonists are a very good choice for younger people, but by the 70's the side effects may become more likely. Many people of all ages experience edema, followed by elevated blood pressure, with use of Mirapex. Nausea, fatigue, and weakness (“no pep”) are also very common. 2) If your cardiologist has not discussed it already, I would ask about supplements of CoQ10, as the statin drugs can deplete our natural supply. This depletion, in some people, may contribute to fatigue and weakness. 3) With the elevated blood pressure, I strongly recommend you consider the DASH diet. It was designed to act as a natural diuretic, helping to flush fluids from the tissues. Coincidentally, it is rich in the nutrients of greatest value to those with PD – calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fibers – thus serving both purposes. I would ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian who can help you determine your calorie needs and portion sizes within the DASH diet. If you will search the Dietitian archives, you will find my posting on DASH, with websites that offer more information, including menus and recipes. Use of the DASH diet, adding CoQ10, and if your neurologist agrees, switching to Sinemet, might help lower your blood pressure and reduce your need for blood pressure medications, thus reducing some of the side effects that are causing your concerns. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to write again, I will help if I can._________________Best regards, Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
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