Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder, and common symptoms include muscle stiffness, tremors, and slowness of movement. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, proper diet and lifestyle changes can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. However, some people have some misconceptions about diet that can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and even worsen the condition. This article will look at three wrong eating habits that can make Parkinson's disease worse.
Eating Mistake 1: Excessive protein intake
Protein is one of the essential nutrients for the human body and is very important for maintaining the health of muscles, bones, ** and blood. However, for people with Parkinson's disease, excessive protein intake can lead to muscle stiffness and worsening of movement disorders. This is because when proteins are broken down into amino acids, they produce a metabolite called phenylpropionic acid, which inhibits dopamine synthesis in the brain, which can aggravate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Therefore, people with Parkinson's disease should control their protein intake to avoid excessive phenylpropionic acid production. In general, the amount of protein consumed per day should be between 10% and 15% of body weight. It's also important to choose high-quality protein**, including fish, legumes, whole-grain bread, and eggs, which contain other important nutrients in addition to protein.
Eating Error 2: Eating too much salt
Salt is an indispensable condiment in our daily lives, but consuming too much salt can increase blood pressure in people with Parkinson's disease, which can lead to muscle stiffness and worsening of movement disorders. A high-salt diet can also lead to adverse effects such as dehydration, insomnia, and indigestion.
To reduce salt intake, people with Parkinson's disease should try to eat as few processed foods as possible, as these foods often contain high amounts of salt and other additives. At the same time, instead of adding salt directly before or after meals, try to use some natural condiments such as black pepper, vinegar, lemon juice, etc. In addition, people with Parkinson's disease should also drink plenty of water to maintain their body's water balance.
Eating Error 3: Excessive Consumption of Coffee and Tea
Coffee and tea are essential beverages in many people's daily lives, but excessive consumption of these beverages can lead to worsening of symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease. This is because caffeine and theophylline are irritating substances that can irritate the central nervous system, which can aggravate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.