Parkinson's Disease - Lifestyle Changes

Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in oily fish, are proving to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and may also be nerve protective.

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Dairy Products. A 2002 study reported a higher risk for Parkinson's disease in men (but not in women) who consumed high amounts of dairy products. This association was not linked to fats in dairy foods and high intake of calcium or protein from other sources did not increase the risk. A 2005 prospective study of men found that milk consumption in midlife was associated with increased risk of Parkinson?s disease. As with prior research, the researchers did not find that calcium itself carried a risk. They suggested that some unidentified neurotoxic contaminant in milk may be responsible.

Vitamins.

B Vitamins. Most B vitamins play important roles in the brain and central nervous system. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) theoretically has benefits for PD because it is necessary in the production and metabolism of dopamine. Folate deficiency may increase toxic effects against dopamine neural pathways, perhaps by increasing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that may play a destructive role in many diseases, including heart and neurologic disorders. Some evidence suggests that L-dopa elevates homocysteine levels, so folate supplements may be particularly important for PD patients. Although the major food sources of B vitamins are meats and dairy products, which are high in protein, these vitamins are also found in whole grains and are added as supplements to commercial cereals.

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Vitamin E. Antioxidant vitamins, especially vitamin E, have been investigated for its effect on the brain. Some, but not all, studies have reported slower mental decline and lower risk for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease in people who took vitamin E supplements or had a high intake of foods rich in vitamin E. Such foods include vegetable oils (particularly wheat germ oil), sweet potatoes, turnip greens, mangos, avocados, nuts, sunflower seeds, and soybeans.

The Protective Effects of Nicotine and Coffee on Parkinson's Disease

Both smoking and coffee drinking have been associated with lower risk for PD. Researchers are attempting to discover if these substances protect nerve cells. One interesting 2002 study suggested that the early disease process in PD produces changes in the dopamine pathway that actually protects an individual from caffeine and nicotine addiction, so that fewer PD patients have a history of smoking and caffeine. Research is needed to determine why these toxic substances protect against PD.