Parkinson’s disease is a neurogenerative disorder in which nerve cells, which produce the hormone called dopamine, break down or die. This can lead to tremors, slowed movement, issues with speech, impaired balance, and stiffness of the limbs, among other symptoms that develop over time. There is no cure for this condition, however, one can take steps to relieve the symptoms. So, here are a few of the treatment options, foods, and tips to manage Parkinson’s:

Treatment options
Doctors recommend treatments that can increase or substitute dopamine in the body and help reduce symptoms. Here are a few options for Parkinson’s disease:

Levodopa: Developed in the 1960s, this is the most prominent treatment option for Parkinson’s. The brain converts levodopa into dopamine, replacing the missing hormone and controlling the symptoms. It is usually prescribed with carbidopa to avoid side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Carbidopa: This, when combined with levodopa, is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It mainly prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, so carbidopa has on its own has no effect on the body.
Ongentys (opicapone): This is classified as a COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) inhibitor and works by preventing COMT, an enzyme that occurs naturally in the body, from breaking down levodopa. So, Ongentys is prescribed as an add-on to prolong the effects of other treatment options. Opicapone is sold under the brand name Ongentys and is an FDA-approved option to treat Parkinson’s symptoms.
Rytary: This oral treatment option is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa. Rytary is prescribed to help manage symptoms like slowed movement, imbalance, shakiness, and stiffness.

Foods to eat and avoid
Specific nutrient-rich food items that are required for the brain to function properly are essential when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Some of the foods that help in managing the symptoms are:

Fish: Seafood, especially fish such as sardines, salmon, anchovies, and mackerel, contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help slow down the progression of the illness and reduce nerve inflammation. One can also use omega-3 supplements after consulting with their doctor.
Fava beans: These beans contain levodopa, which is commonly prescribed to treat this condition. A study conducted with Parkinson’s disease patients indicated an improvement in their motor performance after beans were added to their meals. This, however, cannot be used as an alternative to prescription levodopa.
Vitamin-rich foods: People with Parkinson’s could be susceptible to vitamin deficiencies. In particular, adding foods rich in vitamins B1, C, and D is essential for proper brain function and can help avoid issues like neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Foods rich in vitamins include bananas, nuts, oranges, egg yolks, lentils, peas, and citrus fruits, among others.

A few food items could worsen the symptoms or speed up the progression. Processed food has been linked to a rapid progression of Parkinson’s, so patients should avoid canned foods, ready meals, chips, and candy. Chewy, hard, and crumbly foods should also be avoided as people affected may experience difficulty in chewing and swallowing.

Lifestyle changes
Certain lifestyle modifications and choices can help people manage the symptoms associated with the condition. Here are a few simple tips that make it easier to deal with the symptoms:

Exercise regularly: This is necessary for our overall good health; however, with Parkinson’s, it becomes even more essential to exercise regularly. Exercising can positively affect the body and mind and improve coordination, flexibility, posture, and balance, helping control movement-related symptoms. Mild forms of exercise like walking, swimming, dancing, and tai chi can be enjoyable activities. One must consult their doctor and physical therapist before incorporating such activities into their routine.
Sleep well: The illness can cause sleep-related issues and even abnormal dreams. However, maintaining healthy sleep patterns is crucial when affected by this condition, as the body needs more time to repair itself. Adhering to a consistent sleep schedule, i.e., sleeping and waking up at the exact same time every day, could be helpful. Measures such as avoiding looking at screens—laptop, cell phone, and TV screens—before bed, limiting caffeinated beverages, and ensuring that the bedroom is cool and comfortable could help one sleep better. Also, taking several naps during the day can disrupt the nighttime sleep. At most, one can take a single nap of about 40 minutes if necessary.
Seek assistance: When diagnosed with this disease, people might need to seek the help of their friends and family to help them carry out day-to-day chores. In addition, one might also find it useful to reach out to support groups to talk to people affected by this condition. This can help patients understand and manage the disease better. So, one should try looking up people familiar with this condition and the challenges of living with it. Patients and their family members can also opt for counseling services or therapy and use available resources to acquaint themselves with the illness.

Parkinson’s can affect each patient differently, but learning how to manage the symptoms can help people navigate the disease better. Setting up a daily schedule, exploring treatment options, and maintaining a Parkinson’s-friendly meal regimen can be a good starting point for effective disease management.