Create a balanced diet for Parkinson's disease

This section of the website contains information about the different elements that make up a balanced diet, and how to ensure healthy eating throughout the day. These ideas can be simply fitted into the daily routine in place of (not in addition to!) the current eating habits of a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, any specific dietary concerns should be mentioned to the doctor or PD nurse, who may recommend speaking to a dietician.

Carbohydrates, proteins and fats

A balanced diet should contain a combination of all the nutrients that are required to keep the body healthy and in good repair. This includes the right balance of so-called ‘macronutrients’ – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates break down inside the body to form glucose, which is the basic fuel for the body, providing energy. Foods containing carbohydrate include products rich in starch and/or sugar, e.g., bread, pasta, rice, cakes, and biscuits, and provide 4 kilocalories per gram.

Proteins

Proteins are the building materials of the body, helping with growth and repair of body tissues, e.g., muscles, skin. Foods containing protein, e.g., dairy products, meat, nuts and pulses, provide 4 kilocalories per gram.

Fats

Fats serve as an energy store and insulator. They also supply ‘essential fatty acids’, which are required to help the body absorb some necessary vitamins. Fats are high in calories (9 kilocalories per gram), and although certain types should be eaten in moderation (see box, below), some people who have difficulty gaining weight may be advised to eat more high-fat foods.

Saturated and unsaturated fats

Saturated fats can cause an increase in blood cholesterol. They are also known as animal fats as they are found mainly in animal products such as fatty cuts of meat, lard and dripping, some margarines and dairy products such as full fat milk, hard cheese, cream and butter, and in cakes, biscuits, pies and pastries. Saturated fat may also be found in some vegetable oils such as coconut and palm oil.

Unsaturated fats may lower blood cholesterol, and include the polyunsaturated fats found in sunflower, corn or soya oil, and the monounsaturated fats found in rapeseed (canola) and olive oil.

Vitamins and minerals

As well as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, a healthy diet should also contain sufficient micronutrients – that is, vitamins and minerals.

Consuming a varied and balanced diet can remove the need for vitamin and mineral supplements. Anyone who is taking supplements containing large amounts of vitamins or minerals and/or need further advice, should speak to their doctor or dietician.

  • Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, and remain in the body for weeks before being depleted. They tend to be found in milk and dairy foods.
  • Vitamins B (complex) and C are water-soluble and need to be replenished daily. B vitamins are found in bread and cereals, and vitamin C is mostly found in citrus fruit.
  • Minerals are found in many foods, often in tiny (trace) amounts, and include calcium, chloride, chromium, fluoride, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulphur, and zinc.

Food groups

All foods fall into one of the following five groups, each containing different amounts of nutrients (‘Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats’ and ‘Vitamins and minerals’).

  1. Breads and cereals (starchy foods) provide mostly carbohydrate (starch), fibre, and some protein, calcium, iron, and B vitamins.
  2. Meat, fish and the vegetarian alternatives provide mostly protein with some fat, and vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins.
  3. Fruit and vegetables provide some carbohydrate and fibre, as well as many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, carotenes, and folates. Fruit and vegetables tend to be lower in calories due to the high proportion of water and fibre found in these foods.
  4. Milk and dairy products contain carbohydrate, protein, fat, and some vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamins B12, A and D. Some people feel that milk contributes to excess mucus, but there is no evidence to show that this is the case.
  5. Extras – food and drinks containing fat, sugar and/or alcohol, e.g., chocolate, biscuits, sweets, butter, mayonnaise, and cream. Depending upon the particular type, these foods provide fat and carbohydrate and can be used to increase the calorie intake of people who are unable to achieve their body’s energy needs with a standard balanced diet.

In addition, the intake of fluids – basically, plenty of water (8–10 glasses daily) – is an essential part of the balanced diet.