Parkinson Disease is neurodegenerative disorder commonly associated with slow movement, tremors, stiffness and difficulty walking.
A new study published in Neurology (Long-Term Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Prodromal Features of Parkinson Disease) found that: “There’s growing evidence that diet might influence the development of Parkinson’s disease“, said study author Dr. Xiang Gao of the Institute of Nutrition at Fudan University in Shanghai, China. ““Our research shows that eating too much processed food, like sugary sodas and packaged snacks, might be speeding up early signs of Parkinson’s disease.” The researchers also found “higher UPF consumption was associated with increased odds of individual prodromal features, including pRBD, constipation, body pain, and depressive symptoms.”
Ultra-processed foods are foods that have been altered to include fats, starches, sugars, salts and hydrogenated oils extracted from other foods. They’re a patchwork of ingredients, additives and preservatives. UPF’s include flavored potato chips, soft drinks, hot dogs, energy drinks, sweetened breakfast cereals, to name a few.
Diet and exercise can slow progression of Parkinson
Johns Hopkins Medine (Fighting Parkinson’s Disease with Exercise and Diet) states that “Research has shown that following certain lifestyle modifications” like diet and exercise can help patients better manage Parkinson symptoms and slow progression of the condition“.
Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends: “Following a balanced diet improves general well-being and boosts your ability to deal with symptoms of the disease. Eating plenty of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, beans and legumes, and whole grains, and staying hydrated are key ways to stay energized and healthy overall.“
Role of exercise
Keep moving! Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends: “Movement, especially exercises that encourage balance and reciprocal patterns [movements that require coordination of both sides of your body], can actually slow progression of the disease”. Movement gets your heart pumping faster with all the health benefits that flow from that, including for Parkinson patients, maintaining normal motor skills.
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