Top 5 Dietary Choices to Reduce Parkinson’s Risk
Discover five key foods that may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, including fatty fish, green tea, fresh vegetables, and berries. Learn about how these dietary choices can support brain health by reducing inflammation and preserving dopamine levels. The article also covers FDA-approved medications like Rytary and Ongentys that aid in managing symptoms. Incorporating these foods and treatments may offer a proactive approach toward lowering the risk and managing Parkinson's effectively.
Sponsored
Parkinson’s disease impacts the central nervous system, leading to decreased dopamine levels that cause tremors, balance issues, and other symptoms. While aging is a major risk factor, research indicates that a healthy diet may help lower the chances of developing the condition. Here, we highlight five foods that could contribute to prevention and management of Parkinson’s, along with some medically approved treatments, including FDA-approved Rytary.
Fava beans
Fava beans are rich in levodopa, a natural compound similar to a component used in Parkinson’s medications. Although some believe consuming fava beans can relieve symptoms, scientific support remains limited.
Research suggests that fava beans might enhance motor skills for individuals with Parkinson’s.
Fatty fish
Fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective roles. These healthy fats support the preservation of dopamine-producing cells and may help prevent degeneration.
Green tea
Packed with antioxidants, green tea can help guard against neurodegeneration. Its compounds promote brain health and may sustain dopamine levels, assisting in both prevention and symptom relief of Parkinson’s. Anti-inflammatory benefits further improve neural function.
Many vegetables are rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that may lower Parkinson’s risk. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, okra, asparagus, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts are excellent sources. Legumes, lentils, and avocados also provide B vitamins.
Berries
Berries including blueberries, blackberries, goji berries, cranberries, and strawberries are high in antioxidants. These compounds help neutralize free radicals linked to Parkinson’s progression, potentially slowing disease advancement.
Additional treatments include medications such as:
Rytary
This FDA-approved drug combines carbidopa and levodopa, commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s management.
Pramipexole
A dopamine agonist that mimics dopamine’s effects in the brain, helping reduce symptoms caused by dopamine deficiency.
Selegiline
An MAO-B inhibitor that extends dopamine activity by preventing its breakdown.
Ongentys
Newly approved by the FDA, Ongentys is a COMT inhibitor that enhances levodopa’s efficacy by preventing its metabolic breakdown, reducing off-times.
