Looking into Inflammation and Parkinson’s

As someone with an autoimmune disease, I know how important an anti-inflammatory diet can be for me. Lowering my body’s inflammatory response helps me to keep my immune system in check, which slows the deterioration of my thyroid tissue.

But I’ve recently become inquisitive about inflammation in Parkinson’s disease, too. Could inflammation be problematic for my dad?

What is inflammation?

When the human body is fending off harmful toxins or foreign substances, it engages the immune system, which responds by creating inflammation.^1,2

In small amounts, inflammation can help your body to fend off those harmful particles. But the human body is also capable of producing too much inflammation, or letting it getting out of hand, which can lead to tissue damage.^1,2

For many years, researchers believed that inflammation in the body wouldn’t necessarily impact inflammation in the brain.²

But recent research suggests that the standard barrier that exists within the brain may be damaged in Parkinson’s disease. And higher levels of inflammation are commonly detected in Parkinson’s brains.²

How does it relate to PD?

Some evidence suggests that inflammation plays a role in the progression of Parkinson’s disease.³

There may be a correlation between inflammation and Lewy bodies. While it isn’t yet understood, the accumulation of Lewy bodies may be the cause of inflammation, and some researchers are wondering whether curing or managing inflammation may slow or stop the accumulation of Lewy bodies.¹

This could be exciting because it may be easier to manage inflammation than the development of Lewy bodies.

How this translates to food

One study suggested that dietary or gut-driven therapies could decrease inflammation in people with Parkinson’s.⁴

While research is still being conducted regarding this topic, there’s hopeful evidence that shows that lowering inflammation levels in Parkinson’s disease could slow the progression of it.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Anti-inflammatory diets involve a lot of whole foods. My mom does a great job of introducing colorful and well-rounded meals to my dad, which could help to boost his overall health. Diets with a lot of fruits and vegetables are ideal for him.

Many people flock to the Mediterranean diet when they’re evaluating anti-inflammatory diets. Typically, this means that there’s a minimal consumption of meat and dairy products, and a well-balanced array of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and fats.⁵

It’s also important to consider that what you choose not to eat is just as important as what you choose to eat. For example, red meat, processed foods, foods that contain artificial colors and flavors, and alcohol are commonly known to be inflammatory.⁶

For my dad, this often looks like a lean protein (like chicken, or fish), some type of unrefined grain, and a vegetable.

Hopeful to slow the progression

I’ve personally been exploring anti-inflammatory spices, since I love to add them to soups and other types of dishes. I’ve read that spices like turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, cayenne, black pepper, and even cloves may have anti-inflammatory components.

And it’s relatively easy to find ways to incorporate this into my day-to-day lifestyle. Whether or not inflammation is manageable in Parkinson’s remains to be seen. But I’m hopeful that a shift in diet may help my dad to slow the progression of the disease.

For additional questions and concerns about your own diet, I encourage you to consult your primary care physician. This should not be interpreted as medical advice.