Foods That Help Protect Parkinson's Throughout the Holiday Season
Managing Parkinson's disease (PD) throughout the holidays is no small feat. Between the alcohol, sweet treats, and increased sedentary time, these sudden lifestyle changes can wreak havoc on disease symptoms.
This year, put your worries about Parkinson's disease protection to rest by enjoying these tasty, festive, yet therapeutic dishes. Each option contains unique nutrients to help protect neurons and dopamine receptors in Parkinson's disease.
Breakfast
It's the meal that helps set the tone for the rest of the day. So, this year, start your holiday celebration with a phytonutrient or "fight-o-nutrient" packed breakfast.
Oatmeal with dark chocolate and cranberries
This breakfast radiates with resveratrol - a nutrient that can help maintain glutathione levels while reducing oxidative stress, ultimately protecting dopaminergic neurons. It also contributes to neuroprotection by preventing cell death that leads to degeneration. 1
So, this holiday season, experiment with resveratrol-rich foods such as dark chocolate (ideally cocoa nibs or 82 percent cocoa), cranberries, pistachios, strawberries, red grapes, red current, and more. Plus, their typical red color exudes holiday vibes with every bite.
Yogurt topped with honey and raspberries
Show me the honey! Non-fat greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt with raspberries oozes quercetin - a compound that helps minimizing inflammatory markers associated with neurodegeneration.2
Similarly to resveratrol, these anti-inflammatory properties allow for greater cell survival and dopaminergic neuron protection.1
Chia seed pudding topped with nuts
This breakfast will have you feeling chia-full! Its high-fiber content offers sustained energy to help combat fatigue to enjoy the holiday festivities.
Plus, these small but mighty ingredients are rich in vitamin E - an antioxidant that contains free-radical neutralizing powers to help protect against the progression of neurological disorders.3
Plus, vitamin E may also help improve immunity, cell signalizing, and gene regulation for a healthy boost from head to toe.3
Side dishes
When it comes to the holiday dinner, each family has their own traditional meals, whether beef, poultry, ham, or fish. While these options tend to be the star of the show, the overconsumption of protein may interfere with levodopa absorption in the small intestine.4
So, prioritize your focus on plant-based side dishes rich in colorful, disease-fighting ingredients. Check out these classic options that may help offer protection with Parkinson's disease.
Sweet potato latkes with apple sauce
Celebrate with spuds! Sweet potatoes get their vibrant color and protective properties from beta-carotene. This nutrient helps regulate gene expression and the dopaminergic system to help maintain brain health.5
Research shows that greater consumption of beta-carotene-rich foods may be associated with a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease and continued protection with PD.6
Oven-roasted broccoli
It's a green that's abundant in vitamin C! Did you know that a large amount of the body's vitamin C stores is found in the brain? This must-have vitamin helps reduce oxidative stress, synthesize dopamine, and regulate neurotransmission.7
Research shows that vitamin C deficiency may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease and continues to provide protection with PD. So, get your broc' on to improve brain health!7
Quinoa and vegetable stuffing
Get fiber-filled with this ancient grain. It can help give your gut an added push to help combat the dreaded holiday or medication-induced constipation.
While quinoa is rich in amino acids, it won't interfere with the uptake of levodopa. On the contrary, a high-fiber diet can help improve levodopa absorption while addressing digestive dysfunction associated with Parkinson's disease medications.8
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