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Why Aren’t My Parkinson’s Medications Working? Could It Be What I’m Eating?

One of my students said he heard at a conference that eating protein interferes with Sinemet, and that this made him confused. “I’ve been on this drug for months and no one ever told me about this. I was told to take Sinemet with food so it doesn’t upset my stomach, so I’ve been eating it with a beef sandwich.” Then another student said, “I have heard three different time frames regarding when to eat protein.”

So I decided to call around and see what pharmacists had to say. While I received several different versions of the rules, there was an underlying reasoning which was consistent.

Continue reading “Why Aren’t My Parkinson’s Medications Working? Could It Be What I’m Eating?”

Gluten-free Pumpkin Muffins To Help You Poop!

It is suggested that people with Parkinson’s disease try a gluten-free diet. The flours in this recipe are worth adding to your pantry. They are low in carbs and contain good fats, fiber, and protein. The fat and fiber will help address the constipation that often accompanies PD. These muffins also contain aromatics like cinnamon and turmeric, which help with brain health. They are lightly sweetened with honey. If you want a sweeter muffin, try adding more honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Enjoy!

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Tasty Shrimp Fajitas for the Parkinson’s Palate

This great dish is modified from a yummy recipe I saw online from Alyssa Rivers the blogger behind The Recipe Critic. It’s a tasty dish for anyone but also packed with great spices to add flavor (in case your sniffer is not smelling as well as it used to), colorful vegetables and healthy fats. Best of all you don’t have to eat different than your guests because this is wonderfully healthy for everyone.

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What Came First – Gut Issues or the Onset of Parkinson’s?

For many years, research has been leading towards the reality that Parkinson’s may start in the gut first and travel to the brain.

Recently, I was diagnosed with a dairy and soy allergy which causes inflammation in the esophagus and probably the gut. As I was sharing food ideas with my students, the topic of gut health and Parkinson’s Disease came up. I found people with PD often have no idea the gut is involved. They may have heard gluten-free diets can be helpful to manager PD, but most do not know why this is suggested. Laurie Mischley, author of “Natural Therapies For Parkinson’s Disease” and whom I served with on a medical advisory board and respect highly, says that dairy and other foods like gluten may contribute to inflammation in the gut, which may precipitate or worsen PD. Continue reading “What Came First – Gut Issues or the Onset of Parkinson’s?”

How Chia Seeds Can Help Parkinson’s Low Blood Pressure

March is National Nutrition Month, so we’ll keep going with our Parkinson’s’ superfood list. Next up is chia seeds and how they can help Parkinson’s low blood pressure.

When you stand up and feel light-headed it’s often due to low blood pressure or “orthostatic hypotension.” Your blood pressure isn’t high enough to adjust quickly to changes in body position. Since the blood must work against gravity to get to your brain, when you stand up, you get dizzy. Did you know this is common with Parkinson’s? I’m always surprised at how many people with PD don’t know this is a symptom and sometimes a side effect of medications. Continue reading “How Chia Seeds Can Help Parkinson’s Low Blood Pressure”