I also recommend foods with lots of flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory compounds, found in berries, apples and tea. Research suggests they can improve Parkinson’s symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep, gut issues and general wellbeing, and increase patients’ life expectancy.
It may be that these diet changes reduce inflammation and help levodopa – the gold-standard Parkinson’s treatment that boosts dopamine levels in the brain – work better.
The probiotic boost that all patients should try
We know that probiotics can ease Parkinson’s symptoms and make medication for the disorder work better.
Research, led by neurologist Dr Valentina Leta and colleagues in Sweden, followed 74 Parkinson’s patients for four weeks. Half of them took a four-strain probiotic from Symprove.
Results showed that the probiotic helped levodopa, the medicine that improves movement in Parkinson’s patients, work faster. Another benefit was that it reduced their constipation and improved their energy levels.
The findings also suggest that the probiotic enriched the gut microbiome, increasing levels of “good” bacteria and reducing inflammation, a potential cause of Parkinson’s.
In my view, it should be used in all patients with Parkinson’s from the moment they are diagnosed. I prescribe a probiotic for all of my patients.
But it’s not the only thing that can help. I tell patients to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week, as it can improve symptoms like poor balance and mobility. I recommend drinking plenty of fluids, as dehydration can worsen symptoms. I also advise getting six to eight hours of sleep, as we know it activates the glymphatic system, which helps to clear waste from the brain.
If you are concerned that you may have Parkinson’s, see your doctor. You may not need to go on any medication – and currently there is no medicine that will stop the disease entirely – but early diagnosis means you can start making these lifestyle changes to improve symptoms. Parkinson’s patients can still live a long and fulfilling life.
As told to Emily Craig
