Diet

In this section we’ll give you some guidance about eating a balanced diet. Making some simple changes to your eating and drinking habits may help you manage your symptoms.

Drinking enough fluid is important in itself and will also help to alleviate constipation. You should aim to drink around 6 to 8 glasses every day.

Some people may feel less thirsty and should develop a plan to maintain adequate fluid intake to counteract the dehydration associated with some medications. Carrying a water bottle and setting daily, specific goals for water drinking can help. Fruit juices and smoothies also count towards your daily fluid consumption, although they contain a lot of sugar.

If you have problems with your bladder and need the toilet frequently at night you may find it better to drink mainly in the morning or the earlier part of the day.

• Have 6-8 small meals throughout the day and take your time with eating.
• Focus on the taste and enjoy the food (season if necessary).
• Eating aids, such as non-slip plates and cutlery with special handles, make it easier to eat independently.

Your medication regimen may impact your diet, too. Adjusting the timing and type of meals might allow medications to work better, and you may need to avoid specific foods to prevent side effects.

Work with your doctor or a dietitian to design a diet that fits your needs.

Constipation is very common in Parkinson´s disease due to decreased bowel movement. As well as drinking plenty of fluids, foods rich in fibre may ease the symptoms. Ideal foods include fruit, vegetables, pulses, lentils, wholegrain bread and cereals, but too much fibre can actually cause constipation, so it’s important to get the balance of fibre and fluid right.

Exercise is also beneficial as this helps to stimulate the bowels.

If you experience persistent constipation, consult your doctor.

If you are underweight or have difficulty putting weight on, it may be because of the side effects of Parkinson’s medication or difficulties with chewing or swallowing.

It may also be due to practical problems, such as difficulty with food shopping, preparation or keeping your food hot while you are eating.

You may find the following tips useful:

• Make the most of adding extras to foods, such as cream, butter, oil or honey where you can. These will make the food more energy-dense and tasty.
• Aim to have small multiple meals a day with a snack between each meal.
• Try having a milkshake, malted drink or smoothie. These may be used to supplement your usual diet. But, if you find you are replacing your meals with these, it is important to seek help from a dietitian.

If you are finding it difficult to maintain your weight or to reach a healthy weight, your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse can refer you to a dietitian.

They may recommend tailored changes to your diet and special high-calorie products available on prescription.

Dysphagia is the medical term for swallowing difficulties.

Some people with dysphagia have problems swallowing certain foods or liquids, while others can't swallow at all.

Some suggestions that may help you to eat more easily:

• Take your time and eat in a comfortable, quiet place
• If you feel eating is taking too long and your food is getting cold, consider eating smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, or food that is easier to eat
• Try eating sitting upright in your chair
• Try to eat when you are not too tired and time meals so that your medication is working properly. This may mean moving your main meal to lunchtime rather than in the evening

It is very important to talk to your doctor or your healthcare team as soon as you can if you have problems with swallowing, as they may refer you to specialists who can help.

A speech and language therapist, who works with people with swallowing problems, can offer information and suggest strategies to overcome some of the challenges you are experiencing.

Tips to cope with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

• Avoid hard-to-digest foods (legumes, cabbage, very spicy or high-fat foods)
• Avoid crumbly or fibrous foods (hard-boiled eggs, chewy meat) as well as foods with mixed consistency (e.g. stews or lumpy soup)
• If you have difficulty chewing or swallowing, go for soft, bite-sized foods such as mashed potatoes, smooth yoghurt, or puddings
• Take small mouthfuls and chew thoroughly