WEIGHT GAIN
Although studies more commonly report weight loss, before diagnosis and in
the advanced stages of Parkinson’s, some people may be overweight and may have
metabolic diseases such as hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes.
The effect of weight changes on the prognosis and progression of Parkinson’s
is still unknown.
WEIGHT LOSS
Weight loss is a common problem in people who have had Parkinson’s for a
long time. Many studies, however, show that weight loss often precedes motor
symptoms. Unfortunately, the cause of weight loss is still unclear but it is
thought to be related to:
- Increase in energy expenditure related to involuntary
movements and muscle stiffness
- Loss of appetite due to nausea, poor coordination in
getting food into the mouth, chewing and swallowing difficulties
- Reduced intestinal movement
- Some prescribed
therapies
SWALLOWING DIFFICULTIES
Swallowing is a complex action that includes a number of highly coordinated
phases, in order to push the food from the mouth to the stomach.
In Parkinson’s, difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is more pronounced
when consuming solid foods than liquid ones.
Foods to help with swallowing
difficulties
It is important to avoid meals that combine different consistencies of food
(soups with pasta or croutons, jelly containing pieces of fruit, minced meat in
broth, milk with cereals) and foods broken down into small pieces such as rice.
Instead, choose foods that form a compact bolus and combine these with sauces
(such as meatballs in sauce).
Easy chewing and swallowing
|
|
| Permitted
| Not recommended/Dangerous
|
| Fluids |
- Sorbets, milkshakes, jelly, liquids containing thickening agents
|
- Water, light juices, milk, tea, coffee
|
| Bread and cereals |
- Bread, cooked cereals, toast, pancakes
|
- Crackers, puffed rice, cereals, bread containing seeds, dry cakes, biscuits
|
| Dairy products |
- Butter, margarine, yogurt, ice-cream
|
|
| Meat and fish |
- Stewed meatballs or meatloaf in sauce, tender meat or fish without bones
|
- Dry meat or fish with bones
|
| Vegetables |
- Puréed vegetables, boiled or mashed potatoes with sauce
|
- Elongated fresh vegetables that need to be chewed
|
| Fruit |
- Peeled, pitted canned fruit, mature bananas, fruit in jelly, thick purées
|
|
CONSTIPATION
Changes in bowel function often occur in Parkinson’s.
Constipation is a common symptom, often linked to the use of
anticholinergic drugs and dopamine agonists, and reduced mobility. About half
of people with Parkinson’s say they have a bowel movement less than once a day,
with a hardening of faeces and increasingly frequent use of enemas or
laxatives.
It is therefore important to increase fibre intake by eating cooked fruit
and vegetables. If necessary, supplements containing lactulose and psyllium may
be used. Unless you are on a fluid restriction regime, it is recommended that
you drink at least 1.5 L of water per day and eat low-residue foods such as
rice and potatoes occasionally.
These suggestions are guidelines only. You should consult with your doctor before changing your diet, particularly with regards to the effects of diet on medication.