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Inflammation and Parkinson's Disease

DID YOU KNOW?

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

Inflammation is the mechanism by which the body repairs and protects itself by releasing immune cells and chemicals to fight injury and illness. Chronic inflammation occurs when this process goes unchecked, and may exacerbate disease symptoms and progression in Parkinson’s disease. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, as well as herbs, spices, tea and whole grains, may play an important role in mitigating the effects of chronic inflammation.

There is no single anti-inflammatory diet, but rather includes a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, as well as herbs, spices, tea and whole grains. An anti-inflammatory diet also excludes certain foods, such as highly processed or sugary foods, excess alcohol and excess red meat.

NUTRITION TIPS AND TRICKS

Monounsaturated fats:

• Extra virgin olive oil, olives, avocados, nuts/seeds and natural nut butter Omega-3 Fats:

• Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, halibut and mackerel), walnuts, flax/chia seeds Fruits and Vegetables:

• All fruits and vegetables provide a wide variety of antioxidants, phytochemicals, polyphenols, vitamins, minerals and fiber to help eliminate damage and heal the body.

• Aim to include all the colors of the rainbow with special focus on these key superfoods:

- Leafy greens: kale, arugula, spinach, collard greens, bitter greens

- Berries: blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, goji berries, raspberries

- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts

- Red and orange fruits and vegetables: carrots, butternut and winter squash, sweet potatoes, pomegranates and tomatoes Whole Grains:

• Barley, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, whole rye, whole wheat Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices:

• Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices include:

- Turmeric which contains curcumin; best when eaten with black pepper

- Rosemary, garlic, cilantro, parsley, oregano, sage, ginger, cinnamon

- Green tea, chamomile, spearmint

- Black and cayenne pepper

 

THE FOODS BELOW MAY PROMOTE INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY AND SHOULD BE EXCLUDED OR SIGNIFICANTLY LIMITED:

Trans Fat

• Trans fats are ultra-processed hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. Trans fats create whole body inflammation.

Refined Carbohydrates and Ultra-processed Foods

• Refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods include the ‘junk foods’ such as snack foods, bread, crackers, rolls, cakes, cookies, candies, fried food and regular and diet sodas. They contain additives, dyes, preservatives, excess sodium, refined carbohydrates, trans/hydrogenated fats, and refined processed sugars including cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup. In addition, these foods lack nutrition, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Because they are so highly processed, they cause drastic rapid shifts in blood sugar and promote inflammation, decrease immunity and challenge the good bacteria in your gut. More importantly, research suggests these foods may exacerbate Parkinson’s symptoms and have been linked to a more rapid progression of the disease.

Omega 6 Fats

• An excess of omega-6 fats can trigger inflammation. Limit omega-6 fats found in the following oils: corn, safflower, sunflower, peanut, grape seed and vegetable oils. They may also be found in commercial salad dressing and mayonnaise.

REFERENCES

Pajares M, I Rojo A, Manda G, Boscá L, Cuadrado A. Inflammation in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications. Cells. 2020 Jul 14;9(7):1687. doi: 10.3390/cells9071687.PMID: 32674367; PMCID: PMC7408280.

Mischley LK, Lau RC, Bennett RD. Role of Diet and Nutritional Supplements in Parkinson’s Disease Progression. Oxid Med Cell Longey, 2017:2017:6405278. doi: 10.1155/2017/6405278. Epub 2017 Sep 10. PMID: 29081890; PMCID: PMC5610862.

(REF: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/ask-the-doctor-what-is-inflammation)