Parkinson’s disease has had considerable media attention over the years, but with all the efforts to educate the public, little has been said on how nutrition can reduce its risk and manage symptoms. Many of us are familiar with symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, slow movements, rigid muscles, impaired posture, and problems with balance. Specific Parkinson drugs are prescribed for motor control while other drugs may be used for non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, insomnia, and pain, among others.
While drugs to control motor symptoms can be effective, additional support can come through specific attention to diet and lifestyle, which also can be effective in managing non-motor symptoms. One finding relating to nutrition is that deficiencies in certain B vitamins have be associated with Parkinson disease. These include folic acid, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-12.
