What Foods to Avoid with Parkinson's Disease?

Managing Nutrition to Support Medication and Quality of Life
When managing Parkinson’s disease (PD), medication is crucial—but diet also plays a powerful role. A common question that comes up is: what foods to avoid with Parkinson's disease? While there’s no universal “Parkinson’s diet,” understanding how food interacts with PD symptoms and medications can help maximize the benefits of treatment.

What Foods to Avoid with Parkinson's Disease?
1. High-Protein Foods Around Medication Times
Levodopa—the gold standard medication for Parkinson’s--competes with protein for absorption in the gut. This means that eating large amounts of protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, dairy, and nuts close to your medication time can delay its effectiveness.
Tip: Try taking your medication 30–60 minutes before eating or separating high-protein meals to the evening, if possible. Discuss this with your doctor to tailor it to your schedule.
2. Aged or Fermented Foods (Tyramine-Rich)
If you’re taking certain MAO-B inhibitors (like selegiline or rasagiline), foods high in tyramine—such as aged cheeses, cured meats, soy products, and red wine—can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Always check with your neurologist about interactions with your specific medication.
3. Sugary Foods and Refined Carbohydrates
Parkinson’s can affect blood sugar regulation. Highly processed foods, sweets, and sugary drinks may cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to fatigue and worsening symptoms.
Choose whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to support energy and digestion.
4. Caffeine and Alcohol (in excess)
While moderate caffeine might help some with alertness or constipation, too much can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep. Alcohol may interact with medications and increase the risk of falls.
5. Foods That Worsen Constipation
Constipation is a common non-motor symptom of PD. Avoiding low-fiber, highly processed foods and increasing water and fiber intake (like from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can be very helpful.

Food Is Powerful—So Is SupportNutrition choices can support better movement, mood, and medication effectiveness in Parkinson’s disease. Making mindful dietary adjustments may take some trial and error—but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
A Community That Cares: Parkinson’s Association of Southwest FloridaFor over twenty-five years, the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) has provided effective programs and services that improve quality of life, educate, enrich, and empower Southwest Floridians touched by Parkinson’s and related neurological diseases.
Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups for individuals with PD and their care partners—including classes on movement, nutrition, mindfulness, and more.
Becoming a member is completely free, and it’s easy to sign up online: www.parkinsonassociationswfl.org

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