Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive nervous system disorder that affects over 10 million people worldwide. The first signs of the disease typically include unintended or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known yet, but low levels of dopamine in the brain may be responsible for its development. Here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes that can help manage Parkinson’s disease: Explore treatment options Doctors typically explore several treatment methods to manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. These include: Carbidopa-levodopa This combination treatment is one of the most effective remedies for Parkinson’s disease. It can help combat common symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness, and difficulty in moving. While levodopa helps replace the missing dopamine, carbidopa helps prevent levodopa’s side effects—nausea and vomiting. Another function of carbidopa is to prevent levodopa from getting converted into dopamine too early, so more of it can enter the brain. This combination treatment is sold under the brand name Rytary®, among others. Rytary® is an extended-release treatment that reduces the amount of “off” time each day in people with Parkinson’s while improving the performance of motor functions. Some common side effects include nausea, dizziness, headache, and insomnia.

About one million people in our country are affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD), with approximately 60,000 new cases each year. Parkinson’s causes progressive deterioration of the nervous system, leading to symptoms like tremors, stiff muscles, and difficulty balancing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, and it can only be managed. Read on to learn about the treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and healthy lifestyle changes to cope with Parkinson’s disease: Treatments for Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s is usually managed with treatments that have a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, such as ONGENTYS®, RYTARY®, and opicapone. ONGENTYS® is for people with PD who have “OFF” episodes. RYTARY® is a treatment option with a unique combination of time-release beads to keep LD levels steady for longer. Opicapone inhibits a natural substance called COMT, helping elements like levodopa and carbidopa work effectively to improve brain function. Foods to eat and avoid Certain foods help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. For instance, walnuts, blackberries, cranberries, tomatoes, and peppers are rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, which can make Parkinson’s worse. In addition, foods with omega-3 fatty acids like soybeans, flax seeds, kidney beans, and oysters can improve cognitive function. Some foods may also worsen the condition. Foods that are processed or fried, such as French fries, sausages, and other canned meats, are rich in salt and nitrites.