Go for the Chocolate!
I am part of several internet support groups for Parkinson’s disease. A while back, a member posed a question on a discussion board: “I was wondering if craving sweets is an unusual symptom of Parkinson’s disease.”
A few replies came back. One woman had just returned from the store, toting a half-gallon of ice cream, a package of Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies, a chocolate pie, and three bottles of Magic Shell. I am quite certain that was her way of saying, “Yes.”
That reply was followed by another: three bags of chocolate-covered raisins, a big dark chocolate bar, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate covered donuts. Another yes.
Parkinson’s disease takes a lot from a person. It can take their independence, for one. It can take the spring in their step for another, leaving them instead with an awkward shuffle. It can take the swing in their arm, leaving the limb hanging by their side, motionless. It can take a happy mood and leave someone snappy and swift to bite back. And it might take someone’s sense of smell and leave them thankful they can no longer get a whiff of those not-so-fragrant odors.
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However, while Parkinson’s can, and often does, take away a person’s sense of taste, it can leave others with a heightened sweet tooth.
One can grumble against such losses and complain to those who may take time to listen, but they have to admit that this is a priceless gift. It doesn’t matter how expensive (and weight-altering) this one, wonderful chocolate luxury may become.
Who would have imagined such an extraordinary blessing? We don’t need excuses or reasons stretched far and wide to engage in such a once formidable pastime as eating decadent See’s milk chocolate-covered Bordeaux candies, those round, chocolate-jimmies-sprinkled, rich buttery chocolates that are washed down with an ice-cold mocha.
We need no excuse! We have Parkinson’s disease! And I say, if you’ve got it, flaunt it. Take advantage of each and every blessing this disease affords you. You’ve gotta start somewhere. Why not go for the chocolate?
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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
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Comments
Toni Shapiro
Your post was an ah ha! moment for me. I crave coke (the drink lol). I havn't had or wanted a coke in many, many years yet lately I want one with every meal. I also crave ice cream, mostly ice cream with bananas, chocolate sauce and walnuts. Another craving is Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, yes, that awful powder stuff kids love. I was always a bit of a gourmet and a healthy eating person because I like that kind of food. This is all new to me. I even want McDonalds and fast foods. I used to cringe at it. Could it be the additives? I also want lots of salt. Id appreciate posts from others who may be experiencing the same thing.
Sherri Woodbridge
Hi Toni - I can totally relate! The soda, the chocolate, the sweets all around, the fast food - it’s crazy and for me, in the middle of consuming a Ding Dong I think, this doesn’t even taste good! I wonder if we crave it so much because we can’t really taste it (because of PD)?
Beverly Jane
After I Crave something sweet and eat it I will get Quivering throughout my body especially in my arms and legs.With this, it seems to ruin my whole day. I guess this means I should not be eating sweets. I eat at 5:00 am, 8;30 am, 2:00 and then 4:00. I say I am not going to do this routine the next day, but I do.
Julia
I have a close friend with PD,that eats so many sweet things that I am so worried and mentioned this to him and he became incredibly defensive about it!How do I help as I'm sure the high amounts of sugar in his diet has made him aggressive and spiteful towards me and his other friends.He can't get out so harrasess us until we buy him all this dreadful stuff?Any advice would be appreciated.