Nutrition that supports your lifestyle with Parkinson’s
Last updated Aug. 1, 2025, by Kristin DeJohn
Fact-checked by Patrícia Silva, PhD
When it comes to managing Parkinson’s disease, what you eat can make a meaningful difference. Experts in Parkinson’s and nutrition say that choosing the best diet for Parkinson’s can help improve energy, support mobility, and even ease some symptoms.
Knowing which Parkinson’s foods to eat — and which foods to avoid — can help you feel more in control and make everyday life a little easier.
Why diet is important for Parkinson’s
Eating a healthy diet has been linked to improved overall health, increased energy, reduced Parkinson’s symptoms, and slower disease progression.
Studies show that colorful foods rich in antioxidants help protect brain cells from inflammation, while omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like salmon, offer neuroprotective benefits.
On the other hand, a poor diet has been shown to increase inflammation and worsen Parkinson’s outcomes.
Foods to eat for energy and mobility
The nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as fatigue and memory changes, can occur years before tremors and other motor symptoms. There is evidence that inflammation plays a role in the disease and that an anti-inflammatory diet for Parkinson’s can have a positive impact on both symptoms and disease progression.
This type of diet, high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats and proteins, is also a good way to boost energy levels. Complex carbohydrates and lean proteins help you avoid the blood sugar spikes and energy crashes often associated with sugar and processed simple carbohydrates, such as white bread.
Eating smaller amounts more frequently can also help improve energy levels by giving nutrient boosts throughout the day and preventing the fatigue linked to digesting larger meals.
As for the best diet for Parkinson’s, research suggests that a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and including anti-inflammatory nutrients — such as the Mediterranean diet and the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet — are of benefit and offer patterns of eating that are easy to follow and not overly restrictive.
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet promotes eating fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole-grain cereals, nuts, fish, and healthy oils, such as olive oil, while limiting red meat, saturated fats found in many fried and processed foods, and sugary foods.
Dairy, poultry, and starches, such as potatoes, are eaten in smaller amounts. Tea and coffee get a green light.
Overall, the diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
MIND Diet
The MIND diet is a variation of the Mediterranean diet that places a greater emphasis on incorporating berries and dark, leafy greens. It has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including a reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Though more research is needed, various studies have shown that both diets improve overall health while reducing reported Parkinson’s symptoms, risk of disease severity, and progression.
Foods to avoid
Parkinson’s foods to avoid generally fall into what’s called a Western diet. It’s considered a pro-inflammatory diet and is linked to worsening Parkinson’s symptoms and quicker disease progression.
The Western diet describes a high-fat and high-sugar diet and includes:
- saturated fats
- red meat
- high intake of high-fat dairy products
- sugary and processed foods and drinks.
Eating sugary, refined foods increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems, and can lead to nutritional deficiencies. These types of foods can also sap your energy by putting you on a blood sugar roller coaster.
The higher salt content of the Western diet also increases the risk of hypertension, stroke, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal cancers. And processed food reduces fiber intake, which can increase the risk of constipation.
How meal timing affects medication
A Parkinson’s diet typically involves planning protein intake as dietary protein can inhibit the absorption of some Parkinson’s medications.
This may mean waiting an hour or two before or after you take medication to eat protein. If you are taking medication throughout the day, it can be simpler to skip protein at breakfast and lunch, and eat a day’s worth of protein at dinner.
The goal of this approach, known as a protein redistribution diet, is to make sure medication is fully absorbed, while not reducing your overall protein intake, as protein is essential for healthy muscles, bones, and brain health.
Gut health and Parkinson’s
There is increasing evidence that gut health plays a role in Parkinson’s disease. In many individuals with Parkinson’s, there is an imbalance of gut bacteria, with fewer beneficial bacteria and an overgrowth of types linked to inflammatory damage.
Research shows the key to a diverse and healthy microbiome is a fiber-rich diet. Following the Mediterranean or MIND diets can help achieve this.
It’s also critical to get enough fluids throughout the day. This helps reduce constipation and improves overall health. Regular exercise also plays a role in regulating gut health.
When to consult a dietitian
Having a dietitian who understands Parkinson’s or a healthcare provider who can help you make a dietary plan is important, especially if you’re working to manage:
- protein-medication interactions
- constipation or gastrointestinal problems
- weight loss or weight gain
- nutritional deficiencies
- sugar cravings
- osteoporosis
- chronic pain
- depression
- cognitive impairment.
Assessing restrictive diets
If you are considering restrictive diets like a keto diet for Parkinson’s, it’s important to work with your doctor to ensure you don’t experience nutritional deficiencies.
A keto (ketogenic) diet cuts out most carbs in favor of protein and fats. A 2025 review of the keto diet shows it reduced inflammation, along with various motor and nonmotor symptoms in several studies. However, it was also found to be hard to stick with, and it can lead to unwanted weight loss.
Ultimately, a thoughtful approach to food can boost energy, ease symptoms, and support how well your medications work. With the right dietary habits and guidance from a knowledgeable provider, you can take meaningful steps toward better symptom control and overall well-being.
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 other 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.
