Recently diagnosed (diet advice)

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1

Hi everyone.

I got diagnosed only recently. I turned 52 a few days ago & have got 2 kids. Still trying to process it all.

My question to you all is about sugar and milk intake. How much of sugar can I take per day? By sugar, I’m referring to diet jam (it’s still sweet though) and maybe muffins with tea. Also, is semi-skimmed milk fine to drink, let’s say 1 mug per day? And also using it with black tea, twice a day? The neurologist told me I could have everything, but the internet says that patients can’t have sugar or dairy products, like milk.

Please advise. Thanks very much

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Hello @fatheroftwo , welcome to the forum. Thank you for sharing your first post. We hope you find it helpful to ask questions, share experiences, and engage with other members of the community for support.

Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and it may bring up a range of different emotions for you. It’s understandable that you’re processing a lot of thinking about your family and children right now. No matter how you’re feeling, we’re here for you. We have a range of newly diagnosed resources to support you and your family, friends, and others close to you: Newly diagnosed with Parkinson's | Parkinson's UK

There is no specific diet that people with Parkinson’s should follow, but it’s helpful to maintain as healthy a diet as you can. Try to aim for 3 servings of milk or dairy foods every day to get the calcium you need. Sugary foods, such as cakes, biscuits, and pastries, contain lots of calories and sugar. Try to reduce how often you eat them. If you have high cholesterol or are diabetic, you should seek further advice from a dietitian.

We’ve got more information on understanding the food groups, which you might find helpful on our website: Understanding the food groups | Parkinson's UK

We hope the community can share what they’ve found helpful, too :blue_heart:

Parkinson’s UK Moderation Team

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Thanks very much. I really appreciate you getting back. I’m in Spain, but when I come to visit my family in the UK, I’d like to visit you guys and also interact with fellow patients.

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I believe sugars are not advisable for neurological conditions such as pd.

Have a look at intermittent fasting/fasting for pd on YouTube, amazing improvements seen in small trials.

Also check out nicotine patches for pd.

Well worth considering.

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Hi fatheroftwo, this is an interesting question. Too much milk and too much sugar dont sit well with parkinsons. High sugar intake can worsen PD symptoms and increase diabetes risk, and high protein, including dairy, can interfere with the absorption of medications like carbidopa/levodopa

i am 56 and was diagnosed nov 2024, so a year and a bit, fortunately i am a vegan and have been for several years, my diet is mainly whole foods, so lots of fresh veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds, pulses etc. and i try and avoid super processed foods, i also have almond milk on cereal and in coffee. I use rude health almond milk . Even though things like nuts and seeds have protein in them, I find that the mix of proteins from several sources doesn’t overtly affect my meds.

Its worth giving a milk alternative a go, but always good to read the ingredients list on stuff like this (see below)

Rude health almond milk
Spring water, Organic rice, Organic italian almonds (1%), organic cold-pressed sunflower oil, Sea salt.

Alpro almond milk
Water, Almond (2.3%), Calcium (Calcium carbonate), Sea salt, Stabilisers (Guar gum, Gellan gum), Natural flavouring, Emulsifier (Lecithins), Potassium iodide, Vitamins B12, D2, E.

Note the use of stabilisers, emulsifiers and added stuff in the alpro one - not needed and also over processed.

hope this helps

Ste

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Hi fatheroftwo,

I am so sorry you were diagnosed with PD, it is a bit of a bugger, and yes it does take time to process. but all on this site either have PD or are caregivers.

I was diagnosed about 5 years ago now and luckily my symptoms have progressed slowly.

Remember PD is a weird disease in that it seems to affect everyone in different ways. It is basically like a car, all have wheels, and an engine and a body, but that’s where most similarities end.

Please don’t take account of what you read on the internet by those professing to know all about it. Please treat them like you do Facebook or Instagram, or in fact most mainstream media. It is all bullsh*te unless proven otherwise.

Specific sites by reputable organizations relating to PD and other neuro conditions are obviously ok, but again, remember everyone experiences it differently. Always discuss the situation with your Neuro.

The story about what you should and should not eat because of PD is total tripe. As I said I have had it for over 5 years.

I eat exactly what I have always eaten, including chocolates, bread, cheese cake, I love baked cheese cake, steak, full cream milk etc, basically whatever you like, of course in moderation. Try to keep your weight to reasonable levels. All I can do is try to give an example.

Try to keep your BMI, Body Mass Index, index to below 25.

But always remember muscle weighs more than fat so the BMI is just an outline not an exact standard.

Below is an example how to calculate BMI in metric.

I have also included an example in Imperial for Americans and those who cling to really crazy and really outdated systems.:roll_eyes: :sweat_smile:

Example (Metric)

  • If: Weight = 70 kg, Height = 1.70 m

  • Calculation: 70 / (1.70 * 1.70) = 70 / 2.89 = 24.22

Imperial Formula (US Units)

  • BMI = (Weight (lbs) / Height (in)²) x 703

BMI Categories (Adults)

  • Underweight: Below 18.5

  • Healthy Weight: 18.5 – 24.9

  • Overweight: 25.0 – 29.9

  • Obese: 30.0 or higher

What I am trying to say is eat normally. Your body will tell you if you are having too much or too little of anything.

The most important aspect is exercise. Please understand exercise is imperative to help slow down the progression. Try to exercise at least three to four times a week. A brisk walk is fine as well.

I usually gym three times a week and cycle twice, although in winter the cycling tends to ‘be not worth the effort.:smirk:

You will notice the difference.

I hope that helps.

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Hi father of two,

I was diagnosed 6 yrs ago, and my honest advice at the moment is to stick to your neurologist’s advice and not to get hung up about your diet. Yes too much sugar is never good for you and high protein foods can interfere with the absorption of medication, but you’ll have plenty of time to worry about that when your Parkinson’s journey progresses, at whatever pace that is. All the best

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Good morning. Thanks. By the way, since you’re 6 years on, how does it feel? Are you able to work properly. I know I shouldn’t be asking this, but maybe it’s because I’d like to have an idea what it’s like after 5 or 6 years. Sorry for asking. Pls ignore the question if you don’t feel like answering. Have a good day.

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Morning,

Thanks so much for the advice. It has helped a lot.

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Absolute pleasure.

Please if you need to ask questions, don’t be embarrassed to.

We all have a plethora of questions.

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Thanks very much for the valuable advice.