What should you not do if you have Parkinson’s disease?

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s can come as a shock, both for you and your loved ones. It is natural to feel uncertain about the future, and many people find themselves worrying that life will never be the same again. You might feel anxious about doing the things you once enjoyed, fearing that they could make your symptoms worse or speed up the progression of the condition. These feelings are completely understandable, but with the right support, there is still much you can do to live well.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition that affects the brain and impacts how the body moves. It happens when the brain cells that produce dopamine begin to break down. Dopamine is a chemical that helps control movement, so as levels fall, everyday tasks like walking, writing or speaking can become more difficult.

The risk of Parkinson’s naturally increases with age; the average age for symptoms to start is 60. However, rarer cases have seen the disease begin as young as 20.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

• Slowed movements
• Tremors while your muscles are resting
• Muscle rigidity or stiffness
• Unstable walking gait or posture
• Trouble swallowing
• Blinking less than usual
• Depression
• Sleep problems
• Parkinson’s-related dementia

Foods to avoid when managing Parkinson’s

Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can help manage symptoms such as tremors and difficulty swallowing and chewing. Here are the guidelines on foods to avoid with Parkinson’s:

• Avoid sugar: Don’t eat or drink too much sugar, as this can negatively impact your immune system. Choose naturally sweetened foods rather than those containing lots of processed sugar.
• Be wary of protein: While some protein is good for keeping muscles strong and healthy, too much of it can influence the effectiveness of some Parkinson’s medications.
• Stay mindful of healthy foods: Consider swapping out foods with too much sodium, trans fat, cholesterol and saturated fat for healthier alternatives.

It’s important to keep eating small, frequent meals after your diagnosis. Parkinson’s can cause weight loss in older adults, which may cause further weakness and muscle loss. Giving your body the right fuel helps maintain strength, energy and overall wellbeing, making it a vital part of living well with Parkinson’s.

Tips for easing nausea

Parkinson’s and its medications can often cause nausea, and this is only exacerbated depending on your diet.

If you’re experiencing Parkinson’s related nausea, don’t:

• Drink citrus fruit juices, such as orange or grapefruit. Instead, opt for non-citrus juices rich in antioxidants, such as mangoes, watermelon and pressed berries.
• Eat when you’re nauseous. Instead of forcing yourself to eat and feeling worse as a result, wait until the sickness passes. If it doesn’t pass, eat food at room temperature to avoid the smell of hot food making you feel worse.

Fluids can affect Parkinson’s medication side effects

While you can often drink whatever you want with Parkinson’s, some drinks are more beneficial than others. For example, green tea, bone broth and ginger tea can boost your immune system and help ward off minor illnesses that may otherwise affect your Parkinson’s symptoms and progression. Drinking plenty of water will help avoid dehydration-induced migraines and muscle tension.

Alcohol, coffee and other caffeinated drinks can worsen your sleep issues and even reduce the effectiveness of some medications. Talk to your doctor about whether you can continue to drink alcohol with your specific treatment plan or not.

Can I still drive with Parkinson’s?

Yes, most people can still drive while their Parkinson’s symptoms are mild. However, you must inform the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and your insurance company, as they’ll need more information on your specific condition. They may also need the details of your doctors and specialists, who they’ll liaise with to determine whether it’s safe for you to continue driving.

Exercises to avoid with Parkinson’s

While it’s generally beneficial and safe for people with Parkinson’s to exercise, certain forms should be approached with caution or avoided altogether.

Exercises to avoid with Parkinson’s include:

• Heavy weight lifting, especially if you’re experiencing tremors
• Activities with a high fall risk
• Slow walking on a treadmill, as this can lead to balance problems
• Exercises that exacerbate symptoms, including pain, dizziness and increased tremors
• High-intensity exercises when they don’t correlate with your current fitness level

When exercising with Parkinson’s, it’s incredibly important to listen to your body and stop whenever you feel fatigued, pain or dizziness. Consult your GP or physiotherapist for guidance.

Keeping up with your medication

Taking your medication exactly as prescribed is essential when living with Parkinson’s. Missing doses or not following instructions closely can lead to a noticeable change in how you feel. Symptoms may worsen, the effects of the medication may come and go in waves, and there may be a greater risk of side effects. Sticking to your medication routine helps keep your symptoms more stable and supports a better quality of life.

If you feel like your medications aren’t working or are making symptoms worse, talk to your doctor before stopping them. What you’re experiencing might be side effects that feel better after a few days or weeks.

Other medications might interfere with the effectiveness of your Parkinson’s treatments. Decongestants, anti-sickness drugs and muscle relaxants may cause temporary changes in effectiveness, making you feel worse while using both. Your doctor will be able to advise on medicines to avoid depending on the Parkinson’s treatment you’re currently using.

Avoiding social isolation with Parkinson’s

Living with Parkinson’s can sometimes lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation, especially as symptoms progress or routines change. You might feel less confident going out, worry about being a burden or simply find it harder to keep up with social plans.

There are several ways you can avoid social isolation when living with Parkinson’s, including:

• Join a support group: Speak openly with others who understand what you are going through and make new friends along the way.
• Ask about social prescribing: Your doctor can suggest things like support groups or regular chats with loved ones as part of your care plan.
• Use technology: Phone calls, messages or emails can help you stay in touch on days when you feel too tired or anxious to meet in person.
• Appoint a main contact: Choose one friend or family member to update others on your behalf, so you do not feel overwhelmed.
• Talk openly: Sharing how you feel can ease stress and help you feel more connected to those around you.
• Try low energy activities: Watch a film, do a puzzle or enjoy a quiet chat over coffee.
• Consider professional care: A live in carer offers support with daily tasks and provides much needed companionship too.

How Country Cousins can help

At Country Cousins, we understand how important it is to feel supported, especially when living with a condition like Parkinson’s. Our Parkinson’s care at home  offers more than just help around the house, it provides companionship, routine and peace of mind.

We take the time to match you with a live-in carer who understands your needs and fits in with your way of life. Whether it’s help with mobility, mealtimes or simply someone to talk to, we are here to make life at home feel easier and more secure.

Our Parkinson’s care services include:

• Round-the-clock care from a friendly, compassionate carer
• Assistance with showering, bathing, shaving and oral hygiene
• Help moving around the house
• Transport to and from appointments and social outings
• Encouragement to continue hobbies and activities
• Cooking and meal preparation of nutritious meals and snacks
• Companionship and emotional support

Talk to our team today

As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.

Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.