07/23/2026
Did You Know Blog Post #3:
Diet and Parkinson’s Disease: Finding the “right” diet for Parkinson’s is not always straightforward.
Our bodies respond differently to foods, and what works well for one person may not work for another.
For example, some people struggle to digest fats, making a keto-style diet difficult, while others may not tolerate brassicas or legumes. Often, it takes time — and support from qualified professionals — to discover what nourishes your body best.
All dietitians are nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are dietitians; dietitians are licensed healthcare professionals, while nutritionists may or may not have formal credentials.
There truly is no one-size-fits-all approach.
That said, several core principles are widely helpful and supported by nutrition research:
Foundational Principles for a Supportive Diet:
Limit ultra-processed foods. These products contain little or no whole food and are engineered to be hyper-palatable.
A simple rule of thumb: if there are more than five ingredients, or ingredients you wouldn’t cook with at home, it’s likely ultra-processed. Nutritional value is usually low.
Be mindful of sugar and total carbohydrates. Nutrition labels list sugar in grams — and 4 grams = 1 teaspoon. A can of soda with 30g of sugar contains 7.5 teaspoons. Visualizing it this way can be eye-opening.
Choose real, whole foods. Prioritize seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and quality protein sources such as fish and lean meats.
Wash produce thoroughly. Pesticide residues are present on many fruits and vegetables, including organic ones. Soaking produce in water with a bit of baking soda or vinegar, or using a vegetable wash, can help remove residues. (See guide below)
Helpful Resources: Environmental Working Group (EWG):
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) https://www.ewg.org/?utm_source=copilot.com is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting human health. Their research covers food, water, and household products.
Useful guides include:
* Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Chemicals - https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-chemicals-top-12-avoid
* Guide to Washing Produce - https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/ewgs-guide-washing-produce
* EWG Shopper’s Guide to Fruits and Vegetables - https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.php , which lists:
* Clean 15 (lowest pesticide levels)
* Middle of the List
* Dirty Dozen (highest pesticide levels)
Items on the Dirty Dozen - https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php list are the ones you may prefer to buy organic whenever possible — though, unfortunately, they often include some of our favourite fruits and vegetables.
Nutrients That Support Brain Health:
* Although the brain is small, it uses 20–30% of the body’s energy.
* Ensuring adequate vitamins and minerals is essential.
Nutrients commonly discussed in brain health research include:
* Vitamins B, C, D, E
* Zinc
* Magnesium (magnesium threonate crosses the blood–brain barrier)
* Omega-3 fatty acids
* Iron
A healthcare provider can check these levels through routine bloodwork and help determine whether supplementation is appropriate.
Being a strong advocate for your health and the health of your loved one is so important - taking someone with you ensures that YOUR voice will be heard.
You're not alone, stay informed and visit us at www.psgb.ca for more information and ongoing updates.
The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping you live your healthiest life.
