Fight Parkinson’s Disease

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Natural Therapies & Dietary Strategies to Improve Quality of Life

Blue Mountains Wellness Clinic

Natural therapies and dietary strategies for Parkinson’s disease. Learn how nutrition, gut health, and evidence-based naturopathic care can improve memory, energy, medication tolerance, and quality of life.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease – a whole-body condition

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition traditionally associated with dopamine loss in the brain. However, modern research now recognises Parkinson’s as a multi-system disorder, affecting the gut, immune system, mitochondria, and metabolism—often many years before classic motor symptoms appear.

In his book Rethinking Parkinson’s Disease, John C. Coleman encourages a broader view of Parkinson’s disease—one that looks beyond symptom suppression and considers modifiable lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental contributors that may influence disease progression and daily functioning.

While Parkinson’s disease is not currently curable, an integrative, evidence-based approach can significantly improve symptoms, reduce medication side effects, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall quality of life.

Nutrition to support memory and cognitive function

Cognitive changes such as brain fog, slowed thinking, and memory issues are common in Parkinson’s disease. Nutrition plays a key role in supporting neurotransmitter production, reducing oxidative stress, and protecting neurons.

Evidence-based dietary strategies include:

• Mediterranean-style diet: high in vegetables, olive oil, legumes, berries, nuts, seeds, and fish

• Polyphenol-rich foods: blueberries, green tea, cocoa, and colourful vegetables

• Balanced protein intake: timing protein later in the day may improve levodopa effectiveness in some individuals

Evidence
Research links Mediterranean dietary patterns with reduced cognitive decline and improved neurological outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases.

Resources

• Psaltopoulou T et al., Annals of Neurology

• Sofi F et al., British Journal of Nutrition

Reducing medication side effects with nutritional support

Medications such as levodopa are essential for managing Parkinson’s symptoms, but long-term use may contribute to nutrient depletion and side effects including nausea, fatigue, low blood pressure, and involuntary movements.

Naturopathic support may include:

• Vitamin B6, B12 & folate – support homocysteine metabolism, often elevated with long-term levodopa use

• Magnesium – supports muscle relaxation and nervous system function

• Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties

• Digestive support – ginger and bitters for nausea and gastric motility

Evidence
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with cognitive decline and vascular risk in Parkinson’s disease.

Resources

• Postuma RB, Lang AE, Lancet Neurology

• Seidl SE et al., Journal of Neural Transmission

Improving energy levels and reducing fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most disabling non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and is closely linked to mitochondrial dysfunction—a core feature of PD pathology.

Supportive strategies

• Mitochondrial nutrients: Coenzyme Q10, acetyl-L-carnitine, riboflavin (B2)

• Iron and thyroid assessment where clinically indicated

• Stable blood sugar regulation through regular meals and adequate protein

Evidence
Mitochondrial impairment is consistently observed in Parkinson’s disease, and targeted nutritional support may improve energy and physical endurance in some individuals.

Resources

• Schapira AHV et al., Lancet Neurology

• Mischley LK et al., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine

The gut–brain connection in Parkinson’s disease

Constipation and digestive dysfunction often precede motor symptoms by years, highlighting the importance of the gut–brain axis in Parkinson’s disease.

Clinical focus areas

• Prebiotic fibre intake from vegetables, legumes, and resistant starch

• Targeted probiotics to support bowel regularity and reduce inflammation

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition to reduce endotoxin load affecting the nervous system

Evidence
Alterations in gut microbiota have been consistently documented in Parkinson’s disease and may influence symptom severity and medication absorption.

Resources

• Bedarf JR et al., Movement Disorders

• Hill-Burns EM et al., Movement Disorders

Can Parkinson’s symptoms be reversed?

It is important to be clear and ethical: Parkinson’s disease itself is not reversible at this time.
However, many people experience significant improvement in symptoms and daily function when contributing factors—such as inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction, toxin exposure, and medication side effects—are addressed. This aligns with the perspective presented in Rethinking Parkinson’s Disease, which focuses on improving the trajectory of the condition rather than accepting inevitable decline.

Integrative Parkinson’s support at Blue Mountains Wellness Clinic

At Blue Mountains Wellness Clinic, we provide evidence-informed naturopathic care designed to work alongside your neurologist and GP.

We may assess:

• Nutritional status and dietary patterns

• Gut health and digestive function

• Inflammation and oxidative stress

• Lifestyle and environmental exposures

Our goal is to support brain health, improve quality of life, and help you feel more in control of your health journey.

📍 Home visits available within 10 km of Blaxland
🌿 Personalised, compassionate care grounded in science and tradition

References & further reading

• Coleman JC. Rethinking Parkinson’s Disease

• Schapira AHV et al., Lancet Neurology

• Cereda E et al., Movement Disorders

• Houser MC, Tansey MG., Journal of Parkinson’s Disease