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"Dietary factors may alter the effects of levodopa action in the brain, and subsequently affect motor performance. Foods with a high protein content can interfere with the absorption of levodopa. This phenomenon is most common in persons who have considerable on/off motor fluctuations, requiring four or more doses of C/L per day. " . . . "When starting to take carbidopa/levodopa, patients are often advised to take it 30-60 minutes prior to meals or 1-2 hours after a meal. Some individuals may need to eat a non-protein snack (such as fruit or a cracker) with the medication to avoid an upset stomach. However, most patients have no problem taking the medication on an empty stomach, which allows maximum absorption. Take each dose of medication with a full glass of water to help minimize nausea and aid absorption." http://www.parkinson.org/med9.htm#die EAT WELL, STAY WELL - the first book of Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD (NPF Dietitian) answers lots of suggestions concerning diet and PD. Her new book, COOK WELL, STAY WELL, offers not only good information but excellent recipes. http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/ As for sugar sweets - PWP tend to have a dry mouth (either the disease itself or side effects of medications used. Dry mouth breeds bacteria, and adding sugary substances can play havoc with dental health. And chocolate (caffeine) has been shown to be neuroprotective: "Our findings indicate that higher coffee and caffeine intake is associated with a significantly lower incidence of Parkinson disease. This effect appears to be independent of smoking. The data suggest that the mechanism is related to caffeine intake and not to other nutrients contained in coffee." http://www.parkinson.org/coffee.htm "Caffeine belongs to the xanthine chemical group. A naturally occurring xanthine in the brain called adenosine is used as a neurotransmitter at some synapses. When adenosine receptors are blocked, levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine increase. Caffeine may protect against Parkinson's disease by blocking adenosine receptors, thus increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain." I also read somewhere that chocolate helps swallowing in PD patients, but I cannot find it now. However, I do know that large amounts of caffeine are contraindicated in swallowing difficulties. Peggy ----- Original Message ----- From: "Faisal Mohammed" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Thursday, March 11, 2004 6:19 PM Subject: Are sugary substances harmful? > hi, > R sugary substances like chocholates, sweets, harmful in Parkinson?? what > about meat?? > rgds., > Faisal > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn