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Susan Clark - I agree with Donna Re: diet. Fatty foods are primarily animal and as such act to neutralize the effect of L-Dopa. We eat foodstuff because our body needs fuel to convert into energy to function. This fuel (food) comes in various forms much as does the fuel we use to provide various forms of mechanical energy and/or heat. The basic food categories are carbohydrate and protein. The body converts carbohydrates quickly which generally means more energy is produced than can be utilized so the excess is stored as body fat. Protien, on the other hand, is converted slowly giving the body more time to utilize more of the energy as it is produced. Other elements that the body derives from food are the vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain various organs and their functions. Generally we find carbohydrate in sugars and starches while we look for meat to provide the protein in our diet. However, vegatables and fruits with their many varieties can provide both carbohydrate and protein as well as the necessary vitamins and minerals and therefore can provide a complete diet. Veggies also contain a lot of fiber so the percentage that can be burned as fuel is corespondingly lower than high protein foods such as meat. But thats OK, too, because we're gettinng the vitamins and minerals we need and the bulk helps the body eliminate its waste. Meats, on the other hand, especially red meats provide very little in the form of essential vitamins and minerals. They are, however, high in animal fat content (cholesterol) which the body stores in veins, arteries, and in the heart itself, giving rise to heart problems. Conclusion: It appears to me that a low-meat or non-meat diet would be the healthy choice and along with the adverse effect that animal fat has on the effectivness of L-Dopa the only choice for anyone with PD.......ED H In answer to your query Re: number of msgs - This is a relatively new list - only 3 months or so - and it has a limited following as not everybody has PD or an interest therein. I think it is doing great ....ED H Jerry Boggs - Welcome to Parkinsn. I think you will like it here. There is a lot of good information and advice to be had here. If you don't find it - just ask. On medication - Sinamet 25/100 3 - 4 X daily should help control symptoms and eldepryl 5mg 2 X daily is the recommended dosage to (hopefully) retard the progress. Of course all of us here are looking for the breakthru that will mark the end to our plight......ED H Alan Bonander - Hello Alan and welcome to Parkinsn. I THINK you will like it here and I'm SURE those of us here will appreciate your knowledgeable contributions...ED H