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Dear Barbara Patterson: The nutrition programme you are referring to is "Quality of Life Through Balanced Nutrition," a nutrition programme developed by Elan NutraPharma for people with Parkinson's disease who are on levodopa therapy. "Quality of Life Through Balanced Nutrition" is based on research that shows people with PD who take levadopa have special nutrition requirements. The programme takes the latest nutrition research and translates it into practical tools for making healthy lifestyle choices. (The above notice was sent out by The American Parkinson Disease Association to its members on October 27, l993) Elan NutraPharma programme provides the most current information on the role of nutrition in relation to PD, as well as practical advice on meal planning and preparation, dining away from home and exercise. Elan also offers HEARTY BALANCE, a complete line of easy to prepare meals, meal supplements, desserts and snacks. Hearty Balance has been developed in association with leading medical and nutrition experts. The problem with PD and food is the balancing of carbohydrate and protein. Most of us with PD have experienced what I call protein overdose - you know - eat a big steak and stiffen up and can't get up from the table without a derrick assist. Experts call it "off" rigidity. On the other side of that coin is after a particularly high ingestion of carbohydrates people taking levodopa may experience dyskinesias - involuntary movements. Recent medical research shows that balancing carbohydrate and protein in a specific ratio may help avoid these "on-off" fluctuations. The ratio is 7:1 carbohydrate:protein. There is a toll-free in the states for Elan - 1-800-473-3663. I am a happy subscriber as I really don't like to cook and I tend to overdo on convenient junk food. When I'm too busy to construct a balanced meal (and Elan's book tells you how to do this as well) I just pop open one of their "shakes" and go merrily about my business. I don't have a swallowing problem but I think someone who has would find the shakes easy to deal with as they have a nice thickness and no lumps to choke on. There is no obligation to buy their products if you enroll. You get their resource book and a quarterly newsletter free. You can also call their nutritionist for information. They will send a knowledgeable person to speak about nutrition for PD at support group meetings. Good deal, eh? Barbara Yacos,RN <[log in to unmask]>