Clean Eating for Parkinson's Part 1: What’s Really In Your Food?

Have you ever wondered if the food you eat could make a difference in how you feel with Parkinson’s disease? My own journey with nutrition began when I roped my sister into doing an experiment with me—eating only whole, nutritious foods for two weeks. The results were transformative, and I’ve seen similar benefits in my clients with PD: more energy, better digestion and sleep, steadier moods, and more.

 

What Is Clean Eating?

Clean eating means choosing foods as close to their natural state as possible—think fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It’s about food that comes from nature instead of from a factory.  It’s not about perfection or restriction, but about making small, sustainable changes that fit your life and symptoms.

Why Clean Eating Matters for Parkinson’s

Clean eating can help manage some of the most common PD symptoms, like constipation and fatigue. Fiber-rich foods (such as leafy greens and berries) support gut health and regularity, while simple, minimally processed meals can help keep your energy more stable. When you need convenience, reach for frozen produce over canned—frozen fruits and veggies are nutritious, easy to prepare, and free from the additives and preservatives often found in canned goods. Research even shows that eating a lot of canned foods is linked to worse outcomes in PD.

First Steps: Ingredient Awareness

Start by getting curious about what’s really in your food. Take a moment to read the ingredient list on a packaged item—notice if there are any words you don’t recognize or can’t pronounce. Jot down a few unfamiliar ingredients to look up later. Begin to spot patterns: How often do you see dyes, preservatives, or additives? Notice where sugar, salt, or oils fall in the ingredient list—the closer to the top, the more of it is in the product. You might be surprised by how pervasive certain ingredients are, even in foods you thought were “healthy.” This simple practice of becoming aware is the first step toward making more informed choices and feeling more empowered about what goes on your plate.

Try This: Set Your Intention

What’s one small change you can try this week? Maybe it’s reading the label on a favorite snack, swapping in a new veggie, or simply noticing how different foods make you feel. Share your intention or discovery in the comments, or make some notes in your PD journal.  Every step counts.

Clean eating is a journey, and every small choice can make a difference in how you feel with Parkinson’s. In two weeks, we’ll explore troubleshooting, advanced tips, and more PD-specific resources.

Until then – wishing you peace, love, and veggies.

Carolee