It’s important to recognize that scientists don’t know exactly what triggers Parkinson’s disease, or how long the interval is between when it begins and when it can be diagnosed, Beck said.
Yet, healthy eating and being at a healthy weight can be beneficial for many reasons, Beck said. The Parkinson’s Foundation offers suggestions for a healthy diet for those who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“It’s likely to not only prevent negative effects from Parkinson’s disease, but it could also prevent negative effects from other diseases as well, and maybe even ameliorate them,” Beck said.
“People who are older with Parkinson’s [PD] can have other health problems besides PD. They can have diabetes. They can have cardiovascular disease, and this is where healthy eating can really improve health overall,” he said. “That makes dealing with any disease that much easier.”
More information
The National Human Genome Research Institute has more information on the microbiome.
