Dietary management is extremely important for patients with Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder caused by a lack of dopamine production that results in impaired muscle function. This is because diet directly affects overall health, symptom control, and treatment outcomes in these patients.

“Dietary management for Parkinson's disease patients goes beyond simple health management. It is one of the most important factors in determining disease progression, symptom control, medication effectiveness, and ultimately quality of life,” said Professor Kim Ryul of Seoul National University College of Medicine on the Korean Movement Disorder Society’s YouTube channel Parkinson TV.

While there are various recommended diets for patients with Parkinson's disease, Professor Kim emphasized that they only need to remember two key approaches: the Mediterranean diet and the MIND diet (Mediterranean–DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay).

“There are studies showing that consistently following the Mediterranean or MIND diet can reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by about 20–30 percent. Research also indicates that patients already diagnosed can slow disease progression and improve cognitive function through these diets,” Professor Kim said.

The Mediterranean diet is traditionally eaten by people living along the Mediterranean coast and has been extensively studied after observations that these populations are less obese and generally healthier than other Europeans. “The core of the Mediterranean diet is to consume whole grains, plant-based oils, and fish, while limiting poultry to no more than three times a week,” Professor Kim said. “Foods rich in healthy fats, such as olive oil and nuts, should be eaten as often as possible.”

The diet also includes small amounts of wine. “Wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant known to help prevent cardiovascular disease,” Kim explained. However, he stressed moderation: “Wine also contains alcohol, which is a carcinogen. Drinking it means taking in both its benefits and drawbacks, so it should be consumed sparingly.”

The MIND diet, also beneficial for Parkinson's patients, combines elements of the Mediterranean diet with a low-sodium, blood pressure–lowering diet and foods that delay neurodegenerative disease onset. “The MIND diet emphasizes eating less wine and avoiding processed fats like butter,” said Professor Yu Su-yeon of Keimyung University School of Medicine on the same YouTube channel. “Instead, it encourages berries such as blueberries, which are rich in beneficial compounds, and green vegetables.”

Both professors stressed the need to avoid sugar. “It is best to avoid sugary foods as much as possible,” Professor Yu said. This also applies to rice, a staple in Korea: “Eating a lot of white rice raises blood sugar and causes weight gain, so it is better to eat brown rice, oats, or other whole grains.”

Even healthy diets should not be consumed in excess. “Even good foods can lead to excessive calories, which can cause metabolic problems such as blood sugar spikes or weight gain,” Professor Kim warned. “Overeating should be avoided.”