Parkinson's Disease: Eating Right (cont.)

There are several ways to control or relieve nausea, including:

• Drink clear or ice-cold drinks. Drinks containing sugar may calm the stomach better than other liquids.
• Avoid orange and grapefruit juices because these are too acidic and may worsen nausea.
• Drink beverages slowly.
• Drink liquids between meals instead of during them.
• Eat light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers or plain bread).
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
• Eat slowly.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
• Do not mix hot and cold foods.
• Eat foods that are cold or at room temperature to avoid getting nauseated from the smell of hot or warm foods.
• Rest after eating, keeping your head elevated. Activity may worsen nausea and may lead to vomiting.
• Avoid brushing your teeth after eating.
• If you feel nauseated when you wake up in the morning, eat some crackers before getting out of bed or eat a high protein snack before going to bed (lean meat or cheese).
• Try to eat when you feel less nauseated.
• If these techniques do not seem to ease your queasy stomach, consult your doctor.

Some Parkinson's disease medications may make you thirsty. Here are some tips for relieving thirst and dry mouth:

• Drink eight or more cups of liquid each day. But, some people with Parkinson's disease who also have heart problems may need to limit their fluids, so be sure to follow your doctor's guidelines.
• Limit caffeine (contained in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) as it may interfere with some of your medications and may actually make you more dehydrated.
• Dunk or moisten breads, toast, cookies, or crackers in milk, decaffeinated tea or coffee to soften them.
• Take a drink after each bite of food to moisten your mouth and to help you swallow.
• Add sauces to foods to make them soft and moist. Try gravy, broth, sauce, or melted butter.
• Eat sour candy or fruit ice to help increase saliva and moisten your mouth.
• Don't use a commercial mouthwash. Commercial mouthwashes often contain alcohol that can dry your mouth. Ask your doctor or dentist about alternative mouthwash products.
• Ask your doctor about artificial saliva products. They are available by prescription.

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/parkinsons_disease_eating_right/article.htm