How eating habits could influence Parkinson’s disease risk, according to experts
“Anthocyanins — the pigments in red/purple berries — are the subclass with the most consistent signal,” she said. “These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may cross the blood-brain barrier.”
No. 3: Coffee and caffeinated tea
Large studies have shown that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower Parkinson’s risk, according to Hare, although a direct cause can’t be proven.
Caffeine has been found to protect brain cells in animal studies by blocking a specific brain receptor called the adenosine A2A receptor, she said.
“The effect is stronger in men; hormone therapy appears to modify it in women,” Hare added.
Scientists have found early signs of the disease — clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein — in the nerves of the digestive system. (iStock)
No. 4: Fatty fish and omega-3 sources
“Evidence is more suggestive than definitive, but diets higher in omega-3s — salmon, sardines, mackerel, walnuts and flaxseed — correlate with lower risk and may support general neuronal health,” Hare said.
YOUR DAILY COFFEE HABIT MAY PLAY A ROLE IN DEMENTIA RISK, STUDY FINDS
No. 5: Fiber and fermented foods
In some cases, Parkinson’s pathology may begin in the gut, and gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation, can precede diagnosis, experts agree.
Scientists have found early signs of the disease — clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein — in the nerves of the digestive system.
Large studies have shown that regular coffee consumption is associated with lower Parkinson’s risk, according to Hare, although a direct cause can’t be proven. (iStock)
“Constipation is one of the strongest prodromal symptoms, often predating diagnosis by a decade or more,” Hare told Fox News Digital.
“Diets supporting a diverse gut microbiome — high fiber, fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi — are an active research area, though we don’t yet have randomized trial evidence that changing your microbiome changes Parkinson’s risk.”
Foods associated with higher risk
No. 1: Dairy (particularly milk)
“This is a consistent but still-debated finding,” Hare said. “Multiple large cohorts have found that higher milk consumption is associated with modestly elevated PD risk, particularly in men.”
The signal is specific to milk, she noted, as cheese and yogurt don’t show the same consistent association.
Recent research, including the Nurses’ Health Study in 2025, has linked high ultraprocessed food intake to higher odds of early Parkinson’s symptoms. (iStock)
No. 2: Ultraprocessed foods
Recent research, including the Nurses’ Health Study in 2025, has linked high ultraprocessed food intake to higher odds of early Parkinson’s symptoms. This supports broader evidence of processed foods’ association with systemic inflammation, Hare noted.
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No. 3: Pesticide exposure via diet
Exposure to paraquat and rotenone, which are toxic chemicals often used as pesticides, are among the strongest environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s, according to Hare.
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“Eating organic produce when possible … is a reasonable precaution, though the bulk of pesticide risk in the Parkinson’s literature relates to occupational exposure, not dietary,” she noted.
No. 4: Excess saturated fat and red/processed meat
“Associations exist, but are less robust than the dairy or ultraprocessed findings,” Hare said.
There are some limitations and caveats for all of these dietary risk associations, she noted.
“Associations exist, but are less robust than the dairy or ultraprocessed findings,” the expert said about red meat consumption. (iStock)
“Epidemiology does not equal causation,” she emphasized. “Nearly all of the above comes from observational studies.”
Lifestyle behaviors can also come into play – people who eat Mediterranean diets, for example, also exercise more, smoke less and have more resources.
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“Diet is one lever among several,” Hare noted. “Exercise has stronger evidence than any food for both preventing Parkinson’s and slowing progression. Sleep quality, cognitive engagement and avoidance of head injury also matter.
“A responsible expert would place a diet in that broader context rather than overselling any single food.”
Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/eating-habits-could-influence-parkinsons-disease-risk-according-experts