This is one of the subtle differences that should be considered is growing a garden providing a diet rich in anti-oxidant and phytochemical rich fruits and vegetables. These should be organic fruits, vegetables, and grains to minimize exposure to pesticide residues and additives.

The function of eating is one of the oldest if not the oldest socialization interaction of mankind. The diet for Parkinson’s is paramount to managing the disease, but eating a PD good diet is something that most can’t do, want, or not aware of, for a variety of reasons. Also, in growing your own foods has so many positive aspects of coupling with emotional mood swings as well as provide physical and psychological support. What a great by product. Understand this garden isn’t designed or intended to provide all of your food, only a small portion. It is the exercise, socialization, psychological process of contributing to one’s on health that are the wonderful by products of gardening.

So what foods contain a lot of antioxidants? These should be explored to be part of your growing a garden, fruits and vegetables–especially the dark colored fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, garlic, red kidney beans, pinto beans, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, plums and apples. Tea–especially green tea and black tea contain a lot of antioxidants. Red wine contains antioxidants as do dark juices like pomegranate and blueberry. Carrots are loaded with a potent antioxidant called beta-carotene which liberates the antioxidants making it easier to absorb. Also an individual with Parkinson’s should consume foods that contain glutathione or help produce it as in broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage, so these should be considered as part of the garden.

By providing a functional garden that actually becomes part of the food source, farm to table concept, an individual with Parkinson’s participate in developing a healthy diet. These fruits and vegetables become part of the daily diet. What about fresh cut flowers for the dining room and individual rooms from the garden. Think of what this means and the possibilities for exercise, socialization and stress management.

PD-Friendly Gardening

Picking the plants is the first part of this process. There may be professionals who would want to be involved such as your local garden supply store. Spend some time on the planning.

The layout is very important; the plants need to be on raised platforms with wide rows between each. Make sure the drainage is directly under the platforms so the walk ways don’t get wet and slippery. The walk ways should be wide and flat to avoid falls. There should be a storage area as well as a rest area, maybe a stool for sitting. Have the availability of water and fluids. Be very careful to monitor times of medications to select the best time to garden, this includes if the medications cause light sensitivity. Set up a protocol before each gardening session for stretching and hydrating.