Healthy food choices to help manage dyskinesia
Dyskinesia is an involuntary movement that can either affect major muscle groups in the body or certain internal organs. Most commonly, it is observed as a long-term side effect of Parkinson’s disease. However, biliary dyskinesia that affects the gallbladder can also trigger severe sharp bouts of pain due to the involuntary movement.
Dyskinesia can be managed with some necessary dietary changes given below:
Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s
Dyskinesia is a known symptom of the Parkinson’s disease that can also lead to a sudden increase in the daily calorie requirements. Note that a calorie deficit can trigger rapid weight loss among Parkinson’s patients.
- The best diet for dyskinesia must include bright-colored fresh fruits and vegetables including seasonal produce, which can restore nutritional balance. Berries, cranberries, pomegranate, and grapes rank among the top fruits.
- Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help manage the symptoms to some extent. Salmon, tuna, Mackerel, halibut, herring, and sardines are some seafood that are packed with omega-3.
- One can also add whole grains, legumes, and nuts as directed by the nutritionist to supplement fiber and aid digestion.
- Nutritionists also recommend continuing daily protein intake sourced from lean meats, fish, eggs, and dairy-free alternatives to build muscle and improve immunity.
- Proteins must also be balanced with carbohydrates taken from potatoes, rice, and bread among other substitutes.
- It is also important to drink plenty of water as it allows digestive systems to process foods and efficiently flush out toxins from the body.
Biliary dyskinesia
Dyskinesia in the gallbladder, the organ responsible for storing bile produced by the liver, is termed as biliary dyskinesia. The pain is often a result of the bile flowing back into the gallbladder due to a damaged sphincter duct connecting the small intestine. Although pain medications, NSAIDs, and surgery are some effective treatment options, here are some dietary changes that can help manage the condition.
- The best diet for dyskinesia must include healthy fats like olive oil and canola oil for cooking instead of refined sunflower oil.
- Flaxseeds are also a great source of fatty fiber that aids digestion and improves gallbladder function.
- Dark greens like spinach and broccoli are loaded with magnesium that helps clear the gallstones.
- Okra and artichoke stimulate bile production for stronger digestion.
- Avocados are rich in potassium that helps restore electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration.
- Oranges are rich in vitamin C and have a strong preventative effect against gallstones.
Tardive dyskinesia (TD)
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) happens when there is an uncontrollable movement of the face, neck, or tongue. These include facial grimacing, sticking out tongue, neck twisting, making funny faces, sucking, or fish-like repetitive movements of the mouth. The arms, legs or both may also be affected in some cases, like jerking hand and leg movements. These movements are beyond the control of the affected individual.
Causes of tardive dyskinesia
TD is caused due to long-term use of certain antipsychotic medications known as neuroleptics. It is a side-effect that produces biochemical abnormalities in the striatum area of the brain. Neuroleptic medications are prescribed to treat mental, neurological, or gastrointestinal conditions. They block out the dopamine receptors in the brain, which is essential in brain cell communication. TD may develop after three months of taking neuroleptics, and in some, it may occur years after treatment. The exact cause of this is unknown. It is unlikely to develop TD if medication is monitored and only taken for a few weeks. Tardive dystonia is a higher stage of tardive dyskinesia in which the neck and trunk muscles movements are slower.
There are medications available to treat TD. Initially, doctors stop prescribing neuroleptics if it is safe psychiatrically. In some cases, physicians may be forced to reinstitute the neuroleptic medication if the symptoms become severe.
INGREZZA® (valbenazine) treats tardive dyskinesia. In 2017 the FDA approved it to treat adults. It is manufactured by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. and is believed to reduce the extra dopamine signaling. According to the company, patients who used INGREZZA® saw at least a 1-point reduction of uncontrollable movements severity after six weeks. The most common side effect of this medication is sleepiness. Other serious ones include abnormal heartbeats, balance problems, headaches, etc. INGREZZA® is to be taken orally with or without food, as prescribed by the doctor. The dosage depends on the severity of the condition, response to the treatment, and other medications you may be taking.
Another medication to treat tardive dyskinesia is AUSTEDO® (deutetrabenazine) in adults. This medication is also used to treat Huntington’s disease. The directions to take AUSTEDO® are the same as INGREZZA®, but it’s best to follow the doctor’s advice. These are the only two FDA-approved medicines known to treat tardive dyskinesia. Many new studies are ongoing for this condition’s treatment, but they may be too expensive for some. Some alternative natural supplements have shown a minor benefit of TD, like ginkgo biloba and vitamin E.