Parkinson’s & Mineral Deficiencies: What You Might Be Missing (and How to Fix It)

When you're living with Parkinson’s, you become finely tuned to your body—every tremor, twitch, and twinge gets noticed. But what if some of the symptoms you’re chalking up to Parkinson’s might also be signs of something else? Something as simple (and fixable) as a mineral deficiency? Yes, really. Minerals may be tiny, but they’re mighty—and for people with Parkinson’s, they’re especially important. ⚠️ Why People with Parkinson’s Often Have Mineral Imbalances There’s growing recognition among researchers and clinicians that people with Parkinson’s are at higher risk of being low in key minerals. Here's why: 🧬 1. Absorption issues Parkinson’s often slows digestion, which can affect how well your gut absorbs nutrients—even if you’re eating well. 💊 2. Medication interference Levodopa (and similar drugs) can deplete B vitamins and interfere with magnesium and zinc. Diuretics (common for blood pressure) can flush out minerals, too. 🍽️ 3. Restricted diets Constipation, swallowing issues or just fatigue may lead to limited food choices, reducing your intake of mineral-rich foods. 🧻 4. Symptoms made worse Fatigue, cramps, sleep problems, low mood, anxiety, brain fog, and poor coordination can all worsen with low magnesium or calcium. Common deficiencies in Parkinson’s include: Magnesium – helps nerves and muscles work properly Calcium – vital for movement, bone health, and cell signals Zinc – supports brain function and immune health Selenium – helps protect the brain from oxidative stress Bicarbonates – regulate gut acidity and ease digestion 🧪 What’s a Hair Mineral Test? While blood tests are good for some things, they don’t always show the full picture—especially for long-term nutrient imbalances. That’s where Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) comes in. ✂️ How it works: A small clump of hair (closest to the scalp) is snipped and sent to a specialist lab. The lab measures levels of minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium, selenium and heavy metals like mercury or aluminium. It’s a non-invasive and relatively low-cost way to see what’s going on inside your body over time (roughly a 3-month snapshot). It can be especially useful for spotting patterns, like: Are your calming minerals low? (magnesium, calcium) Is your body stressed? (sodium/potassium imbalance) Are heavy metals present? (which may worsen symptoms) 🧾 Prices: In the UK, HTMA tests cost £85–£120 (on Amazon) depending on the provider (e.g. Biolab, Mineral Check, or private nutritionists). Some tests include personalised recommendations and supplement advice. It’s not a diagnostic tool on its own, but it’s a great way to spot imbalances and tailor your nutrition or supplement plan—especially if you're not getting answers from regular bloods. 💧 Can Mineral Water Really Help? Absolutely. Natural mineral waters don’t just hydrate—they deliver bioavailable forms of the minerals your body might be missing. They’re absorbed easily and don’t require pills, powders, or effort. Here are a few of the best, depending on your needs (I've attached a link comparing different types and brands of mineral water available in Europe, the US, Canada and Australia): 🥇 Donat Mg (Slovenia) Magnesium: 1000 mg/L Best for constipation, cramps, and calming the nervous system Strong taste – start small (half a glass a day) 🥈 Gerolsteiner (Germany) Calcium: 348 mg/L, Magnesium: 108 mg/L, Bicarbonates: 1816 mg/L All-rounder: great for bones, nerves, and digestion Crisp, sparkling, easy to drink 🥉 Muszyna or Muszynianka (Poland) Magnesium: 140–150 mg/L, Calcium: ~220 mg/L, Bicarbonates: ~1700 mg/L Balanced, gentle on taste and gut Good daily option for long-term support 💡 Hon. Mention: Vichy Catalan (Spain) Very high in sodium and bicarbonates Good if you struggle with low blood pressure Strong taste, best in moderation 🥤 How to Use Mineral Water for Maximum Benefit Start small – If you’re trying a high-magnesium water like Donat Mg, begin with 100–150ml a day to avoid diarrhoea. Drink it daily – Just one glass can make a difference over time. Pair with food – Some minerals are better absorbed with meals. Mix and match – Rotate brands to avoid getting too much of one mineral (like sodium). 🛠️ Extra Support: When Water Isn’t Enough If your test shows you're very low in certain minerals, you might still need: Magnesium supplements (magnesium glycinate or citrate are well-absorbed) Calcium with vitamin D3 and K2 (for bone health) Zinc or selenium, if your immune system needs help But many people find that just improving hydration and switching to a better water source can ease cramps, lift energy, improve digestion, and even support mood. 💬 In a Nutshell Yes, mineral deficiencies are common in Parkinson’s. Hair tests are a helpful way to spot them. Ask a healthcare professional, nutritionist, or naturopath with experience in Parkinson’s to help you understand the test results, as the interpretation can differ for people with Parkinson’s compared to those without. Natural mineral waters can be a simple, low-effort way to replenish your body—without pills or side effects. It’s a small change that might just make you feel a whole lot better. I've attached a link comparing different types and brands of mineral water available in Europe, the US, Canada and Australia.