"Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Parkinson’s" by Jelena Etemovic, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

This webinar, titled "Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Parkinson’s," is the fourth instalment of the "Food as Medicine" series. It features Jelena Etemovic, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, who explores how targeted nutritional strategies can act as neuroprotective tools to support brain health and manage symptoms.

The Core Science: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Parkinson’s disease is characterised by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells. Research suggests that oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are key contributors to this cellular damage over time.

• Oxidative Stress: This is an imbalance between "free radicals" (unstable molecules that damage cells) and "antioxidants" (molecules that neutralise them).

• Chronic Inflammation: While inflammation is a natural healing response, when it becomes chronic, it places added stress on the nervous system and brain cells.

Key Nutritional Strategies
1. Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Antioxidants are natural compounds that protect cells from oxidative damage. They are primarily found in vibrant, colourful plant-based foods.

• Sources: Berries, dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices.

• The "Variety" Rule: Different colours represent different antioxidant compounds (e.g., Vitamin C in citrus, flavonoids in blueberries, resveratrol in grapes).

• The "Regularity" Rule: Daily habits add up; cellular protection is a long-term benefit of consistent intake.

2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These are "essential" fats, meaning the body cannot produce them and must get them from food. They are directly involved in regulating the body’s inflammatory response and supporting brain cell communication.

• DHA & EPA (Found in fatty fish): Crucial for brain health and cognitive function.

• ALA (Found in plants): Found in flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

• Recommendation: Aim to include omega-3 rich foods 2–3 times per week.

Practical "Hacks" for Daily Life
Jelena recommends a three-step approach to immediately improving your nutritional profile:

• Grocery List Update: Add three antioxidant-rich and three omega-3-rich foods to your shop this week.

• Colourful Plates: Fill half your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables daily.

• The "Add, Don't Cut" Mindset: Instead of focusing on what to restrict, focus on what nutrient-dense foods you can add to your current meals (e.g., adding chia seeds to oatmeal or spinach to a smoothie).

Jelena has produced the following free guide: https://jelena-etemovic-dietitian.kit.com/1b8038925f

Parkinson’s Brain Health Nutrition Guide: Practical nutrition strategies to support brain health and help you take simple action this week. Inside this free guide you’ll learn:

• How nutrition can help support brain health in PD
• How to get started with building a plan
• An antioxidant foods list
• Tips for increasing antioxidant intakes
• An Omega-3 foods list
• Tips for increasing omega-3 intakes
• How to get additional nutrition guidance