Parkinson’s disease (PD) is most commonly known for its effects on movement (tremors, stiffness, slowed mobility), but for those living with it, the effects often extend far beyond affecting mood, sleep, digestion, cognition and overall vitality. A naturopathic approach to managing the disease symptoms involves digging deeper: identifying underlying contributors, addressing nutrient imbalances and promoting a better quality of life.

Working in tandem with a patient’s medical team, naturopathic care may include some of the following:

Labs. Strategic lab work can often help identify underlying concerns. Organic acid testing often reveals patterns of mitochondrial dysfunction,¹ with PD patients showing low vitamin C levels and elevated dopamine metabolites. Detecting these patterns can offer direction for targeted nutrient repletion—particularly vitamin C, which is a cofactor in dopamine metabolism (the heart of PD).²

Measuring oxidative stress markers, particularly F2-Isoprostanes, helps assess cellular strain. Optimal levels are below 0.86 ng/mg and, when elevated, high-dose CoQ10 may be helpful.³ Micronutrient testing frequently reveals deficiencies in B12,⁴ omega-3 fatty acids,⁵ vitamin D^6,7 and trace minerals.^8-10 Hair and urine metal testing also prove useful,¹¹ often uncovering toxic burdens of manganese,^{9, 12} aluminum¹³ or iron⁹, common but overlooked contributors to neurodegeneration.

Cholesterol is another important factor. The brain produces its own cholesterol locally, and very low blood cholesterol may impair function. Coconut oil and red palm oil, both plant-based saturated fats, can support the brain’s own cholesterol production. Recent data suggest that patients with higher DHA levels have significantly lower risk for dementia.¹⁴ Preliminary non-human studies suggest that levodopa, a medication commonly used to treat Parkinson’s, may lower DHA levels,^15,16 thus DHA testing and repletion may be warranted for neurologic balance.

Blood sugar regulation also plays a key role in PD progression. Elevated A1c is associated with brain atrophy and cognitive decline,¹⁷ so continuous glucose monitoring, along with a fiber-rich, carb-balanced diet would be indicated.¹⁸

More key nutrients. There are a few more key supplements that often support neurologic function including glutathione (600 mg daily, ideally intranasal),¹⁹ curcumin, resveratrol,²⁰ quercetin,²¹melatonin,²² and probiotics.²³ For some, GI testing to rule out H. pylori, SIBO or sensitivities is often warranted, especially when symptoms like bloating, constipation or reflux are present.^24,25

Protein intake should be managed thoughtfully, as dietary protein can reduce the absorption of levodopa. Lemon juice, interestingly, may enhance availability of levodopa in the gut.

Non-motor symptoms to treat/monitor. Many of the most disruptive effects of Parkinson’s are non-motor in nature. Fatigue, apathy, orthostatic hypotension, constipation, urinary dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, hallucinations, loss of smell, disrupted sleep (especially REM behavior disorder), and cognitive changes such as memory and comprehension loss are common. These symptoms often precede motor symptoms and are just as essential to treat.

Patients should be routinely screened and monitored for these experiences, and tools like PROPD.org can help track symptoms over time in a meaningful way.

Restoring balance from the inside out. No single supplement or medication can replace the power of a well-supported terrain. A mineral repletion program focused on lithium, magnesium,²⁶ and zinc²⁷ can offer subtle but powerful shifts in mood, energy and sleep.^28,29 Smoothies, broths, stews and juices can deliver these nutrients in easily digestible forms. Spices, herbs, seeds and berries add not only nutritional density but also color and flavor. Mindful eating—taking time to smell, chew and truly enjoy meals—helps stimulate digestion and retrain senses, including the sense of smell, which is often diminished in PD.

Parkinson’s is complex, and no two patients are alike. But with thorough testing, targeted nutrient support, and nourishing daily practices, this approach can help patients with PD live a fuller life. Working in tandem with a patient’s medical team, naturopathic care offers a compassionate, individualized approach to managing the disease, and more importantly, supporting the person navigating it.

Dr. Salcido is a primary care naturopathic doctor at Live Well Clinic. Her focus is functional psychiatry utilizing naturopathic principles to work on root causes of mental health imbalance. She can be reached at (760) 771.5970 or www.livewellclinic.org.

References: 1) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11217404; 2) https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/3/453; 3) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/782965; 4) https://clinicalmovementdisorders.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40734-020-00085-8; 5) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6563911; 6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24847960; 7) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9221008; 8) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31454800; 9) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/11/1852; 10) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37181629; 11) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0946672X17309732; 12) https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1439325; 13) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25618568; 14) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2838628; 15) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16437566; 16) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667268524000214; 17) https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.29009; 18) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128000939000119; 19) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26230671; 20) https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/11/1364; 21) https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/vol13nospl-issue-phytonutrients-2025/phytonutrients-in-neuroprotection-and-neurodegenerative-disorders; 22) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780443237638000622; 23) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8770674; 24) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4828559; 25) https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mds.23566; 26) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11312984; 27) https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/9/2140; 28) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590142724000193; 29) https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10227915