Well, this is the end of the month, so I will be wrapping up my series of columns on Parkinson’s disease.

As part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month I have been telling you about different aspects of the disease I have experienced and what I have done to deal with them

This week, I’ll be talking about diet and nutrition.

Probably the most common misconception about nutrition held by those with PD is that they must eliminate protein.

I was one of those who felt that way after reading an article on protein’s effect on the carbodopa-levodopa medication I was taking. I read another article that said, “People with PD need protein just like everyone else.”

In fact, it went on to say that “those who do not eat enough protein may experience muscle loss, making already-challenging physical activities even more difficult.”

Instead of avoiding protein, I take into account the timing of the protein intake. I had a nurse tell me at the Mayo Clinic that sugar and protein were the two kinds of food of which I should be careful when I take the pills.

The reason is that Levodopa is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein. During digestion, protein-rich foods such as meat are broken down into their component amino acids and then are absorbed into the blood-stream. Because the body can only absorb a limited amount of amino acids at a given time, Levodopa that is taken at mealtime or shortly thereafter has to compete with the amino acids food for those precious absorption “slots.” As a result, the drug’s effect may be delayed by as much as several hours.

Not everyone is the same. So, if you have PD, then you should experiment and a good test is to take your Parkinson’s medicine 30 to 60 minutes prior to eating.

This head start allows the body to fully absorb the medicine before the meal.

I eat my meals approximately 45 minutes after taking my Parkinson’s medication. I eat little protein for my morning and noon meals.

I save my protein intake for a good piece of meat at dinner, which is at 7:30 p.m. Even in my youth, I craved a good steak or a big juicy half-pound burger. Steak weighing three to five ounces is now usually enough to satisfy me. Now you’re hearing this from a guy who at one time dreamed of being able to eat that 72-ounce steak at a Texas steakhouse in Amarillo. Now l fill up on vegetables. But at least I can function.

Oh yes, there are times when I slip back into the old Alan. If I see a plate of babyback pork ribs in front of me, I will overdo every time. And I pay for it. I can barely walk across the living room when it’s time for bed.

People with Parkinson’s also should have a regular supplement of calcium and vitamin D for strong bone health. This is important, because when you have PD you are prone to falling (as I did three weeks ago).

In wrapping up with this series, remember all of what I have told you about Parkinson’s is how it has affected me and what I have done about it to keep going on with my life.

You should always check with your doctor before changing your routine.