Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, making certain lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing it.

Here are some tips and tricks to decrease your chances of developing this debilitating illness.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help decrease your risk of developing Parkinson’s. Exercise that challenges your balance and coordination, such as dancing, can be especially beneficial.

A study found that people who engage in regular physical activity, specifically moderate to vigorous exercise, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those who did not exercise regularly.

Eat a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is essential for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.

Avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, as well as processed foods and sugary drinks. A study found that people who followed a Mediterranean-style diet, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease than those who did not follow this type of diet.

Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Make sure to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

If you have trouble sleeping, try sticking to a sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and electronics before bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.

Avoid Toxins

Avoiding toxins is important for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

If you work with chemicals or pesticides, make sure to take proper precautions and wear protective gear.

Handle Stress

Stress can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s. While it is difficult to completely avoid stress, managing it effectively can help reduce your risk. Try relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

Exercise is also an effective way to reduce stress.

Staying socially active is important for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Social interaction can help improve brain function and decrease your risk of cognitive decline.

Make an effort to stay connected with friends and family, join a social group or club, or volunteer in your community.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing the disease.

Make sure to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid Head Injuries

Avoiding head injuries is essential for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Research shows that head injuries, especially repeated concussions, can increase your risk of developing the disease.

Wear protective gear when engaging in sports or other activities that involve potential head injury.

Stay Mentally Active

Staying mentally active is important for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Engage in mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing games, or doing puzzles.

These activities can help improve brain function and reduce your risk of cognitive decline.

Get Regular Check-ups

Getting regular check-ups is important for reducing your risk of Parkinson’s. Regular visits to your healthcare provider can help identify potential risk factors and allow for early detection of the disease if it does develop.