A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has Parkinson's disease. The client tells the nurse that he gets nausea when he takes his prescribed levodopa/carbidopa. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the client take with the medication?.

Choice A rationale: 1 cup (8oz) plain low-fat yogurt. This is incorrect choice. Yogurt is a high-protein food that can increase nausea and reduce the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the American Parkinson Disease Association, taking levodopa/carbidopa with a small, low-protein snack can help with nausea symptoms. Choice B rationale: 1 cup (8oz) of applesauce. This is a correct choice. Applesauce is a low-protein, low-fiber food that can help reduce nausea and improve the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to Drugs.com, taking levodopa/carbidopa with foods that have a high fiber content can delay the drug’s absorption into the body. Applesauce also contains natural sugars that can provide some energy and hydration to the client. Choice C rationale: 1 cup (8 oz) cooked spinach. This is an incorrect choice. Spinach is a high-protein, high-fiber food that can increase nausea and decrease the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation3, dietary protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa by competing with the same transporter in the gut and the brain. High-fiber foods can also slow down the gastric emptying and reduce the drug’s availability. Choice D rationale: 1 oz of cheddar cheese. This is an incorrect choice. Cheese is a high-protein, high-fat food that can increase nausea and decrease the absorption of levodopa/carbidopa. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, dietary protein can interfere with the absorption of levodopa by competing with the same transporter in the gut and the brain. High-fat foods can also delay the gastric emptying and reduce the drug’s availability.