Understanding Parkinson’s Tremors: Causes, Symptoms, and How Nutrition May Help Slow Progression
Have you ever noticed a subtle shake in your hands, feet, fingers, or toes? It's easy to blame it on stress or fatigue — but sometimes, these tremors can be an early sign of something more serious. An estimated 6.4 million adults in the U.S. experience tremors, and that number rises significantly with age.1
There are many causes of tremors, and one of the most well-known is Parkinson's disease (PD) — a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, motor control, balance, cognition, and many other aspects of living. Though, Parkinson's is the most prevalent neurological condition involving tremors. In this article, we'll dive into PD and explore the impact nutrition may have on slowing its progression and reducing the severity of tremors.
What Are Tremors — and What Causes Them?
Tremors are neurological movement disorders characterized by involuntary, rhythmic shaking in one or more parts of the body. They can range from barely noticeable to significantly disruptive and may affect various areas, including the hands, arms, head, voice, legs, and torso.
Understanding the type of tremors you could experience can help pinpoint its cause. Below are the most common types: 2
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Resting tremors occur when your limb is at rest. This is a distinctive sign of Parkinson’s disease, and we’ll focus on these in this article.
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Action tremors appear during voluntary movements like writing or holding something. Essential tremor is the most common example and is often confused with PD.
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Postural tremors happen when holding a position, like extending your arms. It can be seen in essential tremors and other medical conditions.
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Intention tremors intensify as you reach for a target, such as by touching your finger to your nose. These tremors are typically associated with cerebellar disorders like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or cerebellar degeneration.
Tremors and Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors can occur for various reasons, and they are one of the early signs of Parkinson's disease. PD symptoms often begin subtly, with shaky hands or tremoring fingers, and they evolve over time.
PD develops when dopamine-producing cells in the brain's substantia nigra (a part in the middle of the brain) begin to die. This region plays a vital role in smooth movement, and when dopamine declines, tremors and other motor symptoms follow.
Tremors related to Parkinson's disease are distinct in a few ways:3
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They typically occur at rest. Resting tremors are when the affected body part is relaxed and supported, such as when your hand rests on your lap. The tremor often goes away during purposeful movement.
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They often begin on one side of the body. In many cases, the tremor first appears in one hand, arm, or leg and may remain more prominent on that side even as the disease progresses.
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Other motor symptoms usually accompany them. These include muscle rigidity and slowed movement. This combination of symptoms helps distinguish Parkinson's tremors from conditions like essential tremors.
Tremor Progression: Early- vs. Late-Stage Parkinson’s
In the early stages of Parkinson's, tremors may be subtle — often just a slight twitch in one finger or hand. Over time, they may spread to other limbs or areas, becoming more noticeable and persistent.
As the disease progresses into later stages, tremors can become more severe and may affect the jaw, lips, tongue, and legs, especially when the body is at rest. However, not all individuals with Parkinson's will experience tremors, and for some, rigidity or slowness of movement may be more dominant symptoms.
The Brain’s Role in Tremors and Parkinson’s
Tremors can originate from different parts of the brain, depending on the underlying condition. In essential tremor, the shaking stems from disruptions in the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination.4
In Parkinson’s disease, however, tremors are rooted in the basal ganglia, the brain’s motor control center. The loss of dopamine causes the brain to send “scrambled” signals to the muscles, which is why people with PD often experience tremors even when their body is at rest. 5
Recent studies show that the brain's motor pathways become overactive as dopamine levels fall. The imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory signals leads to the involuntary shaking or trembling associated with PD. 6 This neurodegeneration in the brain isn't just limited to movement — it can also affect how the brain processes emotions, thoughts, and even sleep patterns, making PD a multifaceted condition.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease and Its Tremors?
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease:
Aging and Neurodegeneration
Age is the most significant risk factor for Parkinson's. As we age, natural wear and tear on the brain — especially in dopamine-producing areas — can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.7
Genetics
While most cases of Parkinson's aren't directly inherited, some genetic mutations can raise the risk, especially if there is family history.8
Stress
Chronic stress doesn't cause Parkinson's, but it can worsen existing tremors. Stress leads to muscle tension and amplifies the brain's misfiring signals, making tremors more noticeable or difficult to control.9
Brain Health Nutrition: How Diet Can Help Slow Parkinson’s Tremors
It's no secret that eating well is crucial to maintaining good health — but when it comes to Parkinson's disease, diet may play an even more significant role. Research increasingly shows that certain eating patterns and nutrients help reduce neuroinflammation, support dopamine activity, and even ease symptoms like hand tremors.
Best Diet to Slow Parkinson’s Progression
Mediterranean Diet and Parkinson’s
The Mediterranean diet is often praised for heart health, but did you know it can also benefit the brain? Rich in healthy fats (like olive oil), colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fish (also a source of healthy fats like omega-3’s), this eating pattern is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that help protect the brain from oxidative stress — an underlying factor in Parkinson's progression.
Recent studies suggest this diet may help preserve dopamine-producing neurons and even reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's in the first place.10, 11
Another bonus? The Mediterranean diet supports gut health, which is increasingly linked to brain health and Parkinson's. An imbalance in the gut microbiome may contribute to the disease's development, and this diet helps restore that balance.12
MIND Diet Benefits for Parkinson’s
The MIND diet is a blend of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets and is specifically designed to protect the brain. It emphasizes leafy greens, berries, nuts, legumes, and whole grains — all shown to benefit cognitive health and reduce neurodegeneration.
People who closely follow the MIND diet have shown a slower progression of Parkinson's symptoms, and some studies even suggest it may delay the onset of the disease itself.13, 14
Key Nutrients That Help with Tremors
Beyond overall diet patterns, some key nutrients found in these diets stand out for their brain-protective benefits:
Polyphenols (and Coffee)
Polyphenols are found in colorful vegetables and fruits, like berries, as well as in coffee and green tea. They are nature’s very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory helpers, reducing oxidative stress and protect brain cells from damage. They also show potential for supporting memory and cognitive resilience.15 Coffee and the polyphenols in it are especially linked to a reduced risk of PD and as a potential therapy to slow PD progression.16, 17 Key polyphenol compounds like chlorogenic acid and kahweol, are neuroprotective agents, capable of helping slow the progression of PD by reducing oxidative stress, supporting mitochondrial function, and modulating inflammation.18 For coffee drinkers, look for this month’s special offer at the end of this article.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s, like DHA and EPA, are abundant in fatty fish (like salmon), flaxseeds, and walnuts. They help reduce neuroinflammation and protect the structure of brain cells. Plus, omega-3 fatty acids may boost mood and slow cognitive decline in aging adults.19
Vitamin B12
Essential for nerve function and neurotransmitter activity, vitamin B12 helps keep the nervous system running smoothly. Deficiency in this vitamin is common in older adults due to less absorption as people age, and it may worsen Parkinson's symptoms if left unaddressed.20
Quercetin
Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compound found in onions, capers, and berries. It also promotes mitochondrial function and helps regulate dopamine activity, making it especially relevant for Parkinson's support.21
For more on nutrition for Parkinson’s management, check out our article: 10 Dietary Strategies That Could Help Parkinson’s Prevention and Management
Using Diet to Manage Parkinson’s Tremors
Tremors can stem from various causes, but tremors linked to Parkinson's disease signal extensive changes happening in the brain. While there's no cure, research shows that nutrition and lifestyle can make a real difference, both in lowering the risk of Parkinson's and in slowing the progression of symptoms like tremors.
By eating more anti-inflammatory, nutrient-rich foods, you give your brain and nervous system what they need to function their best — and help fight Parkinson's.
Start a Nutritional Strategy that May Help with Parkinson’s Symptom Relief
Start with diet and lifestyle. Maintaining a brain-healthy diet takes dedication, and it's not always easy to get all the key nutrients your brain needs — especially day after day. RELEVATE is our brain health supplement formulated with 17 clinically researched nutrients, including polyphenols, magnesium, vitamin B12, and omega-3s (DHA/EPA). Designed to help mimic the Mediterranean and MIND diets, RELEVATE supports long-term cognitive and neurological health, helping you take consistent steps to improve your overall diet toward managing Parkinson's symptoms like tremors, and it may help with Parkinson’s symptom relief.
This month, you can explore our Polyphenol focused special offer, where you can buy one bottle of RELEVATE, and get the second for 50% OFF, plus a bag of organic and polyphenol rich coffee from our partner Purity Coffee, along with a NeuroReserve branded mug. Learn more and order by visiting here.
References
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2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Tremor. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (2025).
3. Tremor in Parkinson’s | American Parkinson Disease Association. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/what-is-parkinsons/symptoms/tremor/.
4. Cagnan, H. et al. The nature of tremor circuits in parkinsonian and essential tremor. Brain 137, 3223–34 (2014).
5. Abusrair, A. H., Elsekaily, W. & Bohlega, S. Tremor in Parkinson’s Disease: From Pathophysiology to Advanced Therapies. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y) 12, 29 (2022).
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8. Wider, C., Ross, O. A. & Wszolek, Z. K. Genetics of Parkinson disease and essential tremor. Curr Opin Neurol 23, 388–93 (2010).
9. How Stress and Stress Management Impact Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Foundation (2021).
10. Maraki, M. I. et al. Mediterranean diet adherence is related to reduced probability of prodromal Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders 34, 48–57 (2019).
11. Zhao, J., Peng, Y., Lin, Z. & Gong, Y. Association between Mediterranean diet adherence and Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr Health Aging 29, 100451 (2025).
12. Jackson, A. et al. Diet in Parkinson’s Disease: Critical Role for the Microbiome. Front Neurol 10, 489352 (2019).
13. Metcalfe‐Roach, A. et al. <scp>MIND</scp> and Mediterranean Diets Associated with Later Onset of Parkinson’s Disease. Movement Disorders 36, 977–984 (2021).
14. Agarwal, P. et al. MIND Diet Associated with Reduced Incidence and Delayed Progression of Parkinsonism in Old Age. J Nutr Health Aging 22, 1211–1215 (2018).
15. Aryal, S., Skinner, T., Bridges, B. & Weber, J. T. The Pathology of Parkinson’s Disease and Potential Benefit of Dietary Polyphenols. Molecules 25, 4382 (2020).
16. Hernán, M. A., Takkouche, B., Caamaño-Isorna, F. & Gestal-Otero, J. J. A meta-analysis of coffee drinking, cigarette smoking, and the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Ann Neurol 52, 276–284 (2002).
17. Tran, A. & Yijun Zhang, C. The Role of Coffee in the Therapy of Parkinson â™s Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 05, (2015).
18. Mottola, F., Rocco, L., Lee, L. K., Anis, N. & Rodzi, R. M. Addressing the Neuroprotective Actions of Coffee in Parkinson’s Disease: An Emerging Nutrigenomic Analysis. Antioxidants 2022, Vol. 11, Page 1587 11, 1587 (2022).
19. Avallone, R., Vitale, G. & Bertolotti, M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Evidence in Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci 20, 4256 (2019).
20. Souza, A. de & Moloi, M. W. Involuntary movements due to vitamin B 12 deficiency. Neurol Res 36, 1121–1128 (2014).
21. de Oliveira Vian, C. et al. Effects of quercetin in preclinical models of Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 135, 3–22 (2024).
