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Healthy Gut, Happy Life: Understanding & Managing Gastrointestinal Issues in PD

Living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) can bring about various challenges, including issues with your gastrointestinal (GI) system. These problems can significantly affect your comfort and daily life. This article aims to shed light on the most common GI issues associated with Parkinson’s and how they can impact your health. Recent research highlights the role of the gut microbiome in PD, showing that changes in gut bacteria may contribute to both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease. Understanding the relationship between gut health and Parkinson’s can lead to new strategies for managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. 

Constipation: A Common Concern 

Constipation is a frequent issue for many people with Parkinson’s Disease, affecting about 79% of patients 1. This is three times more than in those without the condition. For some people constipation may be their first symptom of Parkinson’s, experienced in the prodromal phase, years before a diagnosis of PD. 

As Parkinson’s progresses, the likelihood of experiencing constipation increases, particularly among women, who tend to be affected more than men. Some potential reasons for this gender difference may be hormonal changes experienced by women, dietary intake of fibre variations and higher prevalence of psychological factors. Individual to all, of course.  It’s important to talk to your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing constipation, as they can help you find effective treatments to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Without fixating over your regular bowel movement, if you think constipation is an issue, consider the following: What is your normal pattern? Do you feel that you have fully emptied your bowel? Do you experience pain or straining when passing a bowel motion? What is the consistency? Are you hydrated enough? Are you taking laxatives if required and prescribed?  

Constipation is the number one reason why a person’s Parkinson’s may suddenly worsen 2. 

Upper Gastrointestinal Dysfunction 

In addition to constipation, many people with Parkinson’s also experience issues with their upper gastrointestinal system. This includes symptoms like: 

  • Indigestion 
  • Nausea 
  • Feeling overly full 
  • Bloating 

These symptoms can make eating uncomfortable and may even lead to weight loss or poor nutrition. Just like constipation, these upper GI issues can worsen as Parkinson’s progresses and are more common in women. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to discuss them with your doctor to explore ways to manage and alleviate discomfort. 

Other Factors Affecting GI Health 

There are also additional factors that can influence gastrointestinal health and PD. These include: 

  • Reduced physical activity 
  • Gastroparesis: Delayed emptying of the stomach 
  • Inconsistent absorption 
  • GI infections such as Helicobacter pylori/ SIBO (small intestine bacteria overgrowth)  

Gut Microbiome and Parkinson’s Disease 

The gut microbiome is our complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes, that reside in our digestive tract. Our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health by performing essential functions. For instance, gut bacteria help digest food, produce vitamins (such as vitamin K and some B vitamins), 90% production of serotonin in gut and support the immune system. 

In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on the gut microbiome’s influence on neurological health, particularly regarding conditions like Parkinson’s Disease (PD). The connection between the gut and the brain is often referred to as the gut-brain axis. This two way communication system facilitated by the vagus nerve, allows the gut to influence brain function and vice versa. Signals from the gut microbiome can affect inflammation levels, neurotransmitter production, and even the way the brain processes information. 

Research shows that people with Parkinson’s disease often have a different mix of gut bacteria compared to those who don’t have the disease.3 This change in the balance of bacteria is called dysbiosis and can greatly affect how well the digestive system works and overall health. Dysbiosis can contribute to various gastrointestinal symptoms commonly observed in individuals with Parkinson’s, such as: 

  • Constipation 
  • Gastrointestinal(GI) disturbances (nausea, bloating etc) 
  • Increased Inflammation 

Understanding these changes can help you and your doctor find ways to improve gut health, which may help ease some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A symbiotic relationship should be the aim when achieving “good” gut health. A balanced and restorative approach may include the following: 

Awareness Identification of issues    Role of our diet- feeding our gut the right foods- fermented & fibre Exercise    Good sleep hygiene   Management of stress.  

Sometimes easier said than done but as always, awareness is key. 

Examples of foods to feed our gut:  Flax Seeds Berries Kefir Garlic Bananas Pineapple Kombucha Yoghurt 

The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Disease Progression 

Some researchers believe that the gut microbiome may play a role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases by influencing inflammation and brain health. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiome can affect the production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which is critical in Parkinson’s Disease. The gut microbiome may also influence the immune response and contribute to neuroinflammation, a process thought to be involved in neurodegeneration.4 

Understanding the connection between the gut microbiome and Parkinson’s disease opens up new possibilities for research and treatment. This relationship could lead to fresh approaches to help manage this challenging condition. The link between gut health and brain health is becoming increasingly important in understanding neurodegenerative diseases, making it essential to keep exploring how we can use this knowledge for better care and support for patients. 

In summary, gastrointestinal issues, particularly constipation and upper GI dysfunction, are common challenges faced by individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. Being aware of these issues is crucial for better management of your condition. These factors highlight the importance of a holistic approach to managing your health, addressing not only the neurological aspects of Parkinson’s but also the GI symptoms that come with it. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider about any GI symptoms you may experience, they can help you find the right solutions to improve your comfort and overall well-being. 

Some additional learning:  

  • Parkinson’s disease “The importance of the gut-brain axis in Parkinson’s” by Dr Filip Scheperjans  
  • Movers & Shakers Podcast -The Gut  

https://www.moversandshakerspodcast.com/podcast/episode/1f4a4c61/the-gut

  • Cure Parkinson’s Webinar: The Gut-Brain Axis and Nutrition in Parkinson’s 
  • Mouth and gut bacteria linked to brain changes in Parkinson’s disease King’s College London   

https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/mouth-and-gut-bacteria-linked-to-brain-changes-in-parkinsons-disease 

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