From Digestion to Degeneration: Uncovering the Link Between Parkinson’s Disease and Gut Health
Posted By Author on October 30, 2024
Your gut is home to a massive network of microorganisms, from bacteria to fungi and everything in between. While we may believe what happens in the gut stays in the gut, ongoing research suggests the health of your gut – and its microbiome – may be affecting more of our body than we think.
A new study has found that Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative brain disorder that results in uncontrollable tremors and slowed mobility, may first present itself in the gut, years before any neurological signs appear.
Is there a connection between your gut health and your brain? Keep reading to find out what our Charleston gastroenterology specialists have to say about the new findings and the importance of “trusting your gut.
New Study Suggests Link Between Gut Health and Parkinson’s Disease
Over 9,000 patients, averaging 52 years old, underwent an upper endoscopy during a five-year span, from 2000 to 2005. The upper endoscopy – a procedure that examines the upper GI tract – found those who suffered damage to the lining of their digestive tract were at an “elevated risk” of the brain disorder.
According to an interview conducted by The Harvard Gazette, Trisha S. Pasircha, a neurogastroenterologist and director of Clinical Research at the Institute for Gut-Brain Research at BIDMC said, “Many people who get Parkinson’s disease experience GI symptoms like constipation and nausea for years – even decades – prior to developing motor symptoms.”
While the study suggests a connection between the upper GI tract and Parkinson’s disease, the science behind it is still in its early stages of development.
Pasircha told Fox News, “the gut can exert an enormous influence on the brain in ways we are still only beginning to understand – but when we do, we might be able to open new avenues for early intervention and treatment strategies for many diseases.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative brain disorder that affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide. Symptoms may vary from one person to the next but often include:
Uncontrollable tremors in a rest state
Slowed movements
Limb stiffness
Gait and balance instability
Those with Parkinson’s disease often experience motor and non-motor symptoms. Non-motor symptoms may include depression, constipation, sleep disorders, and various others.
Understanding the Gut Microbiome and Gut Health
Your gastrointestinal tract is the combination of organs that food and liquids travel through as they move through the digestive system. The organs that make up the GI tract include the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus.
The Key to a Healthy Gut? A Healthy Microbiome
While we are used to thinking of ways to keep ourselves happy and healthy, the same philosophy goes for our gut.
The key to a healthy gut lies in maintaining a healthy microbiome. Your gut microbiome is a network of bacteria, fungi, and viruses that live within the intestinal tract. When there is an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in your gut or a lack of diversity, you may start to feel its effects.
Common signs of an unhealthy gut may include:
Sleep disorders
Skin rashes and allergies
Sugar cravings
Unexplained fatigue
Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
Mood disorders, such as depression or anxiety
Digestive disorders or issues, such as IBS or constipation
If you are suffering from the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gastroenterology clinic to rule out underlying GI conditions.
Trusting Your Gut: How You Can Help Your GI Tract
Understanding your gut is one thing, but trusting what your gut is trying to tell you is another. So, how do you know when your gut is unhappy or if something more serious is to blame?
We can help! Our GI doctors near you not only understand what happens in the gut but can also help you make sense of it. Whether you are suffering from some unwelcome constipation or just need some extra tips and tricks on how to improve gut health, we are here for you.
Some of the best ways to improve your gut health include:
Lowering stress levels
Adequate sleep schedule
Staying hydrated
Eating a fiber-rich diet
Scheduling an appointment with our gastroenterologists
While these tips may help to boost your overall gut health, they won’t do much if a gastrointestinal disease is to blame. Symptoms of underlying GI issues may present similar symptoms, including those present in colorectal cancer.
Abdominal pains, changes in bowel movements, and fatigue are common among many GI conditions that may negatively impact your overall health and quality of life. By scheduling an appointment with us, we can help look deeper into your gut – whether through a routine colonoscopy or simply assessing your symptoms – to find out what’s wrong.
Protect Your Gut with Help From Charleston GI!
Understanding the connection between the gut and the brain is just a steppingstone to getting more in touch with your gut and what it has to say. By scheduling routine visits with your gastroenterologists near you, we can help you make sense of your symptoms and help you learn to trust your gut!
We have four convenient Charleston area locations to choose from, in West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, and Carnes Crossroads. Our Charleston GI doctors are ready 5 days a week to offer you relief.
