Is there an association between Parkinson's and gut health?

There is increasing evidence that there's an association between Parkinson's and gut health, though the understanding of the connection remains incomplete. Studies have found lower levels of Prevotella, a "good" gut bacterium, in people with Parkinson's, along with higher levels of inflammatory bacteria. While more research is needed to understand the connection to Parkinson's, eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is generally found to be beneficial for overall health, and there is no harm in including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet if you can tolerate them.

​

Anti-inflammatory foods include coconut oil and fatty fish like salmon or tuna, dark leafy vegetables, tomatoes, nuts, certain spices and soy. Curcumin, found in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. While probiotics do not contain the health-promoting gut bacteria missing in people with Parkinson's, some studies suggest that probiotics can help constipation in Parkinson's.

​

The top foods to stay away from if gut inflammation is a problem for you include refined carbohydrates, white bread and pastries, French fries, soda, red meat, and margarine.

​

Disclaimer:  The information contained in these Frequently Asked Questions have been sourced by reliable, research-based publications. It is to your discretion whether or not to incorporate the education and awareness as guidance into your wellness journey with Parkinson's. The Parkinson Association of Alabama cannot be held liable for the solutions you try, and you should always consult with medical experts before trying anything new or incorporating new matters into your overall wellness plan.

​

Source:

The Davis Phinney Foundation. Parkinson's Nutrition Q&A. Parkinson's Treatments and Therapies. Every Victory Counts.  Page 194. "Manual." Sixth Edition, 2021.