New Study Links Gut Health With Parkinson’s Risk—Plus One GI Symptom That Could Be an Early Sign

Have you ever heard of the " gut-brain connection "? It refers to the relationship between our gut microbiome and cognitive health. The link between the two is multifaceted and complex. But in essence, the gut-brain axis (GBA) consists of communication between our central and intestinal nervous systems. This means the emotional and cognitive centers of your brain and intestinal functions impact one another. And now, a new study has gone one step further, finding a potential link between gut health and Parkinson's disease.

What did the study find about gut health and Parkinson's?

Research led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) in Boston, recently published in , found that participants who sustained damage to the upper lining of their gastrointestinal (GI) tract from conditions like chronic acid reflux are 76 percent more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.

The study included 9,350 patients who averaged 52 years old and had no history of Parkinson's. They underwent an upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine between 2000 and 2005 within the Mass General Brigham healthcare system.

Those who had sustained mucosal damage — defined as erosions, esophagitis, ulcers or peptic injury observed on test reports, were shown to have a higher subsequent risk of Parkinson's than those who had not. The condition, a progressive nervous system movement disorder, was diagnosed an average of 14.2 years after the damage was detected, say the researchers.

Doctors respond to study linking GI damage to Parkinson's

While further research is required to determine whether there is a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, gut and brain health experts tend to agree that the findings in this study are merited.

"The brain and gut are thought to be connected through a bidirectional pathway," explains Vikram Shivkumar, MD , neurologist at Orlando Health Neuroscience Institute."The gut-brain axis has multiple connections via the vagus nerve , the endocrine system, immune system and the metabolites of the gut microbiome."

While the exact mechanisms involved in this communication are not fully known, multiple alterations in the gut microbiome have been reported with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, dementia and multiple sclerosis, says Dr. Shivkumar. However, it is not known whether these changes in the gut have a causative role in these diseases.

That said, patients with Parkinson's disease often experience constipation many years before the onset of the defining symptoms such as tremors, rigidity and loss of dexterity, he adds.

Other gastrointestinal symptoms that are pertinent and may be associated with Parkinson's include nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, trouble swallowing, bloating and abdominal pain, adds Jennie Stanford, MD , Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch.

What causes mucosal damage in the gut?

Mucosa is the inner lining of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive organs, explains Dr. Shivkumar. Several factors can contribute to mucosal damage in the digestive system, including infections, stress, an unhealthy diet, and chronic NSAID use/

"Conditions such as [gastroesophageal reflux disease] GERD or peptic ulcers can [also] be associated with mucosal damage," he notes. "The mucosa of various parts of the digestive tract have certain levels of acidity that they can tolerate. Reflux can subject mucosa in some parts to more acidic liquids than it can withstand. Some bacteria such as can also lead to mucosal damage and peptic ulcers."

Additionally, there is a protective layer on the cells in our intestines that helps prevent damaging toxins from entering the body, explains James Cox, MD , Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Director of Physician Communication at Burnett School of Medicine at TCU.

A digestive problem such as GERD, for example, consists of acid coming from the stomach and irritating the esophagus. This can ultimately cause inflammation and elimination of those protective cells, he says.

How to prevent gut health damage

Some of the risks that may lead to GI damage can't be fully avoided, but there are ways to enhance and maintain gut health.

"Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress effectively, eliminating unnecessary medications, avoiding alcohol and tobacco and participating in regular primary care visits can help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and cognitive damage," offers Dr. Stanford. One smart healthy eating plan to consider is the Mediterranean diet . It emphasizes mainly fruits and vegetables, whole grains , less processed foods and low fat, notes Dr. Cox. This may be beneficial for gut health and to enhance anti-inflammation.

Keep reading for more ways to improve your gut health!

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.