New research suggests that lifestyle factors may be associated with the development of Parkinson’s disease, especially some of the bacteria that lives in the intestines. This then may spread through the nerves into the brain.
The research indicates that the gut reduces the effects of many chemicals and nutrients which can influence many disease processes. The authors of this study and research think there could be a link between concentrations of microbiomes, coffee and unusual gut motility in many PD patients.
They added that due to this discovered gastrointestinal involvement in the disease, the associations related to smoking, coffee and risk for PD could all be mediated by gut bacteria.
The study shows that smoking has an effect on gut microbiome make up and this could be associated with better barrier function and anti-inflammatory effects in the intestine.
More research needs to be done in this area, but researchers do see promise in the possible link between these gut microbes and its effect on Parkinson’s disease.
For those who already have PD, or are caring for someone with PD, please review some of our inexpensive products that can help with disease management:
