June 27, 2024
Unlocking the Gut-Brain Connection: A New Frontier in Parkinson's Disease Treatment
Is the gut responsible for the development of Parkinson's disease?
Is the gut responsible for the development of Parkinson's disease?
As a functional medicine practitioner and acupuncturist with training in Asia, I have long recognised the profound connection between gut health and neurological diseases. My journey began over two decades ago when I spent three years in asia, and some time studying at a research hospital in the neurology unit in Shanghai. There, we integrated Western and Chinese medicine, observing and treating numerous Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Despite the diverse case histories, one constant remained: the physicians' insistence on treating the gut first. They believed that gut dysfunction was the root cause of many neurological issues—a perspective that recent studies are now beginning to validate.
A raft of recent studies have connected PD and the gut. More recently, astudy has highlighted the significant role of gut microbes in the development of Parkinson's disease. Researchers at Nagoya University identified specific gut microbes linked to decreased levels of riboflavin (vitamin B2) and biotin (vitamin B7). These findings suggest that supplementing these B vitamins might offer a simple yet effective treatment for a subset of PD patients where gut dysbiosis plays a critical role.
The study examined faecal samples from 94 Parkinson's patients and 73 healthy controls, comparing results across different countries. Despite the varying bacterial groups, the common thread was their influence on B vitamin synthesis pathways. The research showed that decreased B vitamins were associated with a compromised intestinal mucus layer, exposing the nervous system to toxins and leading to inflammation and α-synuclein fibril overproduction—key factors in PD progression.
Reflecting on my experience in Shanghai, I recall the emphasis on gut health. Physicians consistently started with gut treatments, regardless of the neurological condition presented. This approach was innovative at the time, preceding current research by nearly 20 years. The notion that constipation, a common early symptom of PD, indicates gut health issues long before diagnosis reinforces the importance of maintaining gut health from an early age.
From a functional medicine standpoint, understanding the gut-brain connection is crucial. The early onset of symptoms like constipation, which can precede PD diagnosis by decades, highlights the need for proactive gut health management. Ensuring a healthy gut microbiome may offer protective benefits against neurological diseases, including PD.
The recent study's findings on riboflavin and biotin deficiencies provide actionable insights. High doses of these vitamins have shown promise in improving motor functions and potentially mitigating some damage caused by PD. This aligns with functional medicine's holistic approach, which emphasises personalised treatment plans based on individual deficiencies and health profiles.
Given the compelling evidence linking gut health to neurological diseases, it's imperative to prioritise gut health in our early years. Functional medicine offers tools and strategies to support this, from dietary adjustments to targeted supplementation.
If you or a loved one are concerned about Parkinson's disease or other neurological conditions, consider a comprehensive gut health evaluation. By addressing gut dysbiosis and ensuring adequate nutrient levels, we can take proactive steps towards preventing and managing these debilitating diseases.
Your journey to better neurological health begins with your gut. Let's take the first step together.