Parkinson's Surprising Link to Gut Bacteria REVEALED

When you think about Parkinson’s—brain deterioration, tremors, stiffness, and other movement-related symptoms likely spring to mind.

But scientists say to understand and potentially treat this devastating condition, we should look at the digestive system.

Groundbreaking new research has uncovered a surprising link between gut bacteria and Parkinson’s. And the solution might be simpler than anyone expected.

For years, scientists have suspected that a link between our gut and brain plays a role in Parkinson’s. Now, a study published in the journal NPJ Parkinson’s Disease CONFIRMS it and sheds new light on this intriguing relationship.

The researchers identified specific gut microbes that are likely involved in the development of Parkinson’s and made a surprising discovery.

These bacteria were linked to decreased levels of two crucial B vitamins:

  • riboflavin (vitamin B2) and
  • biotin (vitamin B7).

This points to an unexpectedly simple solution and a major breakthrough for the nearly 10 million worldwide living with Parkinson’s. And that, of course, is raising B vitamin levels.

Start with B-rich leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and whole grains to boost your B’s. And then consider combining that with a B complex supplement.

But B vitamins aren’t the only natural way to support your gut health and potentially reduce your Parkinson’s risk:

  1. Embrace fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are rich in probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome.
  2. Increase fiber intake: Fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains feed beneficial gut bacteria.
  3. Consider prebiotics: Foods like garlic, onions, and Jerusalem artichokes contain prebiotic fibers that feed good gut bacteria.
  4. Stay hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining a healthy gut environment.
  5. Reduce stress: Chronic stress harms gut health. Try stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
  6. Get moving: Regular exercise benefits both gut health and neurological function.
  7. Explore herbal remedies: Some herbs, like ginkgo biloba and turmeric, support brain health.

You’re not just supporting your digestive system when you nurture your gut health through diet, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements. You’re boosting your brain health, too.

P.S. Parkinson’s signs you can’t afford to miss.

Source:

Nishiwaki, H., Ueyama, J., Ito, M., Hamaguchi, T., Takimoto, K., Maeda, T., Kashihara, K., Tsuboi, Y., Mori, H., Kurokawa, K., Katsuno, M., Hirayama, M., & Ohno, K. (2024). Meta-analysis of shotgun sequencing of gut microbiota in Parkinson’s disease. Npj Parkinson’s Disease, 10(1), 1-11

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Stop Obsessing Over Diet Trends

Can we stop with the endless diet debates already? Every other week there’s a new headline shouting about which diet is best for weight loss, heart health, or diabetes. Paleo, keto, low-carb, high-protein… it’s exhausting. And now, a new meta-analysis is out comparing the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet, and something called AHEI (that’s “Alternative...

Read This

A New Reason to Ditch Processed Junk

If you’ve ever walked the inside aisles of your local grocery store and thought, “This is all just junk,” your instincts were spot on. A new study published in the journal Thorax just added another red flag to the list of dangers linked to ultra-processed food—a 41 percent higher risk of lung cancer. That’s right....

Read This

When Being Winded on Stairs Is Serious (And When It Isn’t)

I had an athlete visit me recently because he experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs. He is in great shape, so he was worried about what it might mean. “Doc,” he said, “I run five miles three times a week. Why am I huffing and puffing after two flights of stairs?” His concern is...

Read This

Study EXPOSES Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Car

We think of our homes and cars as safe havens. But according to a startling new study, they may be flooding your lungs with microscopic plastic particles—every single day. Researchers in France recently found that adults inhale an average of 68,000 microplastic particles daily from indoor air alone. To put that in perspective, that’s about...

Read This

Mailbag: Is Modern Food Making You Snore?

“What can cause snoring, and is there a way to correct this issue?” —Seeking  Silence Hi Seeking, Snoring happens when the soft tissues in your throat relax and vibrate as air passes through during sleep. While several factors can cause snoring—from sleep position to nasal congestion—I want to share one trigger that might surprise you....

Read This

Simple Food Swap SLASHES Dementia Risk 28%

Let’s be honest… who would jump at the chance to cut their dementia risk by 28 percent. And no, you don’t need to run marathons, survive on broccoli, or learn to play the zither (whatever that is) to make it happen. All it takes is one easy swap—something that’s probably already in your refrigerator. Researchers...

Read This

This SMART Floss Exposes Hidden Health Danger

Scientists have created dental floss that doesn’t just clean between your teeth—it also tracks your stress while you’re flossing. Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Great—now even flossing is going to stress me out by telling me how stressed I am.” But this fascinating new tool from Tufts University could be a game-changer for understanding...

Read This

Is This "Safe" Sweetener Damaging Your Brain?

The headlines are alarming… “Popular Sugar Substitute Linked to Brain Cell Damage” and “Erythritol Could Damage Critical Brain Barrier” are just two of the dozens I’ve spotted recently. But before you toss every sugar-free product in your pantry, let’s take a closer look at what this study actually shows—and what it doesn’t. The latest research...

Read This

This Summer Threat Could SPIKE Your Blood Sugar

Picture this… It’s another scorching hot summer day. You crank up the air conditioning while watching the weather forecast, which predicts yet another “record-breaking” heat wave. It’s starting to feel like just another miserably uncomfortable summer. But what you might not realize is that—if you have diabetes—those rising temps could do far more damage to...

Read This

Move Over Yogurt—5 Foods That Pack MORE Probiotics

Let’s talk about your gut. The microbiome is the collection of trillions of bacteria and other tiny organisms that live in and on your body—especially in your gut—and help keep you healthy. I’ve written often about how vital it is to maintain a healthy microbiome. And you might have dutifully added yogurt to your shopping...

Read This