How a Healthy Gut Could Help Prevent Parkinson’s and Arthritis

Chronic conditions are often linked to gut health.

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Did you know that nearly one million people in the US are currently living with Parkinson’s Disease? And it’s on the rise. By 2030, this number is expected to reach 1.2 million. That’s right. Parkison’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s is the first).

Other chronic conditions like inflammatory arthritis are on the rise too. A National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that around 53 million adults in the US had some form of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, for example. That’s over 1 in 5 adults!

These conditions may not seem related to each other, but recent research suggests imbalances in the gut may be partially responsible for these and a miriad of other conditions.

After our poll a few weeks ago, I promised we’d discuss the gut in much more detail, and I’m delivering. Your gut is linked to so many different health conditions, and keeping it in check is key to keeping yourself healthy.

The Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Health

If you know what the gut microbiome is and why it’s important, you can skip straight to the next section. But if you don’t or need a quick refresh, read on!

Your gut microbiome comprises trillions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It weighs around two kilos and contains about 150 times more genes than the entire human genome. It’s a universe in and of its own.

A diverse microbiome is associated with better health in general. That’s right, it’s not just gastrointestinal issues you need to worry about if your gut microbiome is out of whack. In truth, all sorts of mental health issues, chronic diseases, and even cancer can be attributed to poor gut health.

And now, the most recent research seems to point to a link between Parkinson’s Disease and inflammatory forms of arthritis.

The Gut and Parkinson’s

Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be devastating. And while it’s not a death sentence, it can be life-changing for many. Still, millions of people around the world live with Parkinson’s. And millions more will be diagnosed in the decades to come.

But what causes it? The loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain as a result of genetic and environmental factors is believed to be the main culprit. But recent studies suggest that gut imbalances may also be linked to Parkinson’s.

In fact, studies show that Parkinson’s patients typically have gut imbalances. Some of the bacteria that were found in higher levels in Parkinson’s patients were linked to higher levels of inflammation in the body.

It’s not all bad news, though. Some bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, could actually be beneficial, according to research. Parkinson’s patients build up a specific protein which forms toxic clumps that result in the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells then lead to Parkinson’s symptoms. But Bacillus subtilis could protect against the build-up of this protein and even break down already-formed protein clumps.

The point is that our gut microbiota may hold the key to preventing and protecting us against Parkinson’s.

The Gut and Arthritis

As with Parkinson’s, several existing and ongoing studies have linked arthritis to imbalances in the gut which can lead to inflammation. Research by Versus Arthritis, for example, is currently exploring the role of the microbiome in inflammatory arthritis, including Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Mayo Clinic research found that certain gut bacteria can cause an autoimmune response before the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The autoimmune response causes the immune system to produce antibodies that then target and attack the body’s own tissues instead of external bacteria and viruses that could be harmful to us.

This is exciting research, as it could help pinpoint the likelihood of developing RA. It’s worth keeping in mind that autoimmune responses often come years before the onset of symptoms. That’s why it is difficult to link to the gut microbiome for certain.

But, it also shows why we should work towards a balanced and diverse gut microbiome now. If it takes years for symptoms and conditions to develop in our bodies, then we have time to reverse processes. Many gut changes aren’t irreversible.

What These Findings Mean for You

Your gut microbiome thrives on the nutrients you feed it and the way you treat your body as a whole. A well-balanced diet can impact the composition and function of your gut microbiome, but so can other factors like sleep and stress.

So, if you’re worried about chronic diseases like Parkinson’s and Arthritis, now’s your chance to take a few preventative measures that could potentially help down the line.

Ditch Ultra Processed Foods

Ultra-processed “Foods” shouldn’t even be called food, in my opinion. I’ve already talked about this topic at length, so if you’re interested in discovering why UPFs are awful, you can do so here. The bottom line is that overly processed food doesn’t do our guts good. Focus on whole foods, fruits, and veggies instead. I know you already know this, but it bears repeating.

Consider Taking Probiotics

Probiotics are great for our gut. They’re healthy bacteria that directly influence the gut microbiome. They’re often recommended when you take antibiotics, as they can help prevent Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea (AAD), a sometimes fatal side effect of taking antibiotics.  Natural probiotics include:

• Yoghurt

• Kefit

• Sauerkraut

• Kimchi

• Kombucha

You can also take probiotics in supplement form. However, if you’re going down that route, you should consult your doctor to ensure supplements are right for you and that probiotics are a good idea in your particular case.  

Get Plenty of Sleep and Manage Stress

Food isn’t the only thing that feeds your gut microbiome. Good sleep and low-stress levels are a great way to keep your gut healthy. There are many reasons for this. For instance, lack of sleep can increase stress levels, which, in turn, can increase the stress hormone cortisol which negatively affects the gut.

Women, in general, need more sleep than men. So, if you’ve been struggling to get good sleep, check out my newsletter here, which digs into the topic in more detail.

The bottom line is we should all be doing what we can to ensure our guts stay healthy. Your gut microbiota may be the key to longevity and health.

DISCLAIMER

All content is for informational purposes only. No content or opinions are offered as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it based on any content herein.