Master Parkinson’s care by improving your gut.
Digestive symptoms are common in Parkinson’s, and growing research suggests the gut may also play a role in Parkinson’s disease development.
At Neurospan Health, we’ve spent over 15 years helping people recover from digestive balance — and what we’ve learned has reshaped how we view brain health.
In this article, we aim to empower those with Parkinson’s to understand their condition in more detail, by exploring how gut issues like leaky gut, microbiome imbalance, and pathogens could influence Parkinson’s — and what you can do about it.
Gut-Health & Parkinson’s: A Brief Summary of the Research
Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)
Patients with Parkinson’s show increased gut permeability, often referred to as “leaky gut”. Leaky gut has long been known to trigger more widespread inflammation, but traditional healthcare has not yet been able to link this to tangible recommendations for Parkinson’s treatment, prevention or management.
What we know so far:
We’ve seen a reduction in the proteins that protects our gut lining ‘gates’ (tight-junctions).
Functional tests indicate more gut permeability in PD patients than those without Parkinson’s disease.
This leakiness allows toxins (called ‘LPS’, or lipopolysaccharides) from unfavourable bacteria to seep into the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and potentially contributing to alpha-synuclein buildup in both the gut and brain.
Takeaway: Leaky gut may initiate or worsen neuroinflammation—addressing it can be a powerful early intervention. Ensuring you keep gut bacteria healthy, and reduce bacteria that can trigger LPS, could be a valuable intervention. In our clinic, we use functional gut bacteria and pathogen tests and unique, effective interventions to reduce these inflammation-causing bacteria.
Altered Microbiome in Parkinson’s
Research shows consistent patterns of gut microbial imbalances in PD:
Loss of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)–producing bacteria occurred in multiple studies. SCFAs are beneficial molecules, produced by our ‘good’ gut bacteria. These molecules are known to keep our gut lining happy and sealed, thereby reducing inflammation in the rest of the body.
Rise in pro-inflammatory and gut-permeability associated microbes, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Verrucomicrobiaceae (e.g., Akkermansia), and Christensenellaceae.
Overgrowth of SIBO (when gut bacteria occurs in the wrong place - in the small intestine, where it can trigger inflammation in the rest of the body) and H. pylori (ulcers and acid reflux) has been linked to motor fluctuations and may impair absorption of Parkinson’s medications (e.g., levodopa).
Virus and bacterial pathogens like Helicobacter pylori and Citrobacter rodentium may also influence Parkinson’s risk and progression.
Takeaway: PD gut bacteria show decreased protective bacteria and increased pro-inflammatory species—shifting this balance could support gut and brain health.
Pathogen Links & Neuroinflammation
Certain microbes may directly trigger neurodegeneration:
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori, associated with ulcers or heartburn) infections are more frequent in Parkinson’s patients and may even impair levodopa efficacy?
Inflammatory, ‘Gram-negative bacteria’ (e.g., E. coli, Proteus mirabilis) have been linked in animal models to alpha-synuclein accumulation, increased blood–brain barrier permeability, and neuroinflammation.
Oral bacteria, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, may migrate to the gut and exacerbate cognitive decline. We can measure your oral bacteria here.
Takeaway: Could gut pathogens drive inflammation and α‑synuclein aggregation in Parkinson’s? We believe that screening and managing gut bacteria is a valid intervention both in prevention and management of Parkinson’s disease progression.
Interventions & Clinical Research
Exciting progress includes:
Experimental gut microbiome transplants and engineered microbes: mouse studies and forthcoming human clinical trials aim to rebalance gut flora.
Probiotic studies (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) show promise in improving constipation and gut function.
Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT): A small-scale trial suggest benefits for both gut and motor symptoms, though safety remains under evaluation.
Summary & Practical Insights
Paying attention to your gut health in Parkinson’s is important, and forms part of our Newly Diagnosed Parkinson’s Toolkit.
Drawing on 15+ years of expertise from Advanced Nutrition, we integrate the latest research into care via:
Testing: SIBO, H. pylori, microbiome analysis, gut permeability panels
Nutrition: Support for SCFA-producing microbes and gut integrity
Probiotic & synbiotic protocols tailored to individual needs
Monitoring: Adjustments based on symptoms and lab results
This root-cause functional medicine approach targets the gut-brain axis, addressing inflammation, dysbiosis, and nutrient deficiencies that drive Parkinson’s symptoms.
