7. Intestinal Health

Individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and constipation are at increased risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD). The mis-folded proteins found in PD (alpha-synuclein) can be found in the colon and in salivary glands more than a decade before the onset of motor symptoms. Recently, researchers demonstrated that alpha-synuclein is produced by the body in response to intestinal inflammation! If so many researchers and companies are working to interfere with alpha-synuclein production, why not turn our attention to things that trigger intestinal inflammation?

The goal of this course will be to provide an overview of the role of the gut in PD. We'll discuss what is and is not known about nutrient absorption, infection, the intestinal microbiome, food allergies/ sensitivities, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), and healthy elimination.

Guest lecture: Samantha Evans, ND

"Wow!!! Thank you! What a breath of fresh air hearing from a non-parkie who understands this full circle."

"Once again, the lesson was very interesting!"