Written by: Colleen Bridges - M. Ed, NSCA-CPT; Renee Rouleau - B.S., PhD student, Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
Happy New Year!
“My New Year’s resolution is to change my diet!” In 2024, 22% of Americans made this proclamation and six weeks later only 1% were reported to be holding to this promise (source:yougov.com). I get it! Changing your diet for a healthier plan is not only expensive but requires one to change their approach to food: Am I eating to live or living to eat? Your goal is to see food as energy to power the human body.
Living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) comes with various ”resolutions.” such as exercising five to six days a week, taking medication as scheduled with a full glass of water, scheduled around meals, reducing stress, addressing anxiety/depression, remaining socially active, communicating with physicians, therapists and exercise specialists WHILE eating correctly!
Eating correctly includes, planning ahead for the week or social events, making and following a grocery list, being open minded to new foods/recipes and making “friends” with the kitchen!
Some folks living with Parkinson’s love to cook but not everyone is a “Top Chef” in the kitchen, including me. However, when it comes to giving your best fight; medication, exercise and nutrition are the top three “lines of defense” on the front line of this battle.
What GI issues are common with Parkinson’s Disease?
It's quite common for folks living with Parkinson’s to suffer regularly from gastrointestinal (GI) issues . Parkinson’s Disease affects the GI tract in several ways.
Constipation
Difficulty swallowing
Delayed Stomach emptying
Bloating
Diarrhea
Excessive drooling or dry mouth
Why does this happen to a person living with PD?
According to Skjærbæk, Casper et al. “Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease.” Journal of clinical medicine”,
The gut slows down in Parkinson's disease because the same neurological changes that affect movement in the body also impact the nerves lining of the digestive tract, known as the enteric nervous system, thus causing muscle contractions in the gut to become weak and uncoordinated, leading to delayed movement of food through the intestines, often resulting in constipation as a common symptom; this is due to the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in these gut neurons, which disrupts their normal function.
The brain communicates with the gut
Yes, you read that correctly! There is a neurological connection! In an article by The Cleveland Clinic called “The Gut-Brain Connection” a significant two-way communication system, often called the "gut-brain axis," where signals from the brain can directly affect gut function, and conversely, signals from the gut can influence mood, emotions, and even cognitive function through the nervous system, primarily via the vagus nerve. Essentially, your brain can influence digestion and gut sensations, while your gut can send signals to your brain that impact your mood and behavior.
So, if your gut is not “answering the phone call” from your brain, issues will present themselves and further complicate your PD symptoms.
Does Parkinson’s medication affect the GI?
Parkinson's medications, specifically anticholinergic drugs such as Atropine (Atropen), Benztropine (Cogentin), and even some antihistamines like Benadryl, can significantly affect the GI tract by frequently causing constipation due to their impact on the nerves controlling bowel movements. This leads to delayed transit time and difficulty with stool evacuation.(Parkinson’s Foundation)
The most popular medication for treating PD, Carbidopa-Levodopa, may also contribute to gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting, while potentially impacting gastric emptying depending on the individual case. If you are experiencing GI issues please reach out to your physician.
The Bridges for Parkinson’s 2025 Resolution
After countless conversations with fighters expressing frustration pertaining to GI issues such as forced isolation due to constipation, diarrhea, hospitalization due to bowel obstructions, food apathy and nominal understanding of nutrition, The Bridges for Parkinson’s 2025 resolution is to educate our fighters/care-partners on ALL things NUTRITION!
You will learn about:
The brain and gut
GI issues associated with Parkinson’s Disease
Signs of bowel obstruction
Acid reflux
How food affects the brain and gut connection
How Parkinson’s medication affects appetite and the GI tract
Understand the role of carbs, fats, protein
How fruits and vegetables can help PD symptoms
How to create a healthy menu
Effect and role of vitamins, minerals and sugar
Which Food and drinks to limit
The latest research on food and gut-brain connection
How to navigate travel and holidays
How to make cooking easier
AND…sample foods to try at the gym!
My team and I are excited to help you learn how your food and drink may ease your Parkinson’s symptoms! So, get ready, that rumbling in your tummy is your gut saying “Yummy,
yummy put something healthy in my tummy !”
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