Written By: Renee Rouleau- B.S., PhD student, Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
The Vagus Nerve and Digestion in Parkinson’s Disease
Written By: Renee Rouleau- B.S., PhD student, Jacobs School of Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
We’re back with more nutrition facts. Today’s article addresses the role of the vagus nerve in digestion and its connection to Parkinson's Disease (PD). It highlights how digestive issues like constipation, bloating, and slow digestion in PD patients may be linked to the function of the vagus nerve, which acts as a communication pathway between the brain and the gut.
The vagus nerve is a long nerve connecting the brainstem to the intestines. It regulates various functions, including heart rate, breathing, and digestion. In digestion, it acts as a messenger, signaling the stomach and intestines to move food. Stimulation of the vagus nerve promotes digestive muscle activity. In PD, the vagus nerve may malfunction, leading to sluggish digestion and constipation. Research suggests that the vagus nerve can atrophy in PD due to protein and waste buildup, causing digestive issues (Pelz et al., 2018). This can result in gastroparesis, where food remains in the stomach for an extended period, leading to symptoms such as:
Feeling full quickly, even after small meals
Bloating or nausea
Heartburn or acid reflux
Constipation or difficulty passing stool.
This slowed digestion process in Parkinson's Disease (PD) can affect medication absorption, making symptoms harder to control. While vagus nerve damage cannot be reversed, there are ways to test for damage and alleviate symptoms. Note the following:
Diagnostic Imaging: Ultrasound to check for vagus nerve degeneration.
Vagal Stimulation: Using a device to send electrical pulses to the vagus nerve.
Increasing Fiber and Hydration: Consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, like walking after meals, to aid digestion.
Probiotics: Considering probiotics, though more research is needed on their benefits for PD patients. Please discuss with your clinician any supplements, probiotics you are planning to take.
Consulting a Doctor: Seeking medical advice for severe digestive issues, which may involve medication or dietary changes.
The connection between the brain and gut is still being explored, but one thing is clear: the vagus nerve plays a major role in both digestion and Parkinson’s disease. By understanding how this nerve works—and how Parkinson’s affects it—people can take proactive steps to improve their gut health and overall well-being.
References:
Claudino dos Santos, Júlio César*; Oliveira, Leandro Freitas; Noleto, Felipe Micelli; Gusmão, Camilla Teixeira Pinheiro; Brito, Gerly Anne de Castro; Viana, Glauce Socorro de Barros. Gut-microbiome-brain axis: the crosstalk between the vagus nerve, alpha-synuclein and the brain in Parkinson’s disease. Neural Regeneration Research 18(12):p 2611-2614, December 2023. | DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373673
Evancho, A., Do, M., Fortenberry, D. et al. Vagus nerve stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: a scoping review of animal studies and human subjects research. npj Parkinsons Dis. 10, 199 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-024-00803-1
Pelz JO, Belau E, Fricke C, Classen J and Weise D (2018) Axonal Degeneration of the Vagus Nerve in Parkinson's Disease—A High-Resolution Ultrasound Study. Front. Neurol. 9:951. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00951
Sigurdsson, H. P., Raw, R., Hunter, H., Baker, M. R., Taylor, J. P., Rochester, L., & Yarnall, A. J. (2021). Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in Parkinson’s disease: current status and future prospects. Expert Review of Medical Devices, 18(10), 971–984. https://doi.org/10.1080/17434440.2021.1969913
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