If you’ve had damage to your stomach lining, for example as a result of allergies, stress, hypotension, sepsis, malnutrition, or ingesting harmful substances, it could have left you at greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.

That is according to an investigation out of Boston, Massachusetts, published in September 2024. Slowly but surely, we are coming to realize what our ancestors undoubtedly knew: that maintaining a healthy gut is of utmost importance to overall health and longevity. Some say we should be eating bitter foods. Others say to focus on protein. The *ahem* sweetest advice we’ve come across is to have a spoonful of honey every day. Whatever works for you, here’s another reason to do it…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

Researchers find a 76% greater Parkinson’s risk among people with damaged stomach lining

Having analyzed data points relating to more than 9,000 individuals, researchers based in Boston, Massachusetts found that those with mucosal damage – I’ll explain what that is in a second – were much more likely (76%) to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life.

The gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. It’s in the stomach and at the top of the small intestine, and has three layers, making it a complex membrane with many – and this is the technical medical term – superpowers. It plays a vital role in the body’s immune response and is one of our key areas of interface with the myriad dangers of the outside world.

You might be more familiar with the term “mucous membrane.” Mucosa lines the insides of organs and cavities throughout the body, writes Cleveland Clinic. This is the mucous membrane. It lubricates and protects against invasive pathogens, as well as abrasive particles and bodily fluids.

Well, the GI mucosa is part of the mucous membrane. It’s the part found in the stomach and protects the stomach wall from acid and digestive enzymes. A break in the mucosal lining of the stomach is called a peptic ulcer, or stomach ulcer. This is one of the things that appears to make people more susceptible to Parkinson’s disease. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Risk factors for mucosal damage include substance abuse and liver disease

In the study, people with a history of the following were more likely to suffer mucosal damage:

The above are therefore associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.

Other risk factors for mucosal damage (besides those identified in the study) include having an unhealthy diet, stress, trauma (burns, bites, radiation, pressure), wearing ill-fitting dentures, drinking alcohol, substance abuse, liver disease, and having a weakened immune system.

The research also found that constipation, dysphagia, and old age were associated with a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. It’s common sense that there would be a connection between old age and neurodegenerative disease. But constipation, too?

Look after your gut, people. Stay regular. Eat prunes and probiotics. You’re worth it.