Prebiotics May Help Treat Parkinson's Disease Constipation

A study recently published in the journal Nature Communications, examined if introducing a prebiotic bar into a patient’s diet would improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, specifically gastrointestinal symptoms like constipation. The study was led by RUSH University neurologist Deborah Hall, MD.

Constipation can be one of the very first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, appearing as early as 10 years before a diagnosis. Constipation can be caused by a leaky bowel, which happens when bad bacteria from the disease ends up damaging the intestine’s lining. To help reduce inflammation and address the leaky gut, more good bacteria – such as those from prebiotics - need to be introduced.