New research sheds light on an essential connection between exercise and its impact on gut and brain health in patients with Parkinson’s disease. When looking for new ways to treat patients with the condition, it has been standard for many clinicians to only look at the brain.
Researchers and neurologists have both tried to improve brain function using treatment strategies that target the brain. But a new study is showing how important it is to look at the role exercise could play in these treatment strategies.
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The study published in the PTJ: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal explores the connection between the gut and the brain and how it could impact those with Parkinson’s disease. The role of exercise is also examined to find any improvements in gut health.
This study adds to other research that explores the idea that Parkinson’s disease goes beyond the brain and central nervous system. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may have well-known symptoms such as tremors and motor issues, but others may also have gastrointestinal issues, including bloating and constipation.
“When we speak with other researchers and clinicians in the field of Parkinson’s disease, they are perplexed at first, saying, “You want to treat the gut microbiome? But it’s a brain disease,'” said Kaylie Zapanta, co-author of the study. “Dr. Fisher and I are coming at this from an alternative perspective. Yes, there are brain deficits, but there are also a lot of gut dysregulations that should be looked at further.”
Until people realize the gut and the brain are highly connected, it may not make sense. For instance, the gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are then sent to the brain.
This new research shows that people with Parkinson’s might experience gastrointestinal symptoms because the gut microbiome isn’t functioning properly. Researchers believe that patients may have these cognitive issues in part because their gut is dysregulated.
The Importance of Exercise
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As far as exercise is concerned in treating Parkinson’s disease, the idea is more of a perspective as there is no solid data yet. A lot of past research has been gathered to explain how the gut is involved in Parkinson’s disease, and it shows that exercise can help restore the gut microbiome.
Zapanta and his team would like to continue performing a long-term study looking at how different exercise modalities such as aerobic exercise and strength training could help restore the microbiome and potentially ease symptoms in those with Parkinson’s disease.
Many physical therapists are getting excited about this research because it could offer a new way to look at treatments for their patients. It’s a complex relationship, but if it can be understood at a basic level, patients with Parkinson’s disease can be treated more effectively to receive therapeutic benefits.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
