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Stomach lining damage makes you 76% more likely to develop Parkinson’s, study suggests
If youve 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 Parkinsons 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 weve come across is to have a spoonful of honey every day. Whatever works for you, heres another reason to do it.
Researchers find a 76% greater Parkinsons 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 Ill explain what that is in a second were much more likely (76%) to develop Parkinsons disease later in life.
The gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa is part of the gastrointestinal (digestive) tract. Its 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. Its 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 Parkinsons disease.
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:
- A history of Helicobacter pylori infection. This is a common bacteria that attacks the stomach lining and causes peptic ulcers.
- Proton-pump inhibitor use. PPIs reduce how much stomach acid you produce. People use them to treat conditions related to excess stomach acid, such as acid reflux (GERD), H pylori infection, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
- Chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use. NSAIDs prevent blood clots and reduce pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, and fever. Examples include ibuprofen and aspirin.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes stomach acid to repeatedly flow back up into the tube that connects the stomach and mouth.
- Smoking
- Constipation
- Dysphagia having difficulty swallowing.
The above are therefore associated with an increased risk of Parkinsons 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 Parkinsons disease. Its 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.
