Can the use of probiotics improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms? Increased use and marketing of probiotics over the last decade have led to researchers looking at many potential benefits.
Probiotics refer to any foods or supplements that contain healthy bacteria meant to benefit health. As a whole, probiotics make up a very large category of dietary products. Probiotics work by encouraging a healthy balance of microbiota in the gut microbiome.
The microbiome in patients with Parkinson’s might be different than in those without the disease. Research interest into whether manipulating gut bacteria in PD using probiotics is beneficial has increased over the past few years. The gut microbiome consists of countless microscopic organisms living in a delicate balance. How it affects the rest of the body is still being researched.
There have been several clinical trials testing whether probiotics can treat the symptoms of PD. Most have focused on the treatment of GI symptoms. Two, however, have focused on the improvement of motor system impairment due to Parkinson’s.
These studies have suggested that using certain probiotic mixtures may improve gastrointestinal symptoms associated with PD. These treatments have not been compared to increasing prebiotic use, which may be even more effective. Unfortunately, no data currently supports the use of probiotics for the motor symptoms of PD.
Research into how probiotics may help other symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease is ongoing. The American Parkinson Disease Foundation lists some of the most exciting studies currently going on, which include:
All of the research mentioned in this article is still in the early stages. None of the information is meant to treat Parkinson’s Disease. Please speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding options for medically recommended ways of treating PD.
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