The Stomach Issue That Causes Pain in Your Brain

For years, scientists have sought answers to neurological diseases in the brain, but groundbreaking research now indicates a surprising culprit—your gut.

A startling new study reveals that a common and highly treatable stomach condition could raise your risk of Parkinson’s by an astonishing 76%! Even more unexpected? You might be experiencing it without realizing.

Overview

  • Ulcers & Parkinson’s Risk – Stomach damage, such as ulcers and GERD, has been associated with a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
  • H. pylori & Parkinson’s – This prevalent stomach bacteria is present in many Parkinson’s patients and may disrupt medication effectiveness.
  • Gut-Brain Connection – Misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins in the gut could travel to the brain, supporting the hypothesis that Parkinson’s originates in the gut.

New Discovery: How Stomach Bacteria Might Trigger Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s remains a perplexing disease for mainstream medicine. Despite numerous drugs developed for this condition, none have been effective. This may be because they are targeting the disease from the wrong perspective.

Mainstream research primarily focuses on the brain, but recent studies suggest they should shift their attention to the stomach.

Scientists now propose that ulcers might contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease. If you have ever experienced an ulcer, it’s crucial to pay close attention to this information.

In a recent study, researchers investigated the Parkinson’s outcomes of over 2,300 individuals with stomach damage from conditions like ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) to identify potential connections between the diseases.

Their findings were ASTOUNDING…

Damage to the stomach lining can elevate the risk of Parkinson’s by 76%! This means that if you have a history of ulcers, GERD, or any other stomach problems, discussing your Parkinson’s risk with your doctor is essential.

Regrettably, this is not the first instance where a correlation between gut health and Parkinson’s has been observed.

How This Common Bacteria May Be Fueling the Parkinson’s Epidemic

Other research indicates that Helicobacter pylori – a harmful bacterium that can infect the gastrointestinal system and cause ulcers – is linked to Parkinson’s disease. Patients with Parkinson’s disease often have elevated levels of H. pylori, which can impede the absorption of medications used for treatment.

There is more to this narrative…

Studies also demonstrate that a protein called alpha-synuclein can lead to the degeneration of specific brain cells associated with Parkinson’s disease. In individuals with stomach issues, these proteins can accumulate and cause harm, as noted by expert Daniel Truong, MD:

“This study provides additional evidence supporting the gut-first hypothesis of Parkinson’s disease. By demonstrating a 76% higher risk of developing [Parkinson’s] in individuals with upper GI mucosal damage, it underscores the potential role of gastrointestinal dysfunction in triggering [Parkinson’s]. The findings align with previous research suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins might migrate from the gut to the brain through the vagus nerve, further substantiating the hypothesis that [Parkinson’s] may originate in the gut.”

Fortunately, there are several ways to help prevent ulcers…

At Risk For Ulcers? Here’s What To Do…

Reducing stress, consuming a whole food-based diet, and moderating alcohol intake are some strategies to reduce the risk of ulcers and other stomach issues.

However, the most effective way to lower your risk is to minimize your use of NSAID pain relievers, which can severely affect your gut lining and increase the risk of damage.

If you are taking NSAIDs, consult your doctor for alternative pain relief methods like acupuncture or physical therapy.

If you have or have had ulcers, discuss your Parkinson’s risk with your doctor at your next appointment. Meanwhile, explore ways to enhance your gut health. A crucial step is to adopt a diet that supports a healthy balance of probiotics in your gut and consider taking a scientifically proven probiotic.

If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, it’s vital to work on improving your gut health. In fact, there is a remarkable new treatment for Parkinson’s disease that restores gut health, demonstrating significant effectiveness in alleviating many symptoms that impair patients’ quality of life.

This treatment involves the restoration of gut health in Parkinson’s patients using fecal microbiota, in simpler terms, human waste.

Summary

New research indicates that damage to the stomach lining, including conditions such as ulcers and GERD, can heighten the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 76%. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria known to cause ulcers, has also been linked to Parkinson’s, affecting medication absorption and triggering harmful alpha-synuclein proteins in the gut. These proteins may travel to the brain through the vagus nerve, contributing to Parkinson’s development. The good news? Lifestyle changes like stress reduction, gut-friendly diet, and avoidance of NSAIDs may safeguard your gut—and potentially your brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are ulcers linked to Parkinson’s disease?
Research reveals that damage to the stomach lining from ulcers or GERD can elevate Parkinson’s risk by 76%, potentially due to inflammation and protein accumulation.

What is H. pylori, and how does it relate to Parkinson’s?
H. pylori is a bacterium that can cause ulcers and is frequently found in Parkinson’s patients. It may also hinder the proper functioning of medications.

How does Parkinson’s possibly start in the gut?
Scientists theorize that alpha-synuclein proteins—associated with Parkinson’s—first accumulate in the gut before traveling to the brain via the vagus nerve.

What can I do to lower my risk?
Reducing stress, consuming gut-friendly foods, and avoiding NSAIDs may help protect your stomach lining and reduce the risk of digestive-related Parkinson’s triggers.

Should I talk to my doctor if I’ve had ulcers?
Absolutely! If you have a history of ulcers, GERD, or chronic stomach issues, discuss your Parkinson’s risk with your doctor and explore preventive measures.

Written by: Susan Parker

Susan Parker is a 49-year-old Senior Manager at a marketing firm. With two older children becoming more independent, she is now focusing on her own health and wellbeing. She’s passionate about natural and holistic health approaches, and values high-quality, trustworthy products. Susan enjoys yoga, gardening, reading, and cooking, and seeks to stay energetic and sharp while balancing a busy career and personal life.

Reviewed by: Susan Parker