Parkinson's is a complex neurodegenerative disease that affects the lives of millions of people worldwide. In recent years, science has increasingly discovered that our gut may play a crucial role in the development of this disease. In this article, I want to shed light on how our diet and the health of our gut microbiota can potentially influence the risk of Parkinson's and what steps we can take to protect ourselves.

The link between gut and brain

A key element in Parkinson's is the protein alpha-synuclein, which accumulates in the brains of those affected and causes nerve damage. Interestingly, this protein is also produced in the gut, particularly in cases of chronic inflammation and a disturbed intestinal flora, also known as dysbiosis. Many people with Parkinson's experience problems in the gastrointestinal tract, such as constipation or inflammatory bowel disease, years before the first neurological symptoms appear.

There is evidence that alpha-synuclein migrates from the gut to the brain, where it causes the characteristic damage. Studies in animals have shown that these protein deposits can actually travel from the gut to the brain. This underlines the importance of the gut in understanding and preventing Parkinson's disease.

The role of the gut microbiota

Our gut microbiota, the community of microorganisms that live in our digestive tract, plays a central role in maintaining our health. Certain bacteria in our gut produce important substances such as hydrogen and butyrate, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and can protect the nervous system.

Studies have found that people with Parkinson's have significantly lower levels of these beneficial bacteria. This could indicate that a targeted promotion of these bacteria through the diet could potentially protect against Parkinson's. Prebiotic fiber, which serves as food for these bacteria, could play a key role here.

Prebiotic fiber: A simple step towards risk reduction?

Prebiotic fibers are mainly found in plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These fibers promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, which in turn produce protective substances such as butyrate and hydrogen. Unfortunately, however, our diet has changed dramatically over the last few centuries - the consumption of prebiotic fibers has fallen drastically, while highly processed foods have gained in importance.

This change could explain why the incidence of Parkinson's has increased significantly since the 19th century. In non-Western countries, which are increasingly adopting Western dietary habits, the number of Parkinson's cases is also rising rapidly.

A diet rich in prebiotic fiber and generally anti-inflammatory could therefore be an effective approach to reducing the risk of Parkinson's disease. This includes a plant-based diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain products as well as avoiding highly processed foods.

The importance of oral health

In addition to the gut, there is another microbial population that is important in this context: the bacteria in our mouths. Periodontal disease, i.e. inflammation of the gums, could also increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Chronic inflammation in the mouth can transport alpha-synuclein to the brain via the olfactory nerve - similar to what happens in the gut via the vagus nerve.

Good oral hygiene could therefore not only ensure healthy teeth, but also reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. A large study from Taiwan recently showed that better oral hygiene is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson's disease.

Conclusion: Diet and lifestyle as the key to Parkinson's prevention

Research shows that diet and lifestyle could play an important role in the prevention of Parkinson's disease. A healthy, plant-based diet rich in prebiotic fiber and anti-inflammatory nutrients could help reduce the risk of this serious disease. At the same time, good oral hygiene is another simple step you can take to protect yourself.

In a world where degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's are becoming more common, we should be aware of how much our lifestyle can affect our health. By taking care of our gut and our diet, we can potentially make a big contribution to reducing the risk of Parkinson's.