For many years, scientists and doctors have been saying that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, may start in the gut—long before brain symptoms appear.
When the gut speaks, does the brain listen?
The enteric nervous system, also known as the second brain, not only digests food but also constantly sends signals to the brain, regulating mood, appetite, and even neurological health.
Scientists have found that in people with Parkinson's disease, the alpha-synuclein protein can appear in the gut up to 20 years before brain symptoms manifest. It is believed that this protein can travel to the central nervous system via the vagus nerve—a direct connection between the gut and the brain—potentially triggering neurodegeneration.
The same dysbiosis—an imbalance in the gut microbiota—has been observed in other neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis (MS), and ALS. This raises an important question:
💡 Can proper gut care help protect the brain from these diseases?
The Role of the Microbiome in Brain Health
Trillions of microorganisms, known as the microbiome, live in the gut. This bacterial community strengthens the immune system, protects against pathogens, and even produces essential neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
However, stress, an imbalanced diet, antibiotics, or exposure to toxins can disrupt the microbiota. This can lead to chronic inflammation, which may impair brain function. Studies show that in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis, the levels of certain bacteria in the gut either increase or decrease, significantly influencing disease progression.
Nurture the Gut to Protect the Brain?
Future treatments for neurological diseases may begin not in the brain, but in the gut. Below are some ways to support gut health, as recommended by the Alaushu team:
✔ Check your gut microbiome and microbiota – Imbalances in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can negatively affect health. Dysbiosis may lead to increased gut permeability, a higher risk of systemic inflammation, and metabolic disruptions. It is linked to obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Therefore, maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial. You can determine your microbiome composition by taking stool tests.
✔ Enrich your diet with fiber and polyphenols – A higher intake of fiber and polyphenols promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria. Good sources of fiber include oats, flaxseeds, legumes, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Polyphenols are abundant in berries (blueberries, raspberries, chokeberries), cocoa, green tea, olive oil, and turmeric.
✔ Control inflammation – Certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can help regulate inflammation by reducing inflammatory cytokine levels, strengthening the gut barrier, and modulating the microbiome. This may not only improve digestive health but also reduce gut-induced neuroinflammation. Alaushu “Gut Feelings” Probiotics is a carefully formulated blend enriched with vegan probiotics, L-glutamine, vitamin C, and natural fruit flavors to help maintain a balanced microbiome.
Although research is still in its early stages, one thing is clear: taking care of gut health isn’t just about digestion—it may be the key to long-term brain health.
Source:
Harvard Gazette. (2024, December). Does Parkinson’s start in the gut? Harvard Gazette.
