The Common Stomach Problem That Hurts Your Brain

For years, scientists have searched for answers to neurological diseases in the brain, but groundbreaking research now points to a culprit that’s unexpected to many—your gut.

A shocking new study reveals that a common and very treatable stomach condition may increase your risk of Parkinson’s by a staggering 76%! Even more surprising? You could be suffering right now and not even know it.

Key Takeaways

• Ulcers & Parkinson’s Risk – Stomach damage, including ulcers and GERD, has been linked to a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
• H. pylori & Parkinson’s – This common stomach bacteria is found in many Parkinson’s patients and may interfere with medications.
• Gut-Brain Connection – Misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins in the gut may spread to the brain, reinforcing the theory that Parkinson’s starts in the gut.

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

Parkinson’s is the one disease that continues to stump the mainstream. It seems like no matter how many drugs they churn out for this condition… none of them work. That’s because they could be attacking the disease from the wrong angle.

You see, the mainstream focuses on the brain, but according to new research, they should look elsewhere: your stomach.

Scientists now say that ulcers could be one of the factors driving Parkinson’s disease. And if you’ve ever had one, you need to pay close attention to this article.

In a recent study, researchers examined the Parkinson’s outcomes of more than 2,300 folks with damage to their stomach from conditions like ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), looking for a connection between the diseases.

And what they found was SHOCKING…

Stomach lining damage can increase Parkinson’s risk by 76 percent!1 Wow! This means if you’ve ever had an ulcer, GERD, or any other stomach issue, you need to talk to your doctor about your Parkinson’s risk.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time we’ve seen this link between gut health and Parkinson’s.

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

Other research shows that Helicobacter pylori – a dangerous bacterium that can infect the gastrointestinal system and cause ulcers – is linked to Parkinson’s disease. High levels of H. pylori have been found in patients with Parkinson’s disease, and its presence can also prevent the absorption of drugs used to treat the disease.2

And there’s more to the story…

Studies also show that a protein – called alpha-synuclein – can lead to the loss of specific brain cells that are linked to Parkinson’s disease. In folks with stomach issues, these proteins can pile up, and cause damage, according to expert, Daniel Truong, MD:

“This study provides additional evidence to support the gut-first hypothesis of Parkinson’s disease. By showing a 76% higher risk of developing [Parkinson’s] in individuals with upper GI mucosal damage, it highlights the potential role of gastrointestinal dysfunction in triggering [Parkinson’s]. The findings align with prior research suggesting that misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins may spread from the gut to the brain via the vagus nerve, offering further support for the hypothesis that [Parkinson’s] may originate in the gut.”3

Fortunately, there are a few ways to help prevent ulcers…

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

Reducing stress, eating a whole food-based diet, and cutting down on alcohol consumption are a few ways to lower your risk of ulcers and other stomach issues.

But perhaps the best way to reduce your risk is to minimize your use of NSAID pain relievers. These drugs can have a severe impact on your gut lining and increase your risk of damage.

So, if you’re using NSAIDs, talk to your doctor about alternative ways to relieve your pain, like acupuncture or physical therapy.

If you have ulcers or have in the past, talk to your doctor about your Parkinson’s risk at your next appointment. Meanwhile, see what you can do to improve your gut health. The most important step is to eat a diet that promotes a healthy balance of probiotics in your gut and to take a clinically proven probiotic.

And if you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, it’s important to try to improve the health of your gut. In fact, there’s a surprising new treatment for Parkinson’s disease that restores gut health. It’s proving remarkably effective in relieving many of the symptoms that damage patients’ quality of life.

We’re talking about a treatment that restores the gut health of Parkinson’s patients using fecal microbiota, or to put it plainly, human poop.

Summary

New research suggests that damage to the stomach lining, including conditions like ulcers and GERD, may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease by 76%. Scientists have also linked Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria known to cause ulcers, to Parkinson’s, as it can interfere with medication absorption and trigger damaging alpha-synuclein proteins in the gut. These proteins may travel to the brain via the vagus nerve, contributing to the development of Parkinson’s. The good news? Lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, eating a gut-friendly diet, and avoiding NSAIDs, may help protect your gut—and potentially your brain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are ulcers linked to Parkinson’s disease?
Research shows that damage to the stomach lining from ulcers or GERD can increase Parkinson’s risk by 76%, possibly due to inflammation and protein buildup.

What is H. pylori, and how does it relate to Parkinson’s?
H. pylori is a bacteria that can cause ulcers and has been found in many Parkinson’s patients. It may also prevent medications from working properly.

How does Parkinson’s possibly start in the gut?
Scientists believe alpha-synuclein proteins—linked to Parkinson’s—accumulate in the gut first, then travel to the brain through the vagus nerve.

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

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