Joseph Mercola

Researchers from the University of Helsinki linked a strain of Desulfovibrio bacteria as a causative agent of Parkinson’s disease, which may open new therapeutic avenues to screen for, slow progression or prevent Parkinson’s.

Nearly 1 million people in the U.S. live with Parkinson’s and 90,000 new cases are diagnosed each year; new findings support past research demonstrating a gut-brain link in Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers also believe that neurodegenerative disease could be successfully addressed by activating autophagy, the process of eliminating damaged and dead cells to encourage the growth of new healthy cells.

Alzheimer’s disease is another neurodegenerative condition linked to specific gut bacteria, including specific short-chain fatty acids and lipopolysaccharides, the cell walls of dead bacteria.

You can take several steps to help optimize your gut microbiome, including eating traditionally fermented foods to seed your gut with healthy bacteria and feeding them with probiotic soluble and insoluble fiber. Avoid antibacterial soap and products with triclosan, processed foods, conventionally raised meat and antibiotics unless absolutely necessary.

Image: little plant @ Unsplash