History of Constipation is a Risk for Parkinson’s Disease

A history of constipation dating back 20 or more years, long before the onset of any symptoms, increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by 248%.  The research was carried out at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  It analyzed the detailed medical records of residents of Olmsted County.

Deterioration of dopamine-related nerve transmission is hallmark of Parkinson’s.  Dopamine nerve transmission is part of the sympathetic nervous system (the stimulating side of the autonomic nervous system).  Bowel motility runs on parasympathetic nerves (the relaxed side of the autonomic nervous system). 

Constipation is often caused by stress and/or excessive activation of sympathetic nerves.  It appears this excessive workout of sympathetic nerves may reflect wear and tear to the dopamine system which years later may increase the risk for Parkinson’s.

Keeping your bowels moving well is a health priority for many reasons.