Researchers are developing probiotics for specific purposes using particular strains of bacteria. For example, there is ProbioMood by Pure Encapsulations. or HMF Neuro capsules by Genestra.

I expect that as they sort out the gut's microbiota they will find even more beneficial strains including some that might be useful to the PWP.

Gerry, have you tried either of these?

I tried HMF Neuro but didn't discern any benefit. But then I am not gluten sensitive and I only tried it for a month.

"The first probiotic specifically developed for gluten and casein intolerant people including: Autism, ADHD, and Celiac

HMF Neuro Capsules contains a specifically selected strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (CLT341) which has been proven in scientific trials to degrade wheat and dairy exorphins, and to attach to and colonize intestinal epithelial cells."

To get a list of what we've tried in one place, let me point to Post 49 in this thread. There I wrote:

"The reports of fecal transplants led me to investigate probiotic yogurt as a possibly safer alternative. I made this myself in large quantities, 6 pints at a time. This seemed to give me a small benefit. But I have since backed off because I was putting on too much weight."

I used lactobacillus acidophilus.

John

Didn't Doctor Paneri from India offer a special diet which included some various herbs and recommended fruits and some that were not to be eaten? Also, I believe some folks who tried it said it contained some compressed pills which smelled like dung! Maybe he was trying to change the gut floura and was onto something after all! There seems to something significant about the gut/brain connection!

Abstract:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25476529

So it seems pd changes the intestinal flora, i.e. increased constipation makes the environment more favorable for some bacterial and less favorable for others?

i don't think they are saying bacteria influences pd symptoms or causes it??
they'd have to check bacteria in people not yet manifesting pd symptoms.
but if bacteria was somehow causing pd you'd think there were be clusters of pd in different countries or communities based on diet.

but interesting to say the least?

I can't say I even understand this, but I can add that on the advice of my doctor, I started taking probiotic pills about a month ago and Yippee!, no more constipation!

It's 4 years now since this thread was started following an article in New Scientist. The magazine is still reporting on faecal transplantation [1].

In a recent edition Parkinson's is mentioned in passing, but no examples of FT's use in this area are given.

Talking generally, the good news is that "[faecal transplants] are a lifeline for people with recurrent Clostridium difficile infections of the gut, which cause diarrhoea and fever, and can be fatal. These infections can recur after antibiotic treatment, but are cured 90 per cent of the time after a faecal transplant."

The bad news is that the transplant may pass disease to the recipient.

Given this more effort is being made to screen donors, with ironically Parkinson's being a reason for exclusion.

Reference

[1] "Not just obesity – faecal transplants' weird effects"
11 February 2015 by Jessica Hamzelou
http://www.newscientist.com/article/...l#.VPqfpY1yZYd

John

Here's some pretty recent study results, specific to gut link to PD.

I'm a newbie so I have to*edit*

The most interesting thing in this study is that it names the bacteria that are out of whack ..
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*edit* (Copyright 1995-2015 by ScienceDaily, LLC or by third-party sources, where indicated.)
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I myself am taking caprylic acid supplements (found in coconut oil BTW) to reduce some of the candida bacteria I have. Apparently one sign that bacteria overgrowth has expanded into the small intestine is excessive gas and a pungent smell when defecating. I'm guilty on both counts.

Next month I have a colonoscopy, which wipes out most of the flora, and then I'll be taking a few different probiotics. I am gonna see if it changes things for me.