Constipation is a common symptom of PD. It leads to some of the largest problems that PD gives me. I have noticed that, generally speaking, periods when my PD is worse coincide with periods when my constipation is worse. It is not clear to me whether the Parkinson's causes the constipation or the constipation exacerbates the PD.

We've discussed in this forum before a cycle of

poor control of PD ->
slow stool transit time ->
increased toxin absorption/slow absorption of PD drugs ->
and so on ...
See thread:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...ipation&page=3

Ammonia may play a role in this cycle:
- slow transit leads to "increased absorption of ammonia into the mesenteric blood supply" [1];
- ammonia passes through the BBB [2];
- it slows the conversion of tyrosine to levodopa due to BH4 losses to ammonia[3];
- PD symptoms worsen.
and the cycle is reinforced.

Lactulose is a treatment for both chronic constipation and hyperammonaemia [4]. It is reasonable, therefore, to ask whether it reduces PD symptoms in general.

I briefly tried lactulose, but it was not effective with my constipation (Movicol, polyethylene glycol, has been more effective for me).

Has anyone who takes lactulose noticed that it has affected their Parkinson's?

References

[1] "Non-hepatic hyperammonaemia: an important, potentially reversible cause of encephalopathy"
Postgrad Med J 2001;77:717-722 doi:10.1136/pmj.77.913.717
N D Hawkesa, G A O Thomasa, A Jurewiczb, O M Williamsc, C E M Hillierc, I N F McQueenc, G Shortland
http://pmj.bmj.com/content/77/913/717.full

[2] Neurochem Int. 2002 Aug-Sep;41(2-3):123-42.
"Glutamine synthetase in brain: effect of ammonia."
Suárez I1, Bodega G, Fernández B.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12020613

[3] thread started by nickvalo,
"A1298C mutation, inhibited recycling of BH4, and increased ammonia build-up"
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread158443.html

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lactulose

John

For some reason I am "going" right now. Have added extra Magnesium citrate to my regular supplements, but also am eating fresh blackberries and wineberries as I pick them...could be all the seeds? Hope it lasts for whatever the reason I am doing well right now with it.

Has anyone tried Apple cider vinegar with the "mother" , it might be beneficial as an overall tonic & digestion assist?

some info-
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/n...cider-vinegar/


This was kind of interesting too -
http://www.naturalnews.com/039199_ce...amage_MSG.html

I am very regular (every morning) since I started eating cup of fresh berries in the evening - blueberries seem to work best for me.

I use Bragg's apple cider vinegar with the mother in it almost daily (about a teaspoon in the mornings in glass of water.

http://www.nowfoods.com/Bentonite-Po...t-Pure-1lb.htm

i buy prunes at costco, they are on the small side, have about 5 at breakfast and snack on them during the day. very regular. but also pretty much a vegetarian, minimal pasta but lots of brown rice, so lots of fiber and try to drink enough water. boooring. i know what constipates me and try to avoid it.
i'd say try the prunes.