Niggs- in fact- 30 of 79 patients were on no levodopa prior to the study- analysis of extensor rigidity showed no association between any meds-doses- and the halt in the progression of flexor rigiditiy- the authors postulate that he laxatives either improve the "dysbiosis"- altered bowel bacteria that may be intrinsic tio PD or by improving the constipation (which is definitely intrinsic toi PD) and affect the dysbiosis indirectly- either way they postulate that the altered flora are associated with an immune/inflammatory response that helps improve the disease itself!

the way I see it ...all of the above

[QUOTE=schwad01;1219585]Niggs- in fact- 30 of 79 patients were on no levodopa prior to the study- analysis of extensor rigidity showed no association between any meds-doses- and the halt in the progression of flexor rigiditiy- the authors postulate that he laxatives either improve the "dysbiosis"- altered bowel bacteria that may be intrinsic tio PD or by improving the constipation (which is definitely intrinsic toi PD) and affect the dysbiosis indirectly- either way they postulate that the altered flora are associated with an immune/inflammatory response that helps improve the disease itself![/QUOTE

Thanks

Very interesting, the gut connection theory is popular amongst German research ers if I remember correctly. Is not the digestive tract referred to as the second brain or is that just the stomach.

Think Twice: How the Gut's "Second Brain" Influences Mood and Well-Being

the second brain refers to the enteric or digestive tract related nervous system that is responsible for peristalasis, digestive hormone release, etc

I again thank you schwad01, I read the above with my mind racing as my particular interest is stress as a causative factor in PD for some of us. I keep going back to a piece released last year which announced that a team from Uppsala Uni in Sweden had found using the latest scanning tech that px's diagnosed with anxiety had elevated levels of serotonin not reduced.
This could explain why some folk get a lot worse on SSRI's. I have made 3 attempts to benefit from antidepressants and each time ended up with what appeared to be like serotonin syndrome, restless,dizzy,fluctuating bp and pulse etc.
I wonder if one of the 5-htp types when working overtime has an inhibitory effect on dopamine production.
So now after reading about the 'second brain' I know that most of the body's serotonin is in the gut.....and the connection of anxiety with the gut...and also this PD/gut connection, I guess I'v got another early hours project.

Recommended Reading:
Nutrition Matters by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD.
Article is in pdf form on Parkinson.org web site

Also look at her web site for an article on acid reflex.
Kathrynne Holden's Nutrition u can live with

I need to make up more Prune Juice Cocktail. blog with the reciepe and comments