December 17, 2025
Constipation, Microbiome, and Parkinson's: Unraveling the Gut's Role in Neurodegeneration
The Caring NeurologistAbout this episode
Welcome to another episode of The Caring Neurologist! Today, host Dr. Sandeep Thakkar dives into a truly fascinating topic that’s changing the way we think about Parkinson’s disease. When most people hear “Parkinson’s,” they picture tremors and movement challenges. But what if the earliest warning signs of this brain disorder actually begin in the gut? In this episode, Dr. Sandeep Thakkar unravels the intricate connection between our digestive system and brain health. They discuss how early symptoms like constipation, gut inflammation, and changes in the microbiome might signal Parkinson’s long before the first tremor appears. You’ll learn about the vital role of the vagus nerve, the mysterious behavior of the alpha synuclein protein, and the potential for future diagnostics that could detect Parkinson’s through a simple gut test. Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or simply curious about how the body and brain communicate, this episode will leave you with new insights and maybe some hope about the future of prevention and early intervention in neurological disease. So grab your headphones, settle in, and get ready to discover why your next healthy choice could start with your gut! 00:00 Gut-Brain Link in Parkinson's 04:43 Gut-Brain Connection and Coordination 07:25 Gut Health and Mental Clarity 10:04 Gut-Brain Axis: Cause or Effect? 14:05 Vagus Nerve's Role in Parkinson's 19:59 "Gut Health and Brain Connection" 20:53 Gut Health and Microbiome Research 24:15 "Parkinson’s Diagnosis via Gut Biomarkers" 27:38 Diet's Role in Gut Health 31:26 Oral Bacteria's Link to Disease 33:51 Parkinson's: Gut Health Matters The Caring Neurologist - Podcast Website - https://thecaringneurologist.com/ Dr. Sandeep Thakkar - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-thakkar-do-798a2499/ Dr. Sandeep Thakkar - Clinic - https://ocparkinsons.com/about-mdpds/our-team/dr-thakkar/ TopHealth - https://tophealth.care/ “Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”