Is There a Link Between Constipation and Parkinson's (& Other Chronic Conditions)?

In this article, we'll explore the connection between constipation and Parkinson's disease, as well as other chronic conditions. We’ll explain what constipation is, define chronic conditions, and examine the growing evidence linking constipation to long-term health issues.

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about the link between chronic conditions and Parkinson’s disease:

• Constipation involves changes in bowel movements, such as infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

• Chronic conditions are long-term health problems requiring ongoing management over many years. These conditions, like Type-1 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and Parkinson's disease, often cannot be cured but can be controlled with medication and lifestyle adjustments.

• There is increasing evidence that gut health, including conditions like constipation, can impact overall health.

• Research indicates a link between constipation and Parkinson's disease. Constipation can be an early symptom of Parkinson's, sometimes appearing years before other symptoms and can also indicate other conditions like spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis.

• Chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease affect the pelvic floor's physiology, making it harder to pass stool.

Constipation is a condition where you experience changes in your bowel movements [1]. For example, you may experience infrequent bowel movements or difficulty with your bowel movements. Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. Typically, constipation can be managed with adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. 

Recently there has been a growing body of evidence to suggest that your gut and gut-based conditions (like constipation) could contribute to or provide insight into your wider health.

Chronic conditions, also known as long-term physical health conditions, are health problems that require ongoing management over many years or even decades [2]. Unfortunately, many of these conditions cannot currently be cured. A lot of them however can be controlled with medication. Examples of chronic conditions include:

• Diabetes

• Heart Disease

• Arthritis 

• Parkinson's disease

Managing chronic conditions usually involves regular medical care and lifestyle adjustments to maintain the best quality of life possible.

Yes, research may suggest that there is a link between constipation and Parkinson’s disease. Gastrointestinal issues including constipation, can be used to predict the development of Parkinson's disease [3]. Constipation is one of the early symptoms of Parkinson's and can sometimes appear years before other symptoms. As well as Parkinson’s disease, constipation may also be an indicator of conditions such as spinal cord injuries and multiple sclerosis [4].

The reason constipation is a common symptom of these conditions is because of how they can affect the physiology of the pelvic floor. People with these conditions may find it more difficult to pass a stool due to the effects their condition has on their bowels and the muscles needed to excrete waste [5].

Constipation is a common condition that can be influenced by various chronic diseases, including Parkinson's disease. It often serves as an early symptom of Parkinson's, sometimes appearing long before more recognisable signs of the disease. Chronic conditions, such as Parkinson's, can alter the body’s physiology, affecting bowel function and the pelvic floor, making it more difficult to pass stool. Research highlights the growing link between gut health and overall well-being, emphasising the importance of managing constipation alongside other chronic health issues.

Constipation is more than just an uncomfortable inconvenience- it can sometimes be a sign of underlying chronic conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. While not everyone with constipation will go on to develop such conditions, research shows that bowel health can provide important clues about overall health. Paying attention to persistent digestive symptoms, seeking medical advice, and supporting gut health through diet, hydration, and lifestyle changes are practical steps you can take. As our understanding of this connection grows, recognising early signs like constipation may help improve both prevention and long-term management of chronic disease.

Vivere helps you take control of your health with personalised insights to understand your microbiome with our state-of-the-art gut test, nutritional guidance, science-backed supplements, such as Vivere's NAD+ injection and expert support. Sign up today and start living better, for longer.

[1] Constipation - NHS

[2] Long Term Physical Health Condition - Data Dictionary NHS

[3] Gastrointestinal syndromes preceding a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease: testing Braak’s hypothesis using a nationwide database for comparison with Alzheimer’s disease and cerebrovascular diseases | Gut

[4] The pathophysiology of chronic constipation - PMC

[5] Medical Causes of Chronic Constipation - WebMD