Help Live: [MedicalConspiracies] Can H. Pylori and Parkinson's Be Linked?

Can H. Pylori and Parkinson's Be Linked?

Posted by: Dr. Mercola http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2006/03/04/can-h-pylori-and-parkinsons-be-linked.aspx
March 04 2006 | 2,494 views

Parkinson's disease may be connected to H. pylori, a kind of bacteria that also causes peptic ulcers.

Researchers found that eliminating H. pylori significantly improved the physical capabilities of those suffering from the neurological condition.

Previous research had suggested a relationship between Parkinson's disease and peptic ulcers, but the nature of the connection is still unknown.

Scientists studied the link between the two by comparing the physical condition of seven Parkinson's patients who received active treatment for H. pylori against 11 patients who took a placebo.

Patients who received active treatment experienced reduced muscle rigidity in their forearms and greater improvement in walking based on stride length.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, muscular rigidity, slowed movement, and balance problems.

Sources:

Helicobacter August 2005; 10(4): 288

Patient Health International.com August 19, 2005

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

One of the many astute newsletter readers called my attention to this interesting, yet little-known study in which getting rid of H. pylori helped patients stricken with Parkinson's disease.

This study certainly makes sense from a natural health standpoint, considering better nutrition reverses the early signs of Parkinson's. A safe and healthy way to eradicate H. pylori, also a factor for many who may have heartburn: Eat one or two cloves of raw garlic daily.

Other steps to prevent Parkinson's include:

Regular exercise. This is one of the best ways to protect against the onset of symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Avoid pesticide and insecticide exposure (as well as exposure to other environmental toxins like solvents). This is particularly important as summer approaches and mosquito fogging increases.
Eat more vegetables, which are high in folic acid.
Make sure your body has healthy levels of iron (neither too much nor too little).
Consider coenzyme Q10, which may help to fight the disease.