Yes, MJ Fox just had on his web site about PDPatients having different bacteria in their gut than non-PD people

My husband's gastroenterologist did a biopsy on my husband (several times) which revealed gut infection. He also gets tested for gastroparetis (the inability of the stomach to empy properly). When he gets his colonoscopy he also gets tested for diverticulitis (an infection which is common in people with diverticulosis which he has). There are tests for everything and many ways to detect bacteria in the digestive system from the esophogus all the way through the entire system to the colon.

Dear Twin: Meds always impact the gut but unfortunately Parkinson's affects the nerves and nerves are responsible for all of the functions in our body. The Parkinson's interferes with all kinds of things like swallowing, stomach emptying, etc. and people who have pre-existing conditions will see that condition worsen (especially in the digestive system) as the nerves deteriorate. You are right to increase fluids and fiber and hope for the best. Hopefully, you will continue to have good luck with being able to eat normally. My husband takes prescription omeprazole with bicarbonate to control his serious esophogal and gut issues. Mylanta did nothing for him as he has Barrett's Esophogitus (which is a precancerous erosion of the esophogus).....he has diverticulitis with constant infections.....and.he has gastroenteritis and this all existed before the PD diagnosis. Don't even get me started on what the Parkinson's is doing to his urinary issues (prostatectomy just before PD diagnosis also) as the nerves controlling urinary functions are impacted.

Doctor has told him to space out his Dopa meds a little more (6 a day). We just started doing this to see if it helps as anti-nausea drugs have not worked for him.

Gastroparisis is a condition that is primarily caused by Parkinson’s. There are some other diseases that cause this condition, but Parkinson’s is the most common one. Yes, there is a connection. If your medical team doesn’t know that, you need a new medical team.

I think you people are all gone now. I’m typing this for the people who are still here and have gut issues.

Parkinson’s slows everything down. This includes digestion. Food stays in the digestive track way too long and bacteria grow. This causes Gastroparisis. The best thing to do is eat food that is easy to digest and eliminate those things that aren’t. If you still want hard to digest foods you can put them into a food processor and drink them. This is actually the best way to go. I imagine you get pretty good at combining the right things to make a good tasting drink. It will move easily through your system and you’ll remain healthy.