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I was reading Jim's message from a month ago and wondered how much gluten free diet would help. I have been having a digestive problem since this summer and I emptied wheat, barley and rye products from my cupboards. Once I started gluten free diet constipation has not really been a problem. The latest report suggest that even some gluten sensitivity, and not only full diagnosis, would be a risk for cancer or heart disease. If you decide for gluten free diet, you need to be exact. The guidelines say that all tools need to be clean, and not even sharing a toaster for wheat toast!


Ansa Ojanlatva, PhD, CHES (ret.)
Docent, Health and Sexuality Education

Authorized Sexuality Educator and Sexual Health Promotor (NACS),
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----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Slattery <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009 9:02 am
Subject: Re: Treatment for constipation in PD
To: [log in to unmask]


> From: <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: Treatment for constipation in PD
> | you don't need pills for constipation - just a regular supply of 
> oranges and a
> | good book to pass the time while the fruit gets to work....
> 
> I wish that it was that simple. Constipation, like anything else 
> connected with 
> PD, is a complex condition, with complications not found in other disorders.
> 
> The ways in which Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of 
> constipation 
> include:
> 
> ·       Insufficient dopamine – lack of the brain chemical 
> (neurotransmitter) 
> dopamine impairs muscle movement throughout the body. Bowel muscles 
> can become 
> slow and rigid.
> 
> ·       Uncoordinated bowel – the bowel muscles may be weak and unable 
> to 
> contract or they may clench instead of relax when trying to pass a motion.
> 
> ·       Eating problems – dietary fibre is indigestible, so it adds 
> bulk to the 
> bowel motions and prevents constipation. However, if chewing and 
> swallowing are 
> difficult, a person with Parkinson’s disease is less likely to eat 
> fibrous 
> foods.
> 
> ·       Drinking problems – water is needed to plump the dietary fibre 
> in bowel 
> motions. Swallowing difficulties may discourage the person with 
> Parkinson’s 
> disease from drinking enough fluids.
> 
> ·       Sedentary lifestyle – lack of exercise slows the passage of 
> food through 
> the intestines. Parkinson’s disease reduces muscle control, so lack of 
> exercise 
> is common.
> 
> ·       Medications – many different drugs can cause constipation. 
> Medications 
> used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (especially 
> anticholinergic drugs) 
> may slow bowel movements or dampen appetite.
> 
> Your doctor may suggest various treatments to help combat 
> constipation, 
> including:
> 
> ·       Dietary changes including consuming more fibre and water
> 
> ·       Moderate exercise
> 
> ·       Good toilet habits
> 
> ·       Avoiding unnecessary medicines that contain substances known 
> to cause 
> constipation such as calcium and aluminium
> 
> ·       Laxatives
> 
> ·       An enema – this may be part of the initial treatment
> 
> ·       Treatment for any medical problem that may be contributing to 
> the 
> constipation, such as haemorrhoids
> 
> 
> 
> Jim
> 
> _____________________________
> 
> Dr. J. F. Slattery, PhD Soc Sc
> 
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