Parkinson’s Disease and Constipation in Grand Rapids, MI

Constipation is one of the most common non‑movement (non‑motor) symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In fact, many people in Grand Rapids living with Parkinson’s notice bowel changes years before tremor, stiffness, or slowness appear.

Constipation can usually be improved with lifestyle changes—like more fiber, fluids, and physical activity—and, when needed, with medical treatment guided by your healthcare team at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or your local primary care provider.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that affects the brain cells (neurons) that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps coordinate smooth, controlled movements.

As dopamine‑producing cells in the middle part of the brain break down, dopamine levels fall. This leads to the classic movement symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as:

  • Tremor (shaking), often in the hands
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity
  • Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
  • Balance and walking difficulties

But Parkinson’s also affects the automatic (autonomic) nervous system, which controls digestion and bowel movements—making constipation very common.

Constipation and Parkinson’s Disease

How Common Is Constipation in Parkinson’s?

Constipation is a frequent complication of Parkinson’s disease. Many people in West Michigan living with Parkinson’s:

  • Have fewer than three bowel movements per week
  • Need to strain to pass stool
  • Pass dry, hard stools
  • Feel like the bowel isn’t completely empty after going

Because Parkinson’s can affect the gut early, some people notice constipation before they ever notice tremor or stiffness.

Symptoms of Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease

Common constipation symptoms include:

  • Fewer than three bowel movements per week (on average)
  • Dry, hard, or lumpy stools
  • Needing to strain or push to pass a bowel movement
  • Feeling that the bowel isn’t empty after going
  • Bloating or abdominal discomfort
  • A sense of “backed up” or incomplete evacuation

If you live in Grand Rapids and notice these symptoms regularly, especially if they are new or worsening, talk with your doctor or neurologist.

Why Parkinson’s Disease Causes Constipation

Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of constipation in several ways:

1. Changes in Nerve and Muscle Function

  • Lack of dopamine in the brain
    Dopamine helps coordinate muscle movements throughout the body, including the bowel. With low dopamine:

    • Bowel muscles can become slow and uncoordinated
    • The muscles may be weak or rigid
    • Muscles may clench instead of relaxing when you try to pass a bowel movement

  • Uncoordinated bowel motions
    The normal wave‑like contractions that move stool through the intestines (peristalsis) can become irregular and sluggish.

2. Eating Problems

  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
    Some people with Parkinson’s:
    • Avoid fibrous foods (like raw fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) because they are harder to chew
    • Eat less overall due to fatigue, slow eating, or difficulty swallowing
      This reduces fiber intake and can worsen constipation.

3. Drinking Problems

  • Low fluid intake
    You need enough water to “plump up” the fiber in your stool and keep it soft. Swallowing difficulties, mobility issues, or simply forgetting to drink—especially in cold Grand Rapids winters when you may not feel as thirsty—can all lead to dehydration and constipation.

4. Sedentary Lifestyle

  • Lack of exercise
    Physical activity helps move food through the intestines. Parkinson’s can:
    • Reduce muscle control
    • Make walking and movement more difficult
    • Lead to a more sedentary lifestyle
      All of this slows bowel transit and increases constipation risk.

5. Medications

  • Parkinson’s medications and other drugs
    Many medications can cause or worsen constipation, including:
    • Some Parkinson’s medicines, especially anticholinergic medications (used to reduce involuntary movements)
    • Certain pain medicines
    • Some antidepressants and blood pressure medications

These can slow bowel movements, decrease appetite, or both.

Complications of Chronic Constipation in Parkinson’s

If constipation is not managed, it can lead to additional health problems, such as:

  • Bowel incontinence (leakage or occasional diarrhea around hard stool)
  • Urinary incontinence (leakage of urine due to pressure on the bladder)
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Nausea
  • Lethargy (feeling drowsy, sluggish, or unenergetic)
  • Reduced appetite and weight changes

In older adults and people with chronic conditions in Grand Rapids, these complications can significantly impact independence and quality of life.

Diagnosing Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease

Your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids will usually:

  • Take a detailed medical history
  • Ask for a description of your bowel habits and symptoms
  • Perform a physical examination, which may include an abdominal and rectal exam

Because medical problems other than Parkinson’s disease can also cause constipation (such as thyroid problems, colon disease, or medication side effects), your doctor may order tests to rule out other causes. These may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Stool tests
  • Imaging (like an abdominal X‑ray)
  • Colonoscopy or other specialized tests, if needed

Always follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding testing.

Treatment for Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease

Constipation in Parkinson’s disease can often be improved with a combination of:

  • Dietary changes
  • Increased fluid intake
  • Regular physical activity
  • Good toilet habits
  • Medications such as laxatives, when needed

Your care team at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or your primary care clinic can help tailor a plan for you.

Dietary Fiber for Constipation in Parkinson’s

Fiber adds bulk and softness to your stool and helps prevent constipation. There are two main types:

  • Insoluble fiber – adds bulk and helps stool move through the bowel
  • Soluble fiber – absorbs water and forms a soft gel, helping stool stay soft

General Fiber Guidelines

Be guided by your doctor or dietitian, but general suggestions include:

  • Aim for at least:
    • Two pieces of fruit per day
    • Five serves of vegetables per day
  • Choose wholegrain foods instead of refined or highly processed foods, such as:
    • Wholegrain cereals
    • Brown rice
    • Wholemeal or multigrain bread and pasta
    • Pulses such as lentils, chickpeas, and beans

Easy‑to‑Eat Fiber Options (Helpful for Chewing or Swallowing Problems)

If chewing or swallowing is difficult:

  • Choose soft fruits, such as:
    • Bananas
    • Ripe pears or peaches
    • Stewed apples or berries
  • Mash or puree fruits to make them easier to eat
  • Include the skin of fruits and vegetables when safe, as this is where much of the fiber is found
  • Eat homemade vegetable soups, which are softer and easier to swallow, especially in cold West Michigan winters

Adding Extra Fiber

  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of bran, psyllium husks, or chia seeds on breakfast cereal, yogurt, or into smoothies
  • Add bran or ground seeds to baked goods such as muffins or breads

Important Safety Notes

  • Avoid bran and fiber supplements if you have swallowing problems, unless your speech therapist or doctor specifically approves them.
  • Do not increase dietary fiber too quickly. A sudden increase can cause:
    • Bloating
    • Gas
    • Abdominal cramps
      If discomfort occurs:
    • Reduce your fiber intake slightly
    • Increase your fluid intake
    • Apply a warm compress or hot water bottle to your abdomen
    • See your doctor if symptoms persist

Fluids for Constipation in Parkinson’s

Water is essential for soft, easy‑to‑pass stools. Fiber cannot work properly without enough fluid.

Be guided by your doctor, but general suggestions include:

  • Aim for 6–8 glasses (up to about 2 liters) of fluid per day, unless you have been told to limit fluids for heart or kidney conditions
  • Spread your drinks throughout the day, rather than drinking large amounts all at once
  • Include:
    • Water
    • Herbal or decaffeinated teas
    • Broths or clear soups
  • Limit drinks that can cause dehydration, such as:
    • Alcohol
    • Caffeinated coffee
    • Strong tea
    • Sugary sodas

In Grand Rapids’ colder months, you may feel less thirsty, so it can help to set reminders or keep a water bottle nearby.

Exercise and Constipation in Parkinson’s Disease

Regular physical activity helps stimulate bowel function and improves overall mobility, balance, and mood.

Be guided by your doctor, exercise physiologist, or physical therapist, but general suggestions include:

  • Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days, as tolerated
  • Types of exercise can include:
    • Walking (indoors at a mall or on a treadmill during icy Michigan winters)
    • Gentle stretching
    • Stationary cycling
    • Tai chi or yoga
    • Parkinson’s‑specific exercise programs offered through local rehab centers

Safe Exercise Tips

  • Spend a few minutes warming up and cooling down
    • This could include marching in place or gentle stretching
  • Start with the easiest exercises first, then slowly introduce more challenging activities as your fitness improves
  • Only exercise when other people are at home or nearby who can help if needed, especially if you are at risk of falls
  • Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, particularly if you have heart, lung, or joint problems

Remember: Too little exercise and too little fluid, combined with a sudden increase in dietary fiber, can actually worsen constipation for some people. Balance is important.

Toilet Habits and Constipation in Parkinson’s

Good toilet habits can make a big difference:

When to Go

  • Go to the toilet as soon as you feel the urge
    Ignoring the urge (“hanging on”) can make constipation worse over time.

Posture on the Toilet

Use a posture that helps your bowel muscles work effectively:

  • Sit with your elbows resting on your knees
  • Bulge out your stomach gently
  • Keep your spine straight
  • Place your feet on a small footstool to raise your knees above hip level

This position helps straighten the rectum and makes it easier to pass stool.

Additional Tips

  • Avoid holding your breath and straining on the toilet
  • Allow yourself plenty of time—rushing can make it harder to relax
  • Use a warm washcloth pressed against your back passage or gently massage the area with one or two fingers to help relax the muscles
  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about:
    • Stool softeners
    • Bulk‑forming agents
    • Osmotic or stimulant laxatives
      These should be used under medical advice, especially if you are on multiple medications.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor or neurologist promptly if:

  • Constipation develops suddenly
  • You remain constipated for three weeks despite lifestyle changes
  • You have bloody bowel motions
  • Passing a bowel motion causes significant pain
  • You have unexplained weight loss
  • You notice new or worsening abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting

These may be signs of a more serious condition that needs urgent evaluation.

Local Help for Parkinson’s and Constipation in Grand Rapids, MI

If you live in the Grand Rapids or Kent County area, support is available:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor) – first point of contact for constipation and medication review
  • Your neurologist or movement disorder specialist – for Parkinson’s management and medication adjustments
  • Local hospital systems:
    • Spectrum Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
      Many offer neurology, rehabilitation, and nutrition services.
  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health – information on community health resources and nutrition programs
  • Local continence clinics or pelvic floor therapy services – for bowel and bladder issues
  • Registered dietitians at community health centers and hospital systems – for personalized nutrition and fiber advice
  • Parkinson’s support groups and organizations – often provide education on non‑motor symptoms like constipation and can connect you with local resources

Ask your healthcare provider for referrals to local services that fit your needs.

Key Points

  • Constipation is a common complication of Parkinson’s disease and may appear before movement symptoms.
  • Symptoms include dry, hard stools, fewer than three bowel movements per week, straining, and feeling that the bowel isn’t empty.
  • Causes include reduced dopamine, uncoordinated bowel movements, eating and drinking difficulties, sedentary lifestyle, and medications.
  • Treatment usually involves more dietary fiber, adequate fluids, regular exercise, good toilet habits, and sometimes laxatives.
  • Chronic constipation can cause bowel and urinary incontinence, UTIs, abdominal pain, lethargy, and nausea.
  • Work with your Grand Rapids healthcare team to create a safe, personalized plan to manage constipation alongside your Parkinson’s treatment.

If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids is living with Parkinson’s disease and struggling with constipation, speak with your doctor, neurologist, or a local dietitian to get individualized support and a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.