One of the many astute readers of my Web site called my attention to an interesting, yet little-known study in which getting rid of the bacteria associated with H. pylori improves the physical abilities of patients stricken with Parkinson's disease.

Based on a finding that many Parkinson's patients had been diagnosed with peptic ulcers, 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.

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.

Helicobacter, Vol. 10, No. 4, August 2005: 288

Patient Health International.com August 19, 2005