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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My GP put me on Miralax for constipation (my peristalsis isn't working correctly). I just heard about Jevawell, a probiotic.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Falfurrias, TX

Has anyone tried Jevawell?
Im wondering if it would be appropriate. Is our constipation caused by our movement disorder and would a probiotic be better than Miralax? I just don't know.

June 15
 · 
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes, ask your medical team but I would recommend both. Probiotics are helpful just from eating some yogurt every day or two. The Miralax (lactulose) holds moisture in the bowel to help stool softer so it keeps moving in the slow digestive tract.

June 15
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Constipation is a big concern for a large percentage of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I take liquid lactulose twice per day.

The post effects of not having daily bowel movements for Parkinson’s patients are impactions ( large dry stools.) They can completely stop up your intestines and become very serious. Even life threatening, especially if the intestines leak or burst. Please make sure your doctor is aware, your over the counter laxatives are no longer working for you, ASAP.
I am always concerned that one on My Parkinson’s Team, may not be aware of the seriousness of this preventable complication.

God bless, Gordon

June 16 (edited)
MyParkinsonsTeam

Constipation is indeed a very common symptom of Parkinson's disease. The same changes in the nervous system that affect movement can also slow down the digestive tract, which is why peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food through your gut) can be affected. Research does suggest that people with Parkinson's often Show Full Answer

Constipation is indeed a very common symptom of Parkinson's disease. The same changes in the nervous system that affect movement can also slow down the digestive tract, which is why peristalsis (the muscle contractions that move food through your gut) can be affected. Research does suggest that people with Parkinson's often have an imbalance of gut bacteria, and probiotics may help with constipation, stool consistency, bloating, and abdominal pain. Here's what the research shows so far:

- Multiple studies suggest probiotics can improve constipation and digestive comfort in people with Parkinson's
- A specific probiotic strain called PS128 (from Lactobacillus plantarum) has shown some promise for both gut and motor symptoms in small studies
- Results vary from person to person — some find probiotics helpful, others notice little difference

While Jevawell specifically hasn't come up in Parkinson's-focused research, many probiotics contain similar beneficial bacteria. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared that taking probiotics and prebiotics containing PS128 helped with upset stomach and balance. Rather than choosing between Miralax and a probiotic, it's worth asking your GP whether both could be used together. Probiotics are generally considered safe, but side effects can include bloating, upset stomach, and gas — which is a bit ironic given the reason for taking them!

Always check with your doctor before adding any supplement, including probiotics, to your current routine.

June 15

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