An interview with Beth Statkus, Co-Founder & CEO of Sorridi Therapeutics– NeuroFiber: The Push for Gut: Brain Health Advocacy
Biography
I’m a food scientist by training and have spent my career (20+) years in Research & Development leading science & innovation for large food companies like Kraft Foods, Wrigley, & Mars. I left in 2021 to start my own health food company because I firmly believe, and research continues to show, that food can be medicine and an incredible tool to help prevent and delay the progression of so many chronic diseases.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
I started a small company to educate everyone about the beneficial role fiber plays in our diets. We created a specially formulated fiber bar to improve the microbiome of people with Parkinson’s and I do a lot of speaking to help educate people about the Mediterranean diet and the long-term benefits of reduced inflammation. I recently joined the Midwest regional board for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
Educating people on the gut/brain connection is my passion. Helping people with Parkinson’s have a higher quality of life with less constipation, better mood and less PD symptom progression, simply with little tweaks to their diet. We ran a small pilot clinical trial in people with Parkinson’s and made a great connection with the Mover’s and Shaker’s in Evanston, IL. People with PD have a known disturbed microbiome and we need to get the word out that we can easily change this!
What type of goals does individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
I hope people with Parkinson’s realize that very simple additions can truly change the trajectory of their disease progression. Simple things like eating more plants and vegetables, beans and lean proteins can work at any age. Diet, Exercise, Sleep, less stress all play such an incredible role in keeping PD symptoms at bay.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
I hope it raises awareness that diet and gut health play a big role in how people with Parkinson’s feel on a day-to-day basis. I want PwP to begin to spread the word to their children and their loved ones. Constipation can precede PD motor symptoms for 10-20 years before diagnosis!
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I’d love to see more Neurologists talk about the role of diet, fiber and microbiome with their patients.
What events do you participate in?
We participate in many walks through the Parkinsons Foundation, MJ Fox Foundation, WPC, and I provide educational webinars.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers have a very difficult and often demanding role. The more they know about diet and energy, mood, disease progression the better for both them and their loved ones.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
www.neurofiberhealth.com or email beth@neurofiberhealth.com
Instagram: neurofiberhealth
Facebook: neurofiber
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Just reach out to me – we’d love to have advocates and gut/brain health ambassadors around the country!
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
Great question – I’m still learning! But one thing is clear, the more we get the whole PD community together the louder our voice becomes.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
I think it’s better visibility, louder voices and making PD education more mainstream – highlighting PD warrior’s stories.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living Eg exercise and alternative remedies?
I eat a lot of fiber – aiming for 25-30 grams per day and work hard to reduce my process food intake. Strength training and sleep routines are also critical.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because gut health affects so much of our body and how we feel. It’s connected to 70-80% of neurological conditions, along with cardiovascular disease, cancer, immunity & metabolic health.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Not direct family members, but very close friends
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
walking on sunshine! – I’m a firm believer that the more gratitude I practice, the more positive I feel and the better more I’m able to help others!
___________________________________________________________________
TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George
Support https://www.togetherforsharon.com/shop/
Would you like to share your journey! Reach out and together our Voices are so much STRONGER!