05/10/2022
You hear us talk a lot about the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS), which is the "REST & DIGEST" state of our Autonomic Nervous System. As its nickname conveys, bodily processes such as sleeping, digesting, & regenerating damaged cells occur most when we are in this state. Unfortunately, many of us live w/ Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) dominance, where "FIGHT or FLIGHT" takes hold, causing fear, stress, & cellular disarray.
When the “Fight or Flight” state is activated, functions that are deemed as non-essential are turned off. These include:
Blood Pressure Reduction
Digestion
Hair Growth
Reduction of Stress Hormone
Saliva Production
Sexual Arousal
Tear Production
Urination
In addition to the above, the PSNS also regulates the body's DETOXIFICATION processes. Meaning, that you literally cannot properly detox when under stress!
Stress affects communications sent by the vagus nerve to our brains control center. When it comes to detoxification, signals from the vagus nerve:
Aid digestive function, where 25% of detoxification occurs
Boosts elimination of toxins from skin
Directs blood flow to your liver, which is necessary for toxin elimination
Enhances deep breathing, which is needed to expel carbon dioxide & heavy metals
Innervates the Liver & Gallbladder (including bile production/flow)
Supports fluid balance in the kidneys, which have high levels of SNS receptors which easily cause electrolyte imbalances when overstressed
Reducing stress is easier said than done & our 21st-century lifestyles have set up our nervous systems to be in SNS overdrive. Although we cannot remove all stressors in our life (some stress is good!) we can support our bodies so they can get back into homeostasis. Some of our favorite ways to activate the PSNS include: Breath work, Grounding, Meditation, Yoga, Reducing Caffeine, Reducing Blue Light Exposure, & Setting Boundaries Around Work/Play
What's your favorite way to de-stress?