The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions, ensuring that various physiological processes are regulated without conscious effort. It plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis, which is the body's internal balance. When our physical state is not in homeostasis or is out of balance and not restored then would lead to disease in the body or worse failure. This is because cellular respiration becomes degraded or misfunctions, nutrients and waste are not properly processed and toxicity in the body develops.
The autonomic nervous system consists of three main branches:
1. Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):
- Often associated with the "fight or flight" response.
- Activated in situations requiring increased alertness, energy, and readiness for action.
- Stimulates the release of adrenaline and noradrenaline, leading to increased heart rate, dilation of the pupils, and redistribution of blood flow to muscles.
2. Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS):
- Often associated with the "rest and digest" response.
- Activated during periods of relaxation and recovery.
- Slows down heart rate, constricts pupils, stimulates digestion, and promotes energy storage.
3. Discovered in more recent years the Enteric Nervous System (ENS):
- Immune response
- detecting nutrients
- intestinal barrier function
- epithelial (thin layer of tissue that surrounds/protects a structure inside the body) secretion of fluids, ions, and bioactive peptides
- inflammation
Together, three branches work in opposition to maintain balance in the body's internal environment. The autonomic nervous system regulates various functions to include but not limited to the following:
- Heart Rate
- Respiration
- Blood Pressure
- Digestion
- Pupillary Response
Focusing a bit on the Enteric Nervous System (ENS): it often referred to as the "second brain" due to its complex and extensive network of neurons located in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As a division of the autonomic nervous system, it also functions independently of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to control various aspects of the digestive system.
The ENS is composed of millions of neurons that are organized into two main plexuses (networks): the myenteric plexus (basically a layer of muscle inside the organs) and is located between these layers and the submucosal plexus (found in the submucosa-a thick layer of loose connective tissue) that surround the mucosa (a moist inner lining of structures in the body). These plexuses work together to regulate gastrointestinal functions such as peristalsis, secretion of digestive enzymes, blood flow, and the coordination of other digestive processes.
While the Enteric Nervous System can operate autonomously, it also communicates with the central nervous system through a bidirectional connection known as the gut-brain axis. This communication involves hormonal and neural signals that help regulate digestive functions in response to external stimuli, emotions, and other factors.
Research on the Enteric Nervous System has highlighted its significance not only in digestive processes but also in influencing overall health, including aspects of the immune system and even mental health. Dysfunction in the ENS has been associated with various gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The following herbal teas are helpful for the Enteric Nervous System because they serve benefit to digestion (energizing) and to the nervous system (calming): so you may want to drink these in single herb formulas targeting either system, or a careful balanced blend targeting the one either the brain or the gut.
Peppermint
Chamomile
Ginger
Fennel
Green Tea
Black tea
Dandelion
Lemon Balm
Valerian
Passionflower
Holy Basil
Lemon
Turmeric
These are just a few herbs named here; seek out a qualified herbalist to help you understand more about the nervous systems and to help you take care of your non-urgent health concerns through education, nutrition and medicinal teas or products.
It is very important to take care of your digestive system (ENS) and your nervous system (brain) because these systems function independently of your control, you want to feed and nurture the associated organs with health and wellness so that their life span is extended as long as it can and offer you quality of life as you age.
To Your Best Health!
Dr. Tee
2 Feb 2024
References:
Enteric Nervous System in the Small Intestine: Pathophysiology and Clinical Implications
The Enteric Nervous System (2020) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7495222/
Commenti