Digestive problems like Irritable Bowel Syndrome often stem from a dysregulated nervous system.
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CO-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
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SEP 12, 2023
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
The human digestive system is a complex and sensitive system that is constantly interacting with the nervous system. When these interactions are not working properly, it can lead to digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
The digestive system is made up of many different organs, all of which need to work together in order to digest food properly. The stomach and intestines are lined with a layer of muscle that contracts and relaxes to move food through the digestive system. This process is controlled by the nervous system, which sends signals to the muscles to tell them when to contract and when to relax.
THE ENTERIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (ENS)
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a network of nerves that runs through the digestive system. It is responsible for controlling the muscles of the digestive system and for sending signals to the brain about what is happening in the digestive system.
If the nervous system is dysregulated and not working properly, the muscles in the digestive system contract too much or too little, altering the pace and effectiveness of digestion and often causing pain, bloating and other symptoms.
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME
IBS is a chronic condition that often stems from and is amplified by a dysregulated nervous system. It's estimated that IBS affects between 10-15% of the population. There are many different treatments for IBS, and many aim to reduce the symptoms by regulating the nervous system.
THE GUT MICROBIOME
The gut microbiome is the community of bacteria that live in the digestive system. These bacteria are important for many aspects of health, including digestion, immunity and brain function. The gut microbiome is affected by the nervous system, and a dysregulated nervous system can lead to an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which can further contribute to digestive problems.
HEALING GUT ISSUES
Nervous system dysregulation is often the source of many different digestive problems (such as IBS) by affecting the muscles of the digestive system and the gut microbiome. By approaching this problem at the source, many of these digestive issues can be resolved in an efficient and non-invasive way.
80% of the nerves in the human body are 'afferent' - running from body to brain. Under stress, when the nervous system and thinking brain tell different stories, the nervous system almost always wins.
NEUROFIT is a nervous system trainer. Through daily check-ins, biometric measurements via your phone's camera, and tailored exercises, it removes stress at the source. Available for iOS & Android.
Dysregulation is when the nervous system stops functioning properly and perceives events as stressful or overwhelming due to high allostatic load (baseline stress level). This happens when its baseline has moved significantly away from the default ventral vagal state, often due to chronic stress, trauma, poor sleep, and poor diet. This brings about a variety of problems, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and even autoimmune disease.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.
The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response. This is the body's natural response to a perceived threat. The sympathetic nervous system kicks in and prepares the body to either fight the threat or run away from it. The body's heart rate increases, blood flow to the muscles increases, and the body releases adrenaline and other hormones.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.
Nervous System Fitness is the degree of flexibility and resilience of one's nervous system. The name implies that the nervous system can be trained and strengthened, much like physical fitness.
Learn about the nervous system and relieve stress at the source with NEUROFIT - available for iOS and Android.