What you eat can have a dramatic impact on the balance and function of the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PNS) nervous systems. Most often, people experience SNS dominance (to determine SNS or PNS dominance, see this post); the following recommendations can be used to calm the sympathetic nervous system.
- Get enough protein. Protein is needed to supply vital amino acids that are essential for calming the nervous system. Eat plenty of eggs (from grass/pasture fed hens preferred), raw nuts, fish (especially deep sea fatty fish including anchovies, herring, mackerel, salmon, and sardines) and grass-fed meat (chicken, beef).
- Get an oil change. Avoid hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and trans fats and get plenty of omega-3 (and some omega-6) fatty acids. Excellent sources are deep-sea fatty fish (see above), eggs from grass-fed hens, walnuts, flaxseeds, avocado, coconut oil and fish oil supplements.
- Bone up on B-vitamins. B-vitamins are used in hundreds of chemical reactions in the body related to nervous system balance and control. Good food sources include nutritional yeast (1-3 tsp/day)
- Get grounded – vegetables that is. Root vegetables contain many nutrients– including vitamin A, B-complex, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron and trace minerals- that the body needs to calm an overly active sympathetic nervous system. Eat plenty of carrots, beets, yams, sweet potatoes and potatoes to help get you more grounded. Soups and stews are great options.
- Heat things up. Research indicates that capsaicin, the heat component of red/hot peppers, can significantly lower sympathetic responses after consumption. Pour on the hot sauce!
- Drink up. Dehydration puts a lot of stress on the body. Drink one-half your body weight in ounces of water throughout the day. For example, a 150 lb. person would need at least 75 ounces of water divided up throughout the day. Aim for 2-4 ounces every ½ hour.
- Chew. People that are SNS dominate generally don’t digest food well. Give your body a fighting chance by chewing every mouthful of food until it’s a liquid (at LEAST 30 times) before swallowing.
- Decrease/eliminate caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the SNS – you don’t want to do that if your SNS is already over-stimulated. Opt instead for herbal teas, Teeccino or water.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol also increases SNS activity. A study published in June 1995 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that SNS activity nearly doubled after participants received an alcohol infusion. When you go out, try a juice and tonic or sparkling water instead.
Part 3 of this series will outline lifestyle measures you can use to decrease SNS dominance.
I find this article interesting . what makes me smile is that I love to eat potatoes which according to the article help calm down the sympathetic dominance. I think a big part of potatoes is their high potassium content which I believe help calm people. what I am puzzled is there is no word that high toxins can cause nervous system ( sympatheic nervous system ) to overact which may lead to anxiety, nervous . etc I believe big problem among society is tghat they are running on nervous and wired energy ( not natural ) because of high toxins which are not mentioned in this article to my surprise
Hi Craig – thanks for taking the time to comment. Toxins are very much a factor for many people, although the relationship to SNS dominance is a little less clear. This would be a great topic for another post, so I’ll get it in the queue!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
When the sympathetic nervous system is active, the body’s healing systems are suppressed. If a person is experiencing a frequently active sympathetic nervous system, their body is not able to heal damage from toxins as quickly as it could if the sympathetic nervous system was balanced. In my experience this is a major cause of autoimmune disease and why people can become very sensitive to toxins. I think it is also harder for their body to eliminate toxins quickly.
Thanks for the comment and insight Emma!
Dr. Chad
Once the SNS over reacts it’s hard to get it to calm down .
It’s alot like bringing down a hot air balloon .
Less stimulation is best .
Don’t fuel the fire or you’ll go higher.
Over doing it day after day is like adding fuel to the fire.
Less pressure , less demands.
Excellent point Kelli!
Rest, rest and more rest is often what is needed. Then comes the mental game of dealing with doing less than you’d ideally like to…
Dr Chad
So true! The only time I am peaceful is when I am by myself! Too much anxiety and being clammy!
I’m curious if you have an opinion for this: Could this mimic symptoms of Fibromyalgia? I do have nerve damage in my neck and hands, but my neurologist diagnosed Fibromyalgia. However, my Rhuemotologist says it’s not. Thoughts?
Hi Judy – that’s a great question. Without more data, I cannot really make a determination in your case. However, it is not uncommon for symptoms associated with sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance to cause pain and lead to neurotransmitter imbalances that could certainly be (mis)diagnosed as FMS.
Dr. Chad
Wow. I am going through this also. 1. Very dry skin
2. Blister like owies. Sort of like little pustules..kinda out of this . Ive had excema when i was a child to teen.ive had a few years it didnt strike me hard but still apparent in creases..joints..KNEe I believe. One thing leads to another. actually til probably 25ish of age. Ive also learned that patients with Fibromalgia is suseptable to various metals..fruits.mmedicine..drinks..animal skin.like deboning chicken say..wear gloves..Really doesnt work out that well. It actually is starting to make much sense. Wearing earings.no cheap ones..strawberries..Latex..citrus..unless its cooked alone n not mixed w/anuthing.RUBBER!!#BIG TIME. WATCHES..mine just crashes
No sign of anything. Just done the guy said. NOW…ATM CARDS..be cautious..just touching it with any metal..keys etc may ask u to see your banker..METABALISM!!Thats right. Take a week or 2 and write down as much as u can..oh…memory loss may be consequence of the afore mentioned fibromalgia..MS..EPILEPSY. I AM NOT A DOCTOR. IM A PATIENT TRYING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MY DISABILITY.
DR. Oler, My daughter has gastroporesis, dysautonomia, and amplified musculosketal pain syndrome which all revolve around the autonomic nervous system. Is there one doctor that specializes in the autonomic, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system that could help my daughter? If so what kind, any recommendations?
Hi Tammy,
Thanks for contacting us; I don’t know of any one practitioner that specializes in this area, but would suggest you look for an integrative medical provider (ideally a neurologist and/or endocrinologist) and/or a naturopathic doctor in your area to point you in the right direction.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hi:) Does Having Hypothyroid affect your nervous syztems? Im Healing from Hashimotos, and I am also Healing from.Anxiety Disorders in all ways. Im.greatful.for.the Healing. Praise Divine. I Notice calming as My Thyroid is improving so I assume it connected as well. Id love.to know Foods to stay away from for Healing. And any other tips. Ive been resting alot, and Im.building back.strength, bu starting to.walk a little,bit.by bit.Whats the best exercises for a Healing a Nervous System, as Well? Bless You, and Thank You so much.
Hi Dee – thanks for the comment; thyroid function will certainly impact your nervous system; you can find out more on what to do in the rest of this series on balancing the SNS/PNS. I would also suggest that you seek out the assistance of an ND in your area that specializes in thyroid disorders to provide you more specialized recommendations.
Good luck!
Dr. Chad
My son has suffered from seizure like dystonia (affecting the left side of his body, mostly extremities)for the last 7 years. He also suffers from anxiety, depression, hyperhydrosis, poor sleep.We have seen many doctors and he’s had several tests to rule out causes but was given the diagnosis of pseudoseizures or psychogenic seizures. He has tried many antidepressants and none got rid of the seizures only adding extreme side effects. He has lost trust for doctors at this point so I was wondering if you have any suggestions at what direction to go, or what to try. We have tried many alternative treatment as well but to no avail. The only thing that stops them (temporarily) is medical marijuana. Everyone want to just treat the symptoms and not look for the cause. Please help.
Hi Karen,
Thanks for contacting us; amino acid therapy may be a viable option to target a/the root cause of your son’s symptoms. Although we are not currently accepting new clients, you can contact NeuroSupport to find a provider that may be able to help provide you some guidance: http://www.neurosupport.com.
Good luck!
Dr. Chad
I hope this is not a conflict for the site, but to the Mom of the son with seizures and to anyone interested, get the book called the Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry. Read it and follow the dietary lifestyle changes. The foods are very similar to those mentioned here. You will not believe what all can happen to our bodies with so-called healthy foods; not to mention the real junk we eat. The book gave me hope and a plan.
I’d like to also mention that medical devices or implants can wreck havoc on your immune system possible causing these issues. I made a huge mistake many years ago,of having Breast Implants put in. And only after years of trying to convince doctors they were making me sick, and then having them removed, I found out the hard way. Implants are FDA approved thus making patients feel it is okay to put into our bodies. And sadly, some doctors say they are without much consideration of the harm they may pose on their patients lives. Breast Implant Illness if you search, is now becoming increasingly well Known. Maybe this info might help someone else before it’s too late.
My son is in the film industry & his streSS level is enormous. He began to loose weight a yr.ago. 20 lbs. Now is down to 125 lbs!! Normally 160lbs. His naturopath mention that he could have a condition involving his “nervous” system not shutting off. She is in process of doing pages of blood tests. Would this condition be one for her to consider?
Most certainly!
Good luck –
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hi. Thank you so much for this wonderful article. I feel I have all the symptoms of a sympathetic dominance. Sometimes, at night, I have terrible digestive issues and feel like my heart and or breath is not right, and felt like I needed urgent medical care. I’m just coming off a vegetarian diet. It’s been a few days of eating lots of meat. But I just had another episode. Can I heal myself with diet, or do I need medical care? Thank you so so much in advance.
Ps. I am also on synthroid for hypothyroidism, which I think I developed right after going vegetarian. I’ve seen a gastro specialist and regular doctors, and have had numerous ultrasounds to no avail. My tummy troubles usually start with anxiety, then I end up in the bathroom until it seems I am completely empty _ usually long narrow stools. Last night after an episode I was awake for hours trying yo calm down I also have been having cold hands, feet, body, allergies, sometimes frequent urination, brain fog, fatigue, etc. Just hoping going back to eating meat will eventually balance me out. And I am not headed for a heart attack or heart failure. I appreciate you and your advice more than I can express. Thanks is an understatement.
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the comment and question. I recommend that you contact a naturopathic doctor in your area to assist you. It is very likely that you can help correct the underlying imbalances causing most if not all of your symptoms with the correct guidance.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Hi, I’m new to this. I have an acute case of fibromyalgia and at times(especially when it’s cold or it rains)my nerves kick into overdrive. But lately the nerves in my face are really doing a number on me. I had my thyroid taken out last year around this time but haven’t had any trouble with the nerves in my face until a couple of weeks ago. Could it be my fibromyalgia or the taking out of my thyroid that maybe causing this and if so, what can I do about it?
Hi Cherly,
Thanks for the question; it’s really hard to say without a more thorough workup. I suggest that you contact you functional medicine provider (if you don’t have one, look for someone in your area that practices functional medicine and/or is a naturopathic doctor/physician) and have them check your thyroid function, vitamin D level (you will want it around 80 ng/ml), comprehensive metabolic panel, CBC with WBC differential and markers of inflammation (hs-CRP, sed rate). That should help point them in the right direction. Amino acid therapy may also help; to learn more, please visit: amino-acid-therapy.com/.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Hi, I was wondering whether the sympathetic nervous system can be overactivated by doing an intense crossfit workout. I eat very healthy (plant based diet), but now am experiencing high blood pressure, elevated heart rate, fatigue, and night sweats after my workout weeks ago.
Hi Brady,
Thanks for the comment/question. It is very unlikely that the SNS can be over-activated after a single intense bout of exercise. It is certainly possible over time, especially if recovery is impaired.
Hope that helps –
Dr Chad
Hi Dr. Chad,
I’m a med student (stressful life) and I was doing this workouts multiple times per week + running. I also think I was inadequately recovering.
Does anyone notice an increased SNS most of the time. However shortly after eating the PSNS kicks in and a nap is needed? It seems that my autonomic system is very sensitive to both. Also I have had chronic pain from sciatic nerve issues for 9 years now.
Hi Leo – thanks for adding to this discussion.
It is unlikely that your nervous system is flipping back and forth between SNS-PNS dominance. It is more likely that there are other variables in play – including blood sugar control and/or neurotransmitter balance – that are more likely culprits for the way that you are feeling. I suggest you start by keeping a food diary and eating balanced meals (i.e., healthy fat+healthy protein + carbohydrate -mainly from vegetables and fruit) throughout the day. If that doesn’t get you the results you are looking for, look for an ND or functional medicine provider in your area to conduct follow up testing.
Good luck!
Dr. Chad
Dr. Chad, thank you so much for this article. I’ve had PTSD for 15 years and was researching the Stellate Ganglion Block as a possible treatment for my overactive SNS. I decided I did not want to risk that procedure with the limited studies on its actual effectiveness. So in my search for natural treatment, I came across your article. My question is… do you believe one can achieve the necessary nutrients on a vegan diet? I have been concerned about my protein levels. My family started this diet last July and for the most part, it’s been very positive. But this past month I’ve had heightened anxiety (there are other challenges in my life right now, so I don’t believe it’s diet-related), and I’m experiencing numbness in my face (something I’ve experienced over the years with heightened anxiety/panic disorder). I’m SUPER sensitive to carbs (probably because carbs activate the SNS which is already very high for me). I can see this would make a vegan diet more challenging, but I honestly haven’t had an issue until recently. Wow, that was a long-winded way to ask you a question! Lol. I apologize! But I value your input.
Hi Juanima,
Thanks for the comment/question; you may not be able to get the essential fatty acids necessary on a vegan diet. I would suggest having your levels checked (using a test like this one: https://gdx.net/product/fatty-acids-profile-nutritional-test-blood-spot) as you may need to supplement with EPA and/or DHA to achieve proper balance. You may also need additional fat-soluble vitamins, so having your nutritional status checked (using a test like this one: https://gdx.net/product/nutreval-fmv-nutritional-test-blood-urine) may also help.
Good luck!
Dr Chad
I’m having such a hard time with several of the symptoms, since I was about 12 and I’m now 31. My primary care doctor thinks I’m making things up, that my symptoms don’t make sense or inexplicable, or that I just need anti anxiety meds. I hate benzodiazepines, 8 months ago I went through withdrawals from them, I believe making my nerve issues worse than before. I’ve been reading a lot about having an overactive nervous system and seems like a very real answer for me. I can almost always feel my pulse in my feet and hands, more at night. I have had breathing issues since I was young, (resting dyspnea) not able to get a deep satisfying breath and it eventually can lead to panic. Diagnosed with severe panic and anxiety. My hands and feet cramp up often, with no defficiencies or dehydration. Constant phantom skin itching, again worse at night. Horrible night sweats, sometimes drenching. Nightmares. Strangely, I eat totally healthy, real whole unprocessed foods and exercise daily. I don’t like taking medications and would like to try something else to ease these symptoms. I guess I would like to know how to explain this to a doctor, or what type of doctor I should see besides a primary care. Any suggestions??
Hi Kelley,
Thanks for sharing; unfortunately, this is a very common situation where there is a disconnect between what you are experiencing and how a medical condition ‘normally’ presents. My experience is that you need to see an MD that specializes in functional medicine (and endocrinologist or ND would be ideal) OR find another functional medicine provider so they can determine if/what additional testing may be necessary to determine the root imbalances that are leading to your symptoms.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
4 years ago, I have banged my ulnar nerve in my arm, a month later, my entire body inside vibrated. It felt like my nervous system was being electrocuted on the inside. With a tiny dose of amitriptyline (20mg per pm), a kind and patient GP, time, and mercy from the Good Lord, the vibrations have dwindled. Still there, but much lessened. Even Duke and UNC neurologists have no clue aboutMy issue. I am eating everything healthy, but a recent bout of h pylori have stored my nerves up a bit. It is certainly tied to my sympathetic nervous system, because my body is always in the heighted flight or fight feeling. A good solid night sleep also helps a great deal… but living with this is sometimes challenging. If any neurologist has interest or k knowledge on this condition, I would be most grateful. More than you will ever know.
Hi Carla – thanks for sharing; I do not know of any neurologists (or clinical studies) that are studying and/or work with these types of issues, but if/when I find one, I will certainly write a post about it!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hi All- I am desperately trying to find answers to issues I am having. my fight or flight response is in overdrive and I don’t know what to do. I have that feeling all day long of a cool rush over my body and then a little bit of anxiousness. I can deal with it during the day, but the nights are awful. as soon as I am about to fall asleep, I startle awake. this happens all night long. any advise? I am desperate. thanks.
Hi Jill – thanks for the comment; implementing most/all of the strategies outlined in this series should certainly help. We have also found several formulas very useful, including Serenagen and NuSera to facilitate a sense of calm: https://naturalsolutionsforahealthyyou.com/products/nusera/.
Good luck!
Dr. Chad
For almost my entire life I have had issues with some nervousness and what I realized finally are panic attacks or anxiety issues. For the ladt 5-10years I have issues with severe bouts of excessive sweating that starts at the back of my neck and travels to my face and scalp. I can feel when this starts and I am not really physically stressing myself. Sometimes for no reason I am just sitting down and all of a sudden I feel the rush up the back of my neck..my scalp and my face are perfusely sweating.I had a total hystetectomy at 41 and thought that I wad still having hot flashes…I am now 70..Is there any chance that my sympathetic nervous system os not operating properly…and what can be done to help me.
Hi Alley – thanks for contacting us; there could be several possible explanations, but you’d need further work up to find out what they are. I recommend that you visit a naturopathic doctor and/or functional medicine practitioner to have some more testing completed so you can get to the root imbalance(s) that are causing your symptoms.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hi, my daughter had her 2nd child 16 months ago, through his diatry priblens when he was 8 weeks because she was breast feeding she had to cut out diary and other foods over a period of a year. She became so consumed in what he was reacting to that during the period she started getting off balance but not continually. Then my mum died in March this year and the off balance came back. She now suffers constantly, off balance, flashing lights, very poor sleep and sometimes has to take a small dose of sleeping tablet. She is exhuasted all the time to a degree she has no energy to do anything and with a 16 month and 3 year old she feels she is a very bad mum. The doctors are useless and just try to give her depressiin tablets which she won’t take as her system is very sensitive and they make things so much worse!she eats well, takes vitamins. Will this ever go away as she is so down as she just wants to get back to how she was before?
Hi Jules – thanks for contacting us; please have your daughter see a naturopathic doctor and/or functional medicine doctor in your area (ideally one that deals with women’s health) so she can have more testing done. It sounds like there are possibly several underlying imbalances that need to be identified and corrected to help you daughter regain her health.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Chad
Hi,
I have severe Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Syndrome. 11 months of very severe symptoms so far as a result of trying to withdraw from diazepam (Valium) that I took as prescribed for spasm for 20 years.
My symptoms are severe muscle tightness, My body feels numb and like plastic. I have skin sensation by can’t feel anything below that layer. I cannot feel it properly from inside as if my brain cannot find it properly or the nerves aren’t feeding sensory information back to the brain. Severe sensory derrangement: touch and visual perception is muddled in a sort of synesthesia manner, hearing too loud (even my own voice inside my head is unbearable), loss of feeling inside mouth, loss of taste, chemical taste in mouth, reduced and sometimes heightened sense of smell. Burning and chemical smell. Compulsive craving for carbs and sugar. Constant feeling of hunger – no internal sensation of ever feeling full regardless of how much a I eat – literally no feedback to brain on this at all. Terror of everyday objects, textures and patterns as if a I have suddenly developed severe autism.
I had none of these symtoms apart from muscle tightness until I tried to taper off of the diazepam. I am trying to eat as you describe but the terrible hunger and cravings are hard to fight all day every day. I ate Paleo prior to withdrawal.
Any suggestions?
Hi Joss,
Thanks for the comment/question and background. It sounds like you will need a much more intensive workup and program. I suggest you contact a naturopath and/or integrative medical provider (ideally one that is skilled in working with benzodiazepine withdrawal) to help. Very often, additional botanical and/or supplemental products will be needed to upregulate the GABA receptor and/or increase GABA in the system while concurrently supporting the adrenals and hormone levels.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hi, I suffer with extreme hyperhidrosis and anxiety – I had extreme sweating to both hands & feet it was so bad; I had right and left sympathectomy to my hands – this stopped hand sweating but left me with extreme sweating of my torso which is unbearable daily. I have extreme anxiety and flushing/blushing to my face which is severely effecting my confidence – I was advised I had overactive nervous system. I have been suffering with pain in my all my joints, severe swelling to hands and feet & numbness in my hands and feet – I’ve been seen by a rheumatologist who has diagnosed fibromyalgia – I’m an occupational therapist & this diagnosis has upset me as I don’t feel this is correct – could is be an overactive nervous system issue that is causing these problems ?
Many thanks x
Hi Claire,
Thanks for contacting us; it could certainly be an ‘overactive nervous system’ but that doesn’t really tell you what you have to do in order to correct it. The only way to do that is to find the cause(s); that will likely require the help of a health care provider that is skilled in the use of functional medicine. I suggest you look for a naturopathic doctor and/or an integrative/functional medicine provider in your area so they can gather some more information in order to determine how to best go about finding and correcting these underlying causes.
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hello Dr. I have an incomplete spinal cord injury above the level of T6 (can walk with 2 canes) which puts me at risk for autonomic dysreflexia. I have sympathetic dominant AD attacks which lasts an agonizing 4 to 5 hours. These attacks begin after eating usually an evening meal followed by an increased heart rate, a sudden 50 point rise in blood pressure, sweating above the level of the injury and a generalize and dramatic sense of ill feeling followed by “dumping syndrome” (essentially I poop out the entire contents of my large intestine, usually take 7-9 trips to the bathroom), searing nausea and what I call “stomach shutdown” . I get an increase in flexor tone, making walking more difficult and muscle shaking and trembling severe enough to shake the bed. These attacks are so strong I cannot talk through them, have to go to bed, can’t tolerate visual or auditory stimulation (TV, radio). I grip the sheets and stare at the clock till meds kick in, counting down the hours till it lifts. My only defense currently is propranolol (to decrease heart rate), baclofen (muscle relaxer), valium (to calm generalize malaise/panic like feelings) and ondansetron (for nausea). I have not yet found the trigger as this does not happen after every meal, could be weeks between incidents. My guess is full stomach and full bowel may be the trigger as well as muscle pain due to contracture. I’m most anxious that these attacks should occur at a social event. Prevention is my goal of course. I pre medicate before an event and even do an enema on the off chance that one of the triggers is a full bowel. I was considering magnesium for generalized calming and muscle relaxer but I’m confused as to what kind of magnesium would be appropriate. I would be most grateful for any suggestions as to underlying triggers that could be aggravating my injured nervous system and methods of prevention in the way of nutrient and/or drug treatments that would shut down this sympathetic mayhem. Sincerely fighting for quality of life. Jessica
Hi Jessica – thanks for comment; your case sounds very complex and I would be remiss to make recommendations without further information. However, as to a form of magnesium to help to calm the muscles and/or nervous system, I would recommend magnesium glycinate, bis-glycinate, and/or malate. Generally, people start with 200 mg 1-2x/day with meals and can build up to 200-400 mg 2-3x/day if needed (to bowel tolerance).
I hope this helps!!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Thank you for responding to your readers. So nice of you!
I have ADD and have been successfully medicated for 15 years but over the past year and half its effects (adderral and riddlin have worn off). I was recently diagnosed with high SNS (252 ms^2).
Question – could my high SNS be preventing the adderrall from working effectively?
Hi Mike – thanks for the comment/question. It is unlikely that an over-active SNS is preventing either of the medications you listed from working. However, the medications will cause neurotransmitter depletion over time as well as SNS stimulation, so what you are experiencing is likely part of the expected outcome of long-term use of these types of medications. You can learn more here: http://amino-acid-therapy.com/science-and-clinical-insights/medications-and-drugs/. Helping your system get back into balance will likely require amino acid therapy along with adrenal support in the form of diet and lifestyle modification, using botanical adaptogens if/as necessary. I would highly suggest you locate a functional medicine provider in your area that is trained and experienced in the clinical use of amino acid therapy to help guide you through this process.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
This is an excellent article- thank you. I recently was diagnosed with a stress-induced cardiomyopathy. This rare type of heart failure is thought to be caused by a surge of adrenaline that stuns the heart (stress induced). I underwent a cardiac catheterization which showed no blockages. About 4 days later, I started having little shocks all over my body as if I am being poked by pins. I was told it was related to anxiety and the nervous system but ironically this showed up when I was relaxing days after my procedure. Could the invasive surgery have caused my sympathetic system to ramp up? It feels as if my whole body is very activated for lack of a better word. Could balancing my sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous system help with this? I have been meditating daily, breathing, and eliminating lots off my plate for a month and still have the pins slightly. Of course, worrying about it causes a vicious cycle…
Hi Lucy – that is certainly a plausible theory and there is no downside to implementing the dietary and lifestyle strategies that we laid out in these posts.
If you continue to experience symptoms, I suggest you consult a functional medicine provider in your area who can conduct more testing to determine the root cause(s).
Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hello doctor!
I have been dealing with a focal dystonia called spasmodic Dysphonia for 5 years. I know it is caused by an overactive Sympathetic Nervous state. I also have air hunger. And feel panicky sometimes. This started after a viral Infection.
I am wondering what I can do to calm my nervous system to permanently switch back into a parasympathetic state.
Thank you for your help. I am a professional singer and my career and life is on hold 🙁
Hi Megan,
Thanks for your comment. You would start by using all the dietary and lifestyle changes mentioned in this post series on balancing the nervous system. If that does not provide the relief you are looking for, the next logical step would be to seek out a functional or integrative provider to run some testing to determine the best next steps.
Good luck!!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
Hello doctor. I had Covid in November 2020. I am still suffering from post Covid long hauler inflammation which is causing tachycardia, palpitations, nerve pain, chest pain along with many other symptoms. I have recently within the last month have developed these adrenaline surges which happen during the day and at night. My body is pumped full of adrenaline and I can’t sleep. Just as I drift off to sleep I get an adrenaline surge and this can go on all night sometimes. I actually think my vagus nerve has been damaged from the inflammation. All tests I have had have come back ok. I think because I have been dealing with this chronic pain and uncertainty from long hauler Covid stuff I have developed so much anxiety. I have been eating low infalammatory foods and taking supplements but my mind can’t stop thinking about my issues. Any suggestions you have would be helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for reaching out; we have been working with more and more people exhibiting a wide array of symtpoms that seem to be related to hyper-inflammatory conditions related to COVID-19 infections.
Unfortunately, we haven’t yet determined a one-stop protocol that works across the board, nor do I expect to. However, we have found very good success using several functional tests to help us determine what to do.
I would suggest you work with a functional/integrative health care provider and have the following tests completed: Organic acid testing, fatty acid profile; standard labs: CBC w. WBC differential, comprehensive metabolic panel, hs-CRP, ferritin, 25-hydroxy vitamin D, homocysteine.
That should provide some guidance on what needs support and get you going –
I hope that helps – good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad
How to eat for an overactive parasympathetic nervous system please?
Hi Steve,
We haven’t run into this instance nearly as much as an overactive SNS response. However, when we have, I would definitely want to get more data to determine how the system became PSN dominant.
Work with your provider to determine which tests would be best suited in your situation.
Everyone that we have worked with that is PNS dominant needed to focus on balancing/maintaining blood sugar; most do poorly with high carbohydrate diets, but ketogenic diets also don’t seem to work very well. I would suggest a modified Mediterranean diet, where you limit grains/starchy vegetables/fruit to 1x/day, eat protein + healthy fat + carbohydrate (mainly from vegetables and fruit) every meal, and eating as often as necessary (every 2-4 hours) to stabilize blood sugar. This can be adjusted based on test results.
Hope that helps!
Sincerely,
Dr Chad