In addition to helping support bones, prevent osteoporosis, support the immune system and help prevent and reduce symptoms of some cardiovascular imbalances, a new study from McGill University in Montreal (publication is PLOS Medicine) finds a link between low vitamin D levels and a higher risk of developing the auto-immune disease, Multiple Sclerosis.
The study found that people with genetically lower levels of Vitamin D levels, face double the risk of developing MS...which is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years. Further study will be needed to see if a deficiency in Vit. D levels cause MS. One has to wonder whether any other auto-immune deficiencies are also associated with low Vitamin D levels (25 OH Vit. D levels under 50).
Remember, auto-immune diseases begin with imbalances in the gut. I wrote about the pathology of auto-immune diseases in a blog published in July.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Monday, August 31, 2015
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Incredible! 87% Increase in Risk for Diabetes if You are Healthy and Taking This Drug
A largely ignored VA study by the popular media and, it appears, the medical establishment, indicates something that heretofore was unknown: those otherwise healthy individuals who were prescribed statin drugs for CVD (heart disease) prevention had an 87% increased risk for developing new-onset diabetes over a 10 year period. Wow. These same people also had a markedly higher risk of becoming obese as well as developing diabetes-associated complications.
This was a retrospective case-matched study of some 26,000 military veterans (conducted by Ishak Mansi, MD) but it is not the first study to suggest a link between long-term statin use and higher odds of becoming a full-blown diabetic. (published in the Lancet in 2010...for those who don't know, the Lancet is a premier, world-renowned British medical journal). This VA study is the first, however, to show the correlation in people who were free of frank heart disease and becoming diabetic.
These are Dr. Mansi's words:
“We expected to find an association (between statins and developing diabetes), since it has been shown in other studies of sicker populations. But we did not expect an odds ratio of 1.87 in our healthy population. Even more notable was the 2.5-fold increase in risk of diabetes with complications."
Dr. Mansi believes that lifestyle changes are a much better than taking statins for CVD prevention. I totally agree. There are many things that can be done in order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease: exercise, eating habits changes and high quality whole food, organic nutritional supplements are among the most important. That is what I both teach and offer to those who are interested in NOT developing diabetes in order to stay healthy!
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
This was a retrospective case-matched study of some 26,000 military veterans (conducted by Ishak Mansi, MD) but it is not the first study to suggest a link between long-term statin use and higher odds of becoming a full-blown diabetic. (published in the Lancet in 2010...for those who don't know, the Lancet is a premier, world-renowned British medical journal). This VA study is the first, however, to show the correlation in people who were free of frank heart disease and becoming diabetic.
These are Dr. Mansi's words:
“We expected to find an association (between statins and developing diabetes), since it has been shown in other studies of sicker populations. But we did not expect an odds ratio of 1.87 in our healthy population. Even more notable was the 2.5-fold increase in risk of diabetes with complications."
Dr. Mansi believes that lifestyle changes are a much better than taking statins for CVD prevention. I totally agree. There are many things that can be done in order to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease: exercise, eating habits changes and high quality whole food, organic nutritional supplements are among the most important. That is what I both teach and offer to those who are interested in NOT developing diabetes in order to stay healthy!
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
New Breast Cancer Study Leaves Patients & Doctors Confused
This study concerns ductal cancer in situ (DCIS). Many doctors believe this should not be classified as a cancer, but as a risk factor for cancer. The confusion centers around whether or not this condition should be treated and, if so, as to how it should be treated.
The results of the case study of more than 100,000 women whose progress was followed for 20 years was published in JAMA Oncology. The confusing part seemed to be centered around the fact that about 3% of the women with this condition eventually died from breast cancer... whether they were treated or not.
Half of the women who had DCIS tumors and were treated with radiation (and were told they were cured) later died of breast cancer. The returning deadly breast cancer may not have caused any symptoms until it was too late. How can this be?
"Not all invasive cancers are lumps," said Dr. Deanna Attai, a breast surgeon at the University of California Los Angeles. "All it takes are a few cells to burrow their way through."
And, that's what I have been telling patients for years. It is, in my opinion, disingenuous for a doctor to tell a person that he or she is "cancer free" or "cured" of cancer when this is nearly impossible to determine. Cancer cells can exist in the blood or other cells without detection for years. That is why it is so very important to maintain as healthy an environment as possible, both internally and externally, to give our bodies a fighting chance in this very unhealthy world.
So many women with breast cancer or DCIS undergo surgery in addition to the chemo and/or radiation. That decision must be between the woman and her doctor. However, before the decision to have a radical mastectomy is made, it would be a good idea to remember this statement from Dr. Peggy Porter, a breast cancer researcher in Seattle: (relating to DCIS or invasive breast cancer)
"The survival from a radical mastectomy is no better than survival from a lumpectomy (which just removed the tumor and surrounding tissue)"
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
The results of the case study of more than 100,000 women whose progress was followed for 20 years was published in JAMA Oncology. The confusing part seemed to be centered around the fact that about 3% of the women with this condition eventually died from breast cancer... whether they were treated or not.
Half of the women who had DCIS tumors and were treated with radiation (and were told they were cured) later died of breast cancer. The returning deadly breast cancer may not have caused any symptoms until it was too late. How can this be?
"Not all invasive cancers are lumps," said Dr. Deanna Attai, a breast surgeon at the University of California Los Angeles. "All it takes are a few cells to burrow their way through."
And, that's what I have been telling patients for years. It is, in my opinion, disingenuous for a doctor to tell a person that he or she is "cancer free" or "cured" of cancer when this is nearly impossible to determine. Cancer cells can exist in the blood or other cells without detection for years. That is why it is so very important to maintain as healthy an environment as possible, both internally and externally, to give our bodies a fighting chance in this very unhealthy world.
So many women with breast cancer or DCIS undergo surgery in addition to the chemo and/or radiation. That decision must be between the woman and her doctor. However, before the decision to have a radical mastectomy is made, it would be a good idea to remember this statement from Dr. Peggy Porter, a breast cancer researcher in Seattle: (relating to DCIS or invasive breast cancer)
"The survival from a radical mastectomy is no better than survival from a lumpectomy (which just removed the tumor and surrounding tissue)"
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Monday, August 24, 2015
Peaches and Cream Shake
This is another of the hundreds of recipes offered in the Purification Cookbook developed and published by Standard Process.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen organic peaches (or nectarines)
1 frozen banana
1 Tbsp. Chia seeds
1 Tbsp. gogi berries
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. real vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
3-4 ice cubes
Optional Ingredients for a Meal Substitute:
2 heaping scoops of SP Complete
2 heaping scoops of Whey Pro Complete
1 Tbsp. Calcifood powder
1 Tbsp. Whole Food Fiber
1 Tbsp. flaxseed or avocado oil
Directions:
Blend all ingredients at medium to high speed in the blender until thick and smooth.
Anyone who is interested in more of these healthy recipes need only ask.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen organic peaches (or nectarines)
1 frozen banana
1 Tbsp. Chia seeds
1 Tbsp. gogi berries
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. real vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
3-4 ice cubes
Optional Ingredients for a Meal Substitute:
2 heaping scoops of SP Complete
2 heaping scoops of Whey Pro Complete
1 Tbsp. Calcifood powder
1 Tbsp. Whole Food Fiber
1 Tbsp. flaxseed or avocado oil
Directions:
Blend all ingredients at medium to high speed in the blender until thick and smooth.
Anyone who is interested in more of these healthy recipes need only ask.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
If You Had the Power to Re-shape Your Life in 10 Days, Would You do It?
Do any of the following symptoms look familiar?
Cravings for carbs or sugar A shaky feeling between meals
Low Energy Fitful sleep
Moodiness Irritability when hungry
These are all symptoms of an imbalanced blood sugar metabolism as well as a malfunctioning stress response system. Remember, these are the major causes of a person's inability to lose weight, feel energized and be ready to take on the world, everyday.
Standard Process has developed a highly effective 10-Day Blood Sugar Support Program that can help people develop beneficial eating habits and support a healthy blood sugar metabolism.*
Additionally, they have developed a wonderful recipe book that offers hundreds of recipes that support a continued healthy eating lifestyle once the 10-Day program is completed. I'll include one of the recipes in my next blog.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Cravings for carbs or sugar A shaky feeling between meals
Low Energy Fitful sleep
Moodiness Irritability when hungry
These are all symptoms of an imbalanced blood sugar metabolism as well as a malfunctioning stress response system. Remember, these are the major causes of a person's inability to lose weight, feel energized and be ready to take on the world, everyday.
Standard Process has developed a highly effective 10-Day Blood Sugar Support Program that can help people develop beneficial eating habits and support a healthy blood sugar metabolism.*
Additionally, they have developed a wonderful recipe book that offers hundreds of recipes that support a continued healthy eating lifestyle once the 10-Day program is completed. I'll include one of the recipes in my next blog.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Don't Let Your Child Consume Energy Drinks
Energy drinks pose potential health risks for children and adolescents primarily because of the stimulant content in the drinks, according to a new clinical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offering guidelines for use of energy drinks and sports drinks in this age group.
The AAP report was published online May 29 and will appear in the June issue of Pediatrics.
"There is a lot of confusion about sports drinks and energy drinks, and adolescents are often unaware of the differences in these products," said Marcie Beth Schneider, MD, FAAP, a member of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and coauthor of the report, in a news release. "Some kids are drinking energy drinks — containing large amounts of caffeine — when their goal is simply to rehydrate after exercise. This means they are ingesting large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, which can be dangerous."
Pediatrics. 2011;127:1182-1189
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
Saturday, August 15, 2015
ADHD Helped by Eating a Healthy Diet
When
drug therapy fails to control attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD) or is unacceptable, adopting a "healthy"
diet, eliminating items known to predispose to ADHD, and adding
omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may be worth trying, new research
suggests.
"The recent increase
of interest in this form of therapy for ADHD, and especially in the
use of omega supplements, significance of iron deficiency, and the
avoidance of the 'Western pattern' diet, make the discussion timely,"
the authors write.
Many parents and
physicians continue to be interested in how diet and dietary changes,
particularly parents wanting to find an alternative to stimulant
medication or a complementary therapy.
For their review, J.
Gordon Millichap, MD, and Michelle M. Yee, CPNP, from Children’s
Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, searched PubMed for relevant
studies on the role of diet and dietary supplements for the treatment
of children with ADHD.
Pediatrics. Published
online January 9, 2012.
You can check my past blogs about the Paleo and Mediterranean diet for food specifics.
You can check my past blogs about the Paleo and Mediterranean diet for food specifics.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
The Essential Element for Heart Dysfunction
Not long ago, an older male patient presented with annoying symptoms of excessive PVCs and a "fluttering" feeling in his chest. Off he was sent to his primary care doctor and then to the cardiologist for an echo cardiogram, a stress echo cardiogram, lots of blood work and an analysis of all the tests. The upshot of it was that nothing of any organic origin showed up and, since he had none of the risk factors of stroke or heart disease, the cardiologist decided not to recommend any pharmaceutical treatment.
He came back to me armed with this information, but didn't like the symptoms he was experiencing: fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, heart flutter, chest discomfort (not pain, just annoying symptoms), depression and tiredness. This was a formerly very active and energetic man. We did pass the following treatment by his cardiologist and her response was a shrug and a, "It couldn't hurt."
I started him on the recommended protocol by Standard Process for nutritional heart support and while his symptoms improved, he still didn't feel back to his old self (no pun intended), yet. He had an additional blood work series done, this time, a "real" Vitamin D test was run. (Often calciferol levels are checked, but the better test is for 25 OH Vitamin D levels). These levels were very, very low. Immediately, he started on a SP Vitamin D supplement. Within two days, he noticed a significant improvement. After one week, he told me he no longer had any of the symptoms and feels great! Wow.
There have been numerous studies as to the efficacy of Vit. D on preventing heart disease. This may be only one case, as most cardiologists aren't as broad minded as this one, but I think it's a significant result, if only for one person.
He came back to me armed with this information, but didn't like the symptoms he was experiencing: fatigue, muscle cramps, weakness, heart flutter, chest discomfort (not pain, just annoying symptoms), depression and tiredness. This was a formerly very active and energetic man. We did pass the following treatment by his cardiologist and her response was a shrug and a, "It couldn't hurt."
I started him on the recommended protocol by Standard Process for nutritional heart support and while his symptoms improved, he still didn't feel back to his old self (no pun intended), yet. He had an additional blood work series done, this time, a "real" Vitamin D test was run. (Often calciferol levels are checked, but the better test is for 25 OH Vitamin D levels). These levels were very, very low. Immediately, he started on a SP Vitamin D supplement. Within two days, he noticed a significant improvement. After one week, he told me he no longer had any of the symptoms and feels great! Wow.
There have been numerous studies as to the efficacy of Vit. D on preventing heart disease. This may be only one case, as most cardiologists aren't as broad minded as this one, but I think it's a significant result, if only for one person.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Trouble Losing Weight? Part 6: The Easy Answer Is...
Most of us are looking for that one change, that one thing that is the missing "link" that will solve our weight loss dilemma. No matter what new product Dr. Oz offers on his show or what weight loss pill, diet or approach is recommended, there is never an easy answer or way to health or weight loss. The body simply doesn't work that way, an understanding of which I hope I successfully explained in my previous blogs.
Every person has his/her own physiological/biochemical/emotional history which affects their DNA, 80% of which can be changed. Those of us who understand the fundamental part that the ANS plays in our health can offer real answers and treatment for endocrine balance, immune system response, mineral balance and digestive system support against the chronic stress response and how that relates to weight control.
If real success is the goal, it must be understood that each person has to be treated as an individual and looking for answers from Dr. Google, a neighbor, a TV doctor or a one-answer-fits-all approach will most likely result in continued failure. If you are looking for answers to your weight loss problem by reading these blogs, it's obvious that the other approaches haven't worked.
Until the affects of the chronic stress response are eliminated, the goal of weight loss will always be elusive and just one more step away. I can always be contacted for help:
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Here is the url to view the article published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in which researchers found the Paleo Diet to offer the best results for those with metabolic syndrome....aka I-can't-get-rid-of-my-belly-fat syndrome.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2015/08/12/ajcn.115.113613.abstract
Every person has his/her own physiological/biochemical/emotional history which affects their DNA, 80% of which can be changed. Those of us who understand the fundamental part that the ANS plays in our health can offer real answers and treatment for endocrine balance, immune system response, mineral balance and digestive system support against the chronic stress response and how that relates to weight control.
If real success is the goal, it must be understood that each person has to be treated as an individual and looking for answers from Dr. Google, a neighbor, a TV doctor or a one-answer-fits-all approach will most likely result in continued failure. If you are looking for answers to your weight loss problem by reading these blogs, it's obvious that the other approaches haven't worked.
Until the affects of the chronic stress response are eliminated, the goal of weight loss will always be elusive and just one more step away. I can always be contacted for help:
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Here is the url to view the article published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in which researchers found the Paleo Diet to offer the best results for those with metabolic syndrome....aka I-can't-get-rid-of-my-belly-fat syndrome.
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2015/08/12/ajcn.115.113613.abstract
Monday, August 10, 2015
Trouble Losing Weight? Part 5, Identifying Stressors
Now that we have discussed the potentially devastating effects that stressors play in our lives, lets explore the specifics of the different types of stresses to help understand which ones necessitate immediate attention.
Unhealthy food choices:
These can be the easiest stressors to eliminate. High sugar intake, caffeine and alcohol act both directly and indirectly on the enteric branch by changing neurotransmitter production. Every part of the ANS and endocrine system are affected by these "foods"....they will STOP your weight loss cold.
Daily Emotional Stress:
This inactivates the parasympathetic system and is the single Biggest problem we face. Enzyme activity is diminished, the digestive system is inactivated (i.e. bowel irregularity), bacteria-balance issues occur and your immune response is compromised....so, we end up being Fat and Sick!
Medications:
Once the above symptoms occur, the choice frequently is to take one medication after another for them: meds for depression, hypertension, sleeplessness, synthetic hormones, thyroid meds, anti-anxiety pills and every to try every yo-yo diet in the book. The interesting thing is, that the side effects of many medications is to further interfere with the balanced function of all the branches of the ANS, resulting in a never-ending feedback loop....again, fat and sick.
Bad Harmonics:
What is this? Exposure to cellular-damaging frequencies. All life vibrates...that's how life communicates, including communication at the cellular and neurological levels. What this means is that all frequencies affect us, especially intense decibels....living in a noisy environment, constant arguing, driving long distances (those road harmonics are especially destructive to a balanced immune system) and constant exposure to emfrs....computers, cell and smart phones and video games...very bad harmonics.
Fortunately, those of us in the health care profession who are aware of these consequences have the means to offer specific help that can result in both improved health and weight loss. The subject of the next blog.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
www.fixdhealthcare.com
Unhealthy food choices:
These can be the easiest stressors to eliminate. High sugar intake, caffeine and alcohol act both directly and indirectly on the enteric branch by changing neurotransmitter production. Every part of the ANS and endocrine system are affected by these "foods"....they will STOP your weight loss cold.
Daily Emotional Stress:
This inactivates the parasympathetic system and is the single Biggest problem we face. Enzyme activity is diminished, the digestive system is inactivated (i.e. bowel irregularity), bacteria-balance issues occur and your immune response is compromised....so, we end up being Fat and Sick!
Medications:
Once the above symptoms occur, the choice frequently is to take one medication after another for them: meds for depression, hypertension, sleeplessness, synthetic hormones, thyroid meds, anti-anxiety pills and every to try every yo-yo diet in the book. The interesting thing is, that the side effects of many medications is to further interfere with the balanced function of all the branches of the ANS, resulting in a never-ending feedback loop....again, fat and sick.
Bad Harmonics:
What is this? Exposure to cellular-damaging frequencies. All life vibrates...that's how life communicates, including communication at the cellular and neurological levels. What this means is that all frequencies affect us, especially intense decibels....living in a noisy environment, constant arguing, driving long distances (those road harmonics are especially destructive to a balanced immune system) and constant exposure to emfrs....computers, cell and smart phones and video games...very bad harmonics.
Fortunately, those of us in the health care profession who are aware of these consequences have the means to offer specific help that can result in both improved health and weight loss. The subject of the next blog.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
www.fixdhealthcare.com
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Trouble Losing Weight? Part 4, The Enteric Connection
The third part of the ANS which regulates digestion is the enteric branch. It manages EVERY aspect of digestion and is often referred to as "the second brain" or the "gut brain." While this branch functions independently of the other two branches, it interacts with them as well as they interacting with the enteric and each other. Nothing in the body functions without the input and balance of the whole. The enteric branch produces neurotransmitters (chemicals that take nerve messages from one cell to another) that influence mood and cognition, as well as digestion.
Now, you can see how everything that we experience is related via neurotransmitters to our digestive system. The excessively produced cortisol that is released by the adrenals as a stress response over extended periods of time decreases parasympathetic activity and shuts down the normal enzymatic and healthy bacterial activity of the gut. Daily stress frequently leads to unhealthy food choices (those so-called "comfort food" binges) that wreck havoc with our pancreas (sugar handling), adrenals (sleep, blood pressure, hormone production, mood), thyroid (stress, energy, mood, temperature regulation along with the hypothalamus), brain (cognition and numerous endocrine regulatory information) and gut (immune function, allergy response, bacteria balance, digestion, proper food assimilation and inflammatory response--auto immune regulation).
Who would have thought that daily emotional stress, the symptoms of which were once mocked/downgraded by the medical profession as being only "psychosomatic," could affect every important function in our body?
The next blog will discuss and summarize the affects of the stressors we face today...some of which may surprise you...and how they interrelate to one another, the digestive system and weight loss.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Now, you can see how everything that we experience is related via neurotransmitters to our digestive system. The excessively produced cortisol that is released by the adrenals as a stress response over extended periods of time decreases parasympathetic activity and shuts down the normal enzymatic and healthy bacterial activity of the gut. Daily stress frequently leads to unhealthy food choices (those so-called "comfort food" binges) that wreck havoc with our pancreas (sugar handling), adrenals (sleep, blood pressure, hormone production, mood), thyroid (stress, energy, mood, temperature regulation along with the hypothalamus), brain (cognition and numerous endocrine regulatory information) and gut (immune function, allergy response, bacteria balance, digestion, proper food assimilation and inflammatory response--auto immune regulation).
Who would have thought that daily emotional stress, the symptoms of which were once mocked/downgraded by the medical profession as being only "psychosomatic," could affect every important function in our body?
The next blog will discuss and summarize the affects of the stressors we face today...some of which may surprise you...and how they interrelate to one another, the digestive system and weight loss.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Trouble Losing Weight? Part 3, The Parasympathetic Connection
The function of the parasympathetic part of the ANS is the opposite of the sympathetic. This branch is responsible for repair, restoration, relaxation and body maintenance. It supports the digestive system by stimulating the secretion of saliva and digestive enzymes. This enables food to easily travel through the entire digestive system, allowing for regular and strong smooth muscle contraction in the intestines (i.e. regular and comfortable bowel movements), and for the proper function of all sphincters (small specialized muscles).
When the neurological input is working well, beneficial bacteria are able to grow and are supported by a balanced intestinal environment. Immune tissues in the digestive tract protect it from infection and inflammation. This is why we say that 70-80% of the immune system is in the digestive tract. If the body is in a constant state of sympathetic dominance, it's pretty easy to see why the immune system isn't working well and why the entire digestive tract is in a state of chaos.
The enteric branch of the ANS will be the next blog topic. I realize that all of this neurology might be dry to some, but, trust me, when we get finished you'll never wonder why dropping unwanted weight is so difficult, again.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
When the neurological input is working well, beneficial bacteria are able to grow and are supported by a balanced intestinal environment. Immune tissues in the digestive tract protect it from infection and inflammation. This is why we say that 70-80% of the immune system is in the digestive tract. If the body is in a constant state of sympathetic dominance, it's pretty easy to see why the immune system isn't working well and why the entire digestive tract is in a state of chaos.
The enteric branch of the ANS will be the next blog topic. I realize that all of this neurology might be dry to some, but, trust me, when we get finished you'll never wonder why dropping unwanted weight is so difficult, again.
Dr. Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Monday, August 3, 2015
Trouble Losing Weight? Part 2, The Sympathetic Connection
A reader told me that the amount of information contained in part 1 of this series was a bit too much to read at one time. I think there's a decent chance that others have had a similar reaction. As such, I've decided to further divide this series into more parts. I'm not certain just how many, but I guess we'll find out when I finish.
Today's blog begins the neurological explanation of weight control and what part the autonomic nervous system plays. There are three branches of the ANS that determine our everyday function and the homeostatic interplay among them (see my website for more information about homeostasis) when it comes to handling stress. They are the Sympathetic, Parasympathetic and Enteric. Simply put, when everything is working well, they all function in symphonic balance.
The sympathetic branch of the ANS mobilizes the body for flight...running away from that nasty lion necessitated that blood be shunted away from the digestive system (virtually shutting its function down) to the muscles of the legs and arms, dilating the pupils and increasing the heart rate, blood pressure (due to cortisol) and breathing rate. However, for the last few hundred years, our stressors have changed while the function of the sympathetic branch hasn't. It is designed to prepare for physical stress: the extra cortisol that is produced is quickly dissipated by the activity, for example. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way with emotional stress. The fact is, under constant emotional/mental stress, cortisol is continuously produced and not utilized. I have spoken about this feedback loop between the brain and the adrenals and the damage that can occur in past blogs. I have named this: Sympathetic Hyperstimulation Syndrome, if you'd like to go back and read more about it.
The parasympathetic branch of the ANS will be the next topic in this series.
Dr.Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
Today's blog begins the neurological explanation of weight control and what part the autonomic nervous system plays. There are three branches of the ANS that determine our everyday function and the homeostatic interplay among them (see my website for more information about homeostasis) when it comes to handling stress. They are the Sympathetic, Parasympathetic and Enteric. Simply put, when everything is working well, they all function in symphonic balance.
The sympathetic branch of the ANS mobilizes the body for flight...running away from that nasty lion necessitated that blood be shunted away from the digestive system (virtually shutting its function down) to the muscles of the legs and arms, dilating the pupils and increasing the heart rate, blood pressure (due to cortisol) and breathing rate. However, for the last few hundred years, our stressors have changed while the function of the sympathetic branch hasn't. It is designed to prepare for physical stress: the extra cortisol that is produced is quickly dissipated by the activity, for example. Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way with emotional stress. The fact is, under constant emotional/mental stress, cortisol is continuously produced and not utilized. I have spoken about this feedback loop between the brain and the adrenals and the damage that can occur in past blogs. I have named this: Sympathetic Hyperstimulation Syndrome, if you'd like to go back and read more about it.
The parasympathetic branch of the ANS will be the next topic in this series.
Dr.Esther
drkollars@gmail.com
fixdhealthcare.com
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