What is the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)?
The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) is one of two major divisions of the larger autonomic system in your body. Its function is to keep the basic functions of your body working as they should.
In our parasympathetic nervous system, we are in rest and digest mode. It can also be described as in balance, centred, and homeostasis. Think of it as 'business as usual, the state that keeps the body's basic functions working as they should.
What happens to us?
Everyone is different, but here's how parasympathetic activation might present:
Pupils constrict to limit light and improve close-up vision
Heart rate is lowered
Bile is released, and digestion activated
Bladder and intestinal muscles are relaxed
Saliva is produced, and glands in the nose make mucus to aid digestion and breathing
Airway muscles are tightened to reduce the workload of the lungs
Eyes are lubricated with the right amount of tears
The reproductive system is in balance
Breathing is easier
Where is the parasympathetic nervous system located?
The parasympathetic nervous system uses 4 of 12 cranial nerves. These are nerves that connect directly to the brain. 3 of those 4 only involve your senses and glands connected to the eyes, nose and mouth.
The fourth, the vagus nerve, connects to part of the mouth and extends down through the neck to the chest and abdomen (belly). The vagus nerve makes up about 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system overall, connecting to the heart, lungs and other vital internal organs.
Farther down, 31 spinal nerves connect directly to the spinal cord, but the parasympathetic nervous system only uses some of them in the lower part of your spine. This sends signals to the bladder and bowels to relax so you can use the bathroom.
How can we prevent conditions and problems that affect the parasympathetic nervous system?
The best preventive measures include:
Eating a balanced diet. Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin B12, can damage the nervous system. You should also avoid overusing vitamins (especially B6, which has toxic effects on the nervous system at high levels).
Avoiding abusing drugs and alcohol. Prescription and recreational drug abuse and frequent heavy drinking can have toxic effects and damage the sympathetic nervous system.
Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight. Type 2 diabetes damages the autonomic nerves over time. That's why preventing it, or at least delaying when it starts, can make a big difference in overall well-being.
Wearing safety equipment as needed. Safety equipment can be a big help if you want to prevent nerve damage from injuries, regardless of whether you use the equipment during work or play activities.
Managing chronic conditions as recommended. If you have a chronic illness that can damage your nervous system, your healthcare provider can help guide you on how to do that. That guidance can make a big difference in helping you limit the condition's progress or how it affects your life.
Your parasympathetic nervous system is key to your body’s long-term survival. This system constantly works without you thinking about whether you’re asleep or awake. It helps relax you in calm times and balances your body’s short-term survival responses. While conditions that affect it are rare, protecting your parasympathetic nervous system is still important to your overall health and well-being.
How can we activate the parasympathetic nervous system when we are stressed?
Take a read of my blog post here.
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