What is Dysautonomia? (and how is it connected to EDS?)
What is Dysautonomia?
Dysautonomia is an umbrella term used to describe dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) of the brain.
The ANS is comprised of the sympathetic nervous system, often called the "fight flight or freeze" system and the parasympathetic nervous system known as the "rest and digest" system. This part of the nervous system controls the automatic responses of the body, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature control, digestion and urination.
The dysfunction arises when the "flight, flight or freeze" system goes into overdrive and the "rest and digest" system becomes under-active, creating an imbalance.
In this dysfunction, the blood no longer effectively travels around the body providing nutrients and oxygen to the organs and tissues. All of the blood stays around the heart and lungs to keep the heart pumping.
This is thought to be an ingrained survival mechanism, which is useful in short terms stress and was useful to the body in prehistoric times when humans may have had to run from animal predators.
However, when the ANS is in overdrive for too long this can lead to several different medical conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Orthostatic Intolerance (OI), as well as high levels of inflammation.
What are some of the symptoms?
Individuals may experience all or just a few of these symptoms:
Inflammation, chronic pain, increased pain sensitivity fatigue
Brain fog, reduced memory and recall
Mood fluctuations/disturbances, anxiety and depression
Sleep disturbances, insomnia and hypervigilance
Heart palpitations and rapid heart rate
Dizziness, light headedness, headaches, migraines, light sensitivity and fainting
Temperature sensitivity, cold intolerance or heat intolerance
Urination fluctuations
Appetite level fluctuations
Digestive disturbances including irritable bowel syndrome, unbalanced digestive microbiome, slow or fast motility and nutrient malabsorption syndromes
Menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain and low libido
How is dysautonomia connected to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
It is thought, dysautonomia is interconnected with EDS through the overactive "flight, fight or freeze" response in the brain. This can lead to POTS or OI, which is part of the triad syndrome of EDS. Read more about EDS here
Dysautonomia can also occur as a result of physical or psychological/emotional stress including different types trauma without EDS.
How can we assist you with managing your dysautonomia and associated conditions?
A well balanced nutrition program, lifestyle strategies and supplementation can assist with:
Systemic and local pain management and reducing sensitivity
Reducing the imbalance of the autonomic nervous system
Improving blood circulation around the body to reduce temperature and heart rate symptoms, urinary fluctuations and menstrual irregularities
Reducing anxiety and mood disturbances associated with dysautonomia
Improving sleep quality and quantity
Reducing digestive conditions and malabsorption
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