Discussion for Patient: Sympathetic Dominance

The autonomic nervous system is a principal regulator of metabolism. It is comprised of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic system is designed for fight or flight and thus favors the muscular system and the body’s ability to respond physically with increased performance in threatening situations. Its balancing counterpart, the parasympathetic nervous system, is designed for promoting digestion, keeping the mucus membranes moist, and promoting the day to day management of the internal workings of the body.

Sympathetic types tend to have high energy, an aggressive personality, weak digestion, thy skin, and excel-lent concentration. They tend to be tall, thin, have narrow shoulders, wider hips, and be underweight. They build muscle easily and tend to crave carbohydrates. They are prone to osteoporosis, infections, angina/heart disease, cancer, acute arthritis, diabetes, gallbladder attacks, ulcers, glaucoma, and gingivitis.

From the standpoint of health, it is important to have balance in the autonomic nervous system. This equilibrium allows for optimal digestion and metabolism, which are keys to good health.

Notes on General Support

Organically-Bound Minerals complement Symplex F and M in a sympathetic dominant individual as they restore balance to the overall autonomic nervous system by supporting the parasympathetic system. The alkaline ash minerals of Organically-Bound Minerals make tissue more responsive to the parasympathetic system, helping to bring the two systems into balance. Dr. Henry Hanover teaches us to respect the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine axis. For this reason, supporting the glands most affected by sympathetic dominance is recommended. Symplex F or M is named for sympathetic dominance. These protomorphogen combinations support the pattern of endocrine stress associated with sympathetic dominance, and enhance glands stressed by sympathetic output. Excessive sympathetic response fatigues the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and/or the gonads (ovaries or testes). It should not be assumed that there is an anatomic separation between the sympathetic and the parasympathetic system. Each gland shares innervation from both arms of the autonomic system. The differentiation is biochemical, and, as such, supportive therapy for sympathetic dominance may overlap supportive therapy for parasympathetic dominance. Melvin Page, DDS used circumferential measurements of the forearms and calves to determine which gland was likely to fail under stress. For example, individuals with relatively thick ankles were most likely to experience thyroid imbalances, while those with relatively large mid-calves had pituitary tendencies, etc. Page also observed that these tendencies were often manifested at puberty or the change of life (menopause for women and andropause for men). It is important to remember that using a protornorphogen cannot cause hyperstimulation of a gland or organ (see “endocrine” discussion).

Nutritional Comments

The parasympathetic system promotes digestion. It is the dominant nervous system in relaxation and sleeping. We see the effects of these two nervous systems in our daily life as well as in nature. For example, lions, after feeding, become sleepy — parasympathetic dominance, i.e., digestive mode. When lions are alert and stalking, the sympathetic nervous system dominates their autonomic nervous system in preparation for the chase. A healthy person is able to appropriately engage the parasympathetic and the sympathetic nervous systems without experiencing overstimulation to the point that the nervous system becomes a hindrance, rather than a help, in accomplishing a given task. The parasympathetic and sympathetic systems must be regulated to an appropriate degree and, in time, with need of the environment. Sometimes, an individual may need to be 100% parasympathetic; sometimes 40%-60% parasympathetic/sympathetic. Environmental circumstances determine the appropriate percentages, i.e., is the body trying to digest a steak or is there a lion at the door? The nervous system must be able to swing between parasympathetic and sympathetic demands. Problems begin when the body shifts into a more permanent state of dominance in either ANS branch.

The sympathetic division exits through the thoracolumbar spine — look for misalignment or tenderness in these regions. A common finding in individuals with an autonomic imbalance (Groups I and 2) is an indication of excessive reactions in both Groups 1 and 2. The more out of balance (i.e., sicker) the person is, the more indications are found in each group. These findings denote that the person’s autonomic system is unable to be engaged to the appropriate degree and, in time, with the environment. Typically, the sicker a person is, the further away he/she falls from homeostasis in either direction, all the more so over time.

Although it is very rare, a patient may be primarily Group 1 or 2. If this occurs, it is extremely important to address it as primary in a practitioner’s nutritional intervention. For example, parasympathetic nerves constrict the bronchi and promote mucus secretion. Sympathetic nerves dilate the bronchi. In a dry situation (e.g., desert environment), therefore, a healthy person would bring his/her parasympathetic side to the fore-front to allow for increased moisture. If the parasympathetic is compromised, the mucus membranes become dry and susceptible to irritation with features of allergies or bronchitis (hypoadrenal failure). A clear example of this is in the case of asthma, where there is parasympathetic dominance — an adrenal collapse. When you support adrenals with adrenal protomorphogens (B6-Niacinamide, Cataplex C, etc.), asthma becomes just a functional failure, not disease/pathology of the body.