{"id":8021,"date":"2017-09-12T22:04:57","date_gmt":"2017-09-13T03:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brain-bodyhealth.com\/?p=8021"},"modified":"2019-03-06T13:06:00","modified_gmt":"2019-03-06T18:06:00","slug":"rheumatoid-arthritis-autonomic-nervous-system-imbalance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brain-bodyhealth.com\/rheumatoid-arthritis-autonomic-nervous-system-imbalance\/","title":{"rendered":"Rheumatoid arthritis and autonomic nervous system imbalance"},"content":{"rendered":"
The nervous system plays a role in many disease developments and progression. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It may be surprising to learn that there is a link between nervous system imbalance and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/strong><\/p>\n The available evidence suggests that this imbalance in the nervous system happens before <\/strong>the development of rheumatoid arthritis (1)<\/sup> and is consistently found<\/strong> in those with rheumatoid arthritis (2)<\/sup>. When this imbalance is reduced, rheumatoid arthritis patients respond better to treatment.<\/strong> (3)<\/sup><\/p>\n We are specifically referring to imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). If you already know this, skip to the next section.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The ANS, as its name implies, is an automated part of the nervous system that modulates basic physiological functions to help us adapt to our environment. The sympathetic nervous system<\/strong> responds to perceived threats by increasing arousal and energy production, and inhibits digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system<\/strong> calms the body, returns it to regular function and promotes activities related to digestion.<\/p>\n These two systems generally act in opposition to the other. The sympathetic nervous system is meant to prep our body to react to crisis. Crisis should be the exception rather than the rule. If crisis and stress have become the norm, one tends to be sympathetic dominant<\/strong> and struggles with things like high blood pressure, poor digestion, and constipation.<\/strong><\/p>\n First of all, it\u2019s worth mentioning that ANS dysfunction is associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid patients have an overly active sympathetic nervous system and reduced parasympathetic nervous system activity. (2)<\/sup><\/strong><\/p>\n Interestingly, a 2016 study (1)<\/sup> found that, not only was the imbalance more significant in rheumatoid patients, it was also more significant in those who weren\u2019t affected but developed arthritis later on.<\/p>\n The nervous system is able to detect and regulate inflammation in tissues. <\/strong>(2)<\/sup> When paralyzed patients develop rheumatoid arthritis, they don\u2019t develop arthritis on their paralyzed side, which is also the side the nerve supply is interrupted. (2)<\/sup><\/p>\n Generally, stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system releases anti-inflammatory chemicals. (2)<\/sup> In rheumatoid patients, an altered sympathetic response along with low parasympathetic activation creates a strong pro-inflammatory situation. (2)<\/sup><\/p>\n Yes. The activity of the ANS can be monitored, using software that tracks heart rate variability (HRV). (1, 4)<\/sup> If you refer back to the diagram above, you will notice that both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems play a role in controlling our heartbeats. One speeds it up and the other slows it down. Therefore, the patterns of our heart rates become a window to the function of our nervous system.<\/p>\n Decreased HRV is an indication of poor parasympathetic function, and is associated with many illnesses, including premature death.<\/strong> (5)<\/sup><\/p>\n If you are interested in scheduling a HRV assessment, contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n New evidence shows that rheumatoid arthritis patients with higher parasympathetic activity respond better to their therapy. (3) <\/sup>Here are some natural ways to increase parasympathetic activity:<\/p>\n Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis at this time, addressing some of the neurological and metabolic consequences can still greatly improve one\u2019s function and quality of life.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n References:<\/p>\nSo, what is this nervous system imbalance we are talking about?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
How does autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalance affect those with rheumatoid arthritis?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Can we test this imbalance?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
What can we do to improve parasympathetic function?<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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