Nervous System Regulation: The most overlooked key to health and healing
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an unwelcome constant. But did you know that chronic stress not only disrupts your mental peace but can also be a root cause of inflammation and weight gain?
Having a regulated nervous system does not mean you will feel calm all the time.
What it means is that your nervous system can respond to any given situation in a healthy way:
To be resilient.
When your nervous system is regulated and resilient, you’re able to:
✨ experience emotions without letting them take over your life
✨ notice when you feel stressed and come back to center
✨ rest without feeling like you need to justify it
Not only that, but with a regulated nervous system, it becomes easier to heal your gut, skin, hormones, metabolism, mood, and more.
In functional medicine, we are always looking for the root cause and removing obstacles getting in the way of healing.
Nervous system dysregulation can be one of those obstacles.
Stress may explain the link of some metabolic effects on obesity
Obesity is closely linked with diabetes, and it has long been believed that this is because insulin signaling becomes impaired.
Now a new study brings that into question. 1
The research showed that obesity triggers overactivity of the “fight of flight” response and stress hormones—counteracting the effects of insulin even when insulin still works!
That means that managing stress and regulating the nervous system could be an overlooked key to reducing the metabolic effects of obesity.
Stress: A Root Cause of Inflammation
Nervous system dysregulation can be a root cause of inflammation and be an obstacle to healing from many chronic conditions!
Human beings are not designed to be in a constant state of stress.
Stress activates your body’s "fight or flight" response, flooding it with cortisol. While helpful in short bursts, chronic stress triggers persistent inflammation, weakening the immune system and allowing underlying health issues to flourish.
Whether you’re always rushed for time….
Stuck in a pattern of worry…
Skipping meals…
Overexercising…
Living on caffeine…
Or feeling unsafe in your surroundings.…
Your nervous system will pay the price.
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system as well as the stress hormone cortisol. If this happens repeatedly or intensely, the nervous system can become dysregulated and allow inflammation to go unchecked.
Some simple ways to help your nervous system stay regulated are to:
Slow down.
Rest.
Breathe.
These things signal the body that it is safe to heal.
Your nervous system also needs nutrition!
Here are 3 key nutrients for nervous system regulation:
Magnesium: Magnesium is a cofactor needed to synthesize several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and GABA. It also has a calming effect on the nerves and muscles throughout the body.
B Vitamins: Vitamin B6 supports production of serotonin, and vitamin B12 is needed to support the protective covering around nerve cells. Other B vitamins participate in energy metabolism, providing essential energy for nerve cells.
Choline: Choline is a building block for acetylcholine—the primary chemical messenger of the parasympathetic nervous system.
5 Ways to Reset Your Nervous System
Breathe with Intention: Slow, deep breaths tell your body it’s safe to relax.
Add Gentle Movement: Yoga, walking, or dancing help activate your parasympathetic state.
Prioritize Rest: Build micro-moments of relaxation into your day, like stretching or listening to calming music.
Choose Nervous-System-Nourishing Foods: Include magnesium-rich leafy greens, B-vitamin-packed whole grains, and choline from eggs or legumes.
Commit to Consistency: Daily practices build a resilient nervous system that can handle life’s ups and downs.
In our clinic, we believe true health begins with understanding your body. Our Thrive Tribe program offers personalized strategies to help you rebalance your hormones, manage stress, and heal from within. Ready to take the next step? Let’s uncover the root cause together.