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DiscussionFeels like my autonomic system is on high all the time.
Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: Sep 6, 2023 | Replies (21)Comment receiving replies
Replies to "I’d like to comment on this thread I read here today. I am not as impacted..."
I've done the same PNS/SNS analysis and found it helpful. I seem to have some form of dysautonomia in which bodily functions like salivating, sweating or nasal discharge can cycle back and forth from too much to too little over a few days or weeks. I've 2 recommendations.
Go online and find what bodily functions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS)--if possible, which state is controlled by the PNS or SNS. By that I mean, excess saliva or skin oil is likely the PNS, and sweating is SNS. I've found that some functions indicate an overactive PNS--e.g., hypotension on dismounting my bike after a hard ride--while AT THE SAME TIME some functions indicate an overactive SNS, such as dry mouth. Weird, I know. Anyhow, I monitor every function, even hair regrowth, nail growth and gum health (prob driven by an overactive SNS!).
The rule is you can't control your ANS. True, but you can nudge it. Like you, I found myself a hostage to an overactive SNS, which had served me well in a 50 yr career in the law, but had worn out my neurology. Sparing you the details, I tried to go rest-and-relax , rather than fight-or-flee--the states of the PNS and SNS, respectively. I succeeded, but found that the two systems are synergistic, not mutually exclusive, altho, now retired, I'd rather go 100% PNS than 100% SNS.
There are countless ways to activate your PNS or SNS. Cycling a rough trail for an hr induces intestinal motility--vibrating my intestines or vagus nerve, I don't know, but heightened motility is a function of an active PNS. But I can go too far and have 3 large, well-formed bowel movements in a day! If lightheaded, I go for a coffee, black tea, or the Valsalva method (if lightheaded while cycling). If overstimulated, I go for a glass of whole milk.
I took propranolol for a yr from early 2021 to early 2022, and this helped me subdue my out-of-control SNS. But I've taken no drugs besides that and vitamins B1, B12, and D3 and magnesium. My drugs are my food. I avoid chocolate and alcohol, which are food triggers for an ANS flareup, and I am wary of tyramines and histamines. I eat wild salmon, cod and tuna 4 days/wk; goat yogurt, goat kefit, walnuts, blueberries, and flaxseed oil invariably for breakfast. I eat out rarely--never during a flareup. I drink lots of water and consume lots of salt (to support my blood pressure, which is generally 115-130/70-75.
I've lots more suggestions if anyone needs them to support your PNS AND SNS. At least in retirement, the idea is to be rest-and-relax most of the time. When I need to be more animated, it's still easy to release the Kraken and enter fight-or-flee mode for a while, but I'm careful to revert to rest-and-relax ASAP.
Like the antelope grazing peacefully in the field--for hrs, days, or wks--until the lion appears at the forest edge--then it's OUT OF HERE, NOW!!! That's the goal--again, once retired!
Hello @ans
I understand what you mean about vestibular migraines. They do not appear as typical migraines but have some similarities, especially the nausea and need to be in a quiet dark atmosphere. I was told about a book called, Heal Your Headache, written by an M.D., David Bucholz, who had migraines himself. There is a lot of good information about foods and activities that can be avoided to help with migraines.
I'm glad that your vestibular migraines were properly diagnosed and that you found remedies.