It’s a fact that there is a direct link between the gut and brain. Anxiety can increase stomach problems and vice versa. The feeling of butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous is in fact a real thing. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is sensitive to emotions, including stress, sadness, anxiety, anger, and joy. All of these feelings and more can trigger reactions or symptoms in the gut. 

Because of the the gut-brain connection, health experts found that poor digestive health influences several neurological disorders. Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, migraines, and epilepsy have gastrointestinal manifestations, some of which include constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. According to research studies, there is a deeper connection and communication between the brain and gut. The communication pathway is the vagus nerve. 

What Is The Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system. This system supervises bodily functions including immune response, digestion, heart rate, and mood. The parasympathetic nervous system is the “rest and digest” system, opposing the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the “fight or flight” response. 

Think of the vagus nerve as a communication highway that carries information that influences the brain and internal organs. Despite the fact that people refer to the vagus nerve as singular, it is a pair of nerves. They emerge from the medulla oblongata area of the brain stem and signals constantly travel from the brain to the gut and back via the vagus nerve. 

How To Stimulate The Vagus Nerve

There is some evidence that points to the fact that vagus nerve stimulation may treat or balance several psychiatric and digestive disorders. Some of these disorders include inflammatory bowel disease, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. Stimulating the vagus nerve may inhibit cytokine production while increasing vagal tone. Both of these mechanisms maintain resiliency in the body. Additionally, stimulating vagal afferent fibers in the gut can influence monoaminergic brain systems. Those systems play large roles in numerous mood and anxiety disorders. The thought is that a person can influence vagal tone via breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation. Continue reading to learn more about vagal nerve stimulation.

Take A Cold Shower

Wim Hof, a.k.a. “The Iceman,” may be the largest promoter of ice baths and cold showers. Cold water therapy helps to activate the vagus nerve, in addition to other neurons that travel on the vagus nerve highway. In doing so, this activation kickstarts the parasympathetic nervous system. All you have to do is remain in cold water for one minute. The final minute of your hot shower can be cold. Don’t be afraid of the chill!

Gargle

You don’t have to gargle with salt water like you do when you want to combat a sore throat. Use filtered water and gargle like you mean it. There’s no elegant way to gargle, so gargle with purpose, even if it makes you sound like a monster. When your eyes start to water, you’ll know that you’ve gargled hard enough. The ensuing laughter will also stimulate the vagus nerve. Additionally, laughter increases the production of beta-endorphins and nitric oxide, which benefit the vascular system. 

Consume Probiotics

The gut microbiome can influence immune system and nervous system function. Improving the overall function of these systems may lead to improvement of conditions like depression and anxiety. There is growing research on the fact that increasing probiotic intake may positively impact vagus nerve activity. By interacting with gut microbiota, probiotics work to mediate the effects that drugs, gluten, and antibiotics can have on the brain. Probiotics may also increase GABA production, which promotes healthier sleep. Lastly, probiotics may help reduce stress and anxiety. 

Scale Back On Animal Protein Consumption

Several dietary studies found that people who consume a lot of animal protein have a higher risk of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Eggs and red meat, for example, contain choline, which can be harmful when consumed in excess. Too much choline gets converted to trimethlyamine N-oxide (TMAO), which increases inflammatory markers. By reducing animal protein consumption, you can decrease inflammation and activate better vagal nerve function. This allows the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems to better regulate bodily vitals. 

Try Deep Breathing Or Meditation

It seems that deep breathing, especially diaphragmatic breathing, is the most efficient and simplest way to stimulate the vagus nerve. Breathe from the diaphragm, as opposed to breathing shallowly from the lungs. Ideally, these deep breaths stimulate and tone the vagus nerve. This activates the parasympathetic nervous system, creating a calmer feeling. You can accompany deep breathing exercises with meditation, which may help to improve sleep, reduce pain, and decrease anxiety levels. Practice for 5-10 minutes a day and make sure you take big belly breaths.

SHARE:

The post How To Stimulate The Vagus Nerve For Optimal Brain & Gut Health appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common diseases that affect the central nervous system. Impacting more than 2.3 million people around the world, multiple sclerosis is a chronic condition that affects muscle control, balance, vision, and basic bodily functions. Multiple sclerosis means “many scars,” and this term relates to the areas on the brain or spinal cord when myelin, which covers nerves and tissues, is damaged.

About World Multiple Sclerosis Day

World MS Day intends to bring global awareness via campaigning, events, and personal stories about living with the condition. Due to the fact that there is no cure for the condition, World MS Day activities and events aim to fundraise to support scientific research for a potential cure or treatment options. As with most conditions, funding is necessary for research and education.

MS and Natural Remedies

More and more people with MS have explored natural and alternative remedies to help relieve MS symptoms. Some people experiment with herbs, vitamins, and supplements, while others explore dietary changes to help improve their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is no clinical evidence that suggests that these supplements or dietary changes are better than current treatment options for MS. That being said, many anecdotal reports claim that the following remedies can reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

A Quick Note: Before sinking your life savings into new alternative remedies, consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe for you to try them. Caution is always necessary because a supplement, herb, or dietary change can possibly result in complications.

Discuss Vitamin D With Your Doctor

Research suggests that low levels of vitamin D in people with MS can lead to increased disability. Additionally, low blood levels of vitamin D increase a person’s risk of developing MS. According to Vijayshree Yadav, MD, associate professor of neurology and MS researchers at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, vitamin D is more important than any other supplement, especially for people with MS. She regularly assesses vitamin D levels in the blood of the MS patients and recommends a high-range supplement. Vitamin D supplementation is generally safe, but consult your doctor if you have concerns.

Consider Melatonin Supplementation

Many people use melatonin as a supplement to establish a healthier sleep cycle. It is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. One theory suggests that MS is linked to pineal gland dysfunction and below average levels of melatonin. This can disrupt the immune system, so some health experts propose that melatonin supplementation may protect MS relapses.

Ginkgo Biloba

Made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree, ginkgo biloba helps to improve brain function and memory. To this day, no clinical studies have proven ginkgo biloba’s effectiveness on treating memory in people with MS. While it may not be beneficial for memory, one study found that it was beneficial for fatigue. The study examined two groups of people with MS. One group took 240 milligrams of ginkgo biloba per day over a four-week period, while the other group took a placebo. The group that took the ginkgo biloba reported reduced fatigue symptoms.

There is limited evidence to support these treatments for MS. The best thing that you can do is to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that provides the body with essential nutrients. Additionally, be careful about taking supplements because some can be harmful when taken in excess. Finally, discuss treatment options with your doctor before experimenting with alternative treatments for MS.

SHARE:

The post Celebrate World Multiple Sclerosis Day With These Natural Remedies appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and potentially disabling disease that involves the central nervous system (CNS).  Your brain, eyes, and spinal chord can be affected, therefore debilitating your vision, balance, muscle control, or basic bodily functions. The immune system attacks myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibers, causing inflammation and scar tissue. This makes it difficult for your brain to send signals throughout the body and can interfere with regular bodily functions.

Causes and Risk Factors

MS is considered an autoimmune disorder because the immune system attacks its own tissue.  When it comes to MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the protective layer around nerve fibers throughout the CNS.  Inflammation occurs once the myelin is destroyed and this causes scar tissue or lesions, both of which can disrupt brain signals to the rest of the body. Although it isn’t exactly clear why MS develops, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors.  Causes are below.

• Immune System Dysfunction
• Viruses, Bacteria, or Toxins
• Genetics (a history of MS in your family doesn’t mean that you will have it, but it can make you more prone to the disorder)
• Viral Infections
• Smoking

Symptoms

The symptoms of MS will vary depending on the person.  There are a wide variety of symptoms that can be minor and go without treatment, or they can be severe and make it difficult to perform daily tasks like walking.  One of the most common symptoms of MS is fatigue, which affects about 80% of people with MS.  Other symptoms are listed below.

• Partial or Total Loss of Vision (usually happens in one eye at a time)
• Numbness or Weakness (in one or more limbs, usually in the legs and feet)
• Tingling or Pain in Body Parts
• Muscle Spasms
• Fatigue
• Sexual Problems
• Slurred Speech
• Dizziness
• Poor Bladder of Bowel Control
• Acute or Chronic Pain

Natural Healing Solutions

• Stay away from the microwave because irradiated food is not healthy for you.  In combination with this, you can use glassware to store foods and beverages, so as not to have the chemicals in the plastic poison your food.
• Taking a food allergy test is a good idea because certain food allergies or sensitivities can make symptoms worse because the promote inflammation.
• It’s beneficial to eliminate meats, processed foods, genetically engineered foods, dairy products, sugar, and salt from your diet.  Additionally, avoid any foods with hydrogenated oils and partially hydrogenated oils.  Switching to a plant-based diet can promote overall health.  It’s best to consume fresh, organic fruits and vegetables for best results.
• Turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon all have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate pain that is associated with MS.  You can brew turmeric or ginger tea by slicing pieces and pouring boiling water over it. You can also mix turmeric powder, ginger, powder, and ground cinnamon in a cup of hot water with raw, organic, honey to drink.
• Since most people who have MS are vitamin D deficient, having a diet rich in vitamin D foods can be beneficial. Getting sun exposure, in addition to consuming vitamin D-rich produce, can also help boost vitamin D levels.
• Balancing your body’s pH level can help relieve symptoms of MS.  Drinking alkaline water can make your body more basic on the pH scale.  Having a neutral or alkaline pH balance helps to decrease inflammation.
• Acupuncture can be a great alternative therapy in some cases, depending on the person, because it can help relieve muscle pain or tension.  If you do engage and acupuncture sessions, it’s best to avoid ginseng and astragalus because they can activate the immune system and worsen MS symptoms, which acupuncture attempted to remedy.
• Since meditation is a mind/body therapy, it may help relieve pain and fatigue that is associated with MS.  Meditation also helps to relieve stress, which can build up in people with MS.  To practice meditation, set aside a certain amount of time (it can be 10 minutes a day) to be alone, sit in quiet, and focus on your breath.  You can also repeat a phrase in your mind to help your meditation.

SHARE:

The post Multiple Sclerosis appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.