Our autonomic nervous
system is our automatic nervous system. This nervous system
does all the things that we don't have to consciously control
(digestion, heart, immune system, reproductive, growth, repair,
metabolism, nourishment, etc.). The autonomic system is divided
into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
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Sympathetic
Nervous System
(Fight
or Flight Nervous System)
|
Parasympathetic Nervous
System
(Rest
and Digest Nervous System)
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Saliva pH less than 7.4-"Acidic"
High heart rate
Burns glucose (sugar)
(Carbohydrates=4 kcal/gm)
Sprint, Short term energy
High intensity
Decreased immune function
Increased free radicals
|
Saliva pH more than 7.4-
"Alkaline"
Low heart rate
Burns fatty acids (fats)
(Fats=9kcal/gm)
Endurance, Long term energy
Low intensity
Normal immune function
Increased mitochondria in muscle cells
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The sympathetic nervous system is designed to help us in times
of danger, as if we were being chased by a grizzly bear. In
this stage we will be ready to fight for our lives or run
for our lives. Most of our blood will be in our muscles and
our digestive, immune and reproductive systems will decrease
in function. when we are being attacked ay a bear, our bodies
put digestive, immune and reproductive function on hold.
The parasympathetic nervous system concentrates more on digestion,
immune function and reproductive needs. Our muscles will have
decreased blood flow because we are resting and digesting.
Most of us are "Sympathetic dominant" because of
prolonged stress that we experience in our lives (rushing
to get to work on time, working on deadlines, layoffs, final
exams in school, sports, extreme exercise, increased refined
carbohydrates and sugars in our food). To a lesser extent,
some of us are "Parasympathetic dominant". Ideally,
we should be at a neutral state so that we can use our sympathetic
or parasympathetic nervous system when they are needed.
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