Calming The Storm: Managing The Fight or Flight Response for Improved Health

In the fast-paced world we live in, stress and anxiety have become common companions. What if the key to tackling chronic diseases lies in taming the ‘fight or flight’ response? This reflexive reaction to stress is an ancient defense mechanism, but when it goes haywire, it can play a significant role in chronic diseases such as chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

The Vital Connection

The fight or flight response is an automatic reaction to stress governed by the amygdala, a part of the brain that deals with fear. This response is a primal instinct designed to protect you. However, constant activation of this mechanism can wreak havoc on your body, particularly in chronic disease sufferers. When the brain operates on a low threshold, even the slightest triggers can set off this response.

Looking Out for Red Flags

As a practitioner of functional neurology and medicine, it is crucial to evaluate the severity of the fight or flight response in patients. This evaluation helps in understanding how the response interacts with various aspects of health including the gut, gallbladder, and fatigue levels. Addressing this response is pivotal in managing chronic diseases. If not addressed, attempts at treating other symptoms might be futile.

Tailoring Solutions

Managing the fight or flight response can be a complex and individualized process. Initially, society would brush it off, advising those suffering to “pull up their bootstraps”. Fortunately, awareness has grown. While counseling can be beneficial, it’s essential to understand that the fight or flight response is hardwired and may require different strategies.

The Building Blocks

Brain neuron function is central in controlling this response. Your neurons need proper blood sugar, oxygen, essential fatty acids, and thyroid function without inflammation. Maintaining these levels is vital. For instance, if your blood sugar is imbalanced, it can cause stress hormones to fluctuate, possibly leading to chronic anxiety.

A Multitude of Approaches

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Some individuals might benefit from supplements such as ashwagandha or magnesium, while others might not. Counseling, brain rehab exercises, or even medications might be necessary for severe cases. There’s also a burgeoning field of research looking into unconventional methods like psychedelics.

Conclusion

Controlling the fight or flight response is an evolving and complex challenge. Understanding the underlying neuron functions and employing an individualized, comprehensive approach is crucial. The aim is to achieve a balance that helps in managing chronic diseases and improving the overall quality of life.

Note: The above article was auto generated off the transcript of the above video. Because of this there may be some errors that do not coincide with the video.