Tag

Parasympathetic Nervous System

All articles tagged with #parasympathetic nervous system

Poop Sweat and Thyroid Absorption: Dr. Roach Answers Two Health Questions
health17 days ago

Poop Sweat and Thyroid Absorption: Dr. Roach Answers Two Health Questions

Dr. Roach explains that sweating around the butt during urge is a form of focal hyperhidrosis caused by parasympathetic activation during defecation, a normal but sometimes location‑specific reaction that can be prominent and rarely associated with fainting; in a separate Q&A, he discusses a patient with a large rise in TSH on Synthroid, noting that coffee, milk, calcium, fiber, and some medications can impair thyroid hormone absorption and that timing and potential GI conditions should be reviewed to optimize replacement therapy.

Sour Patch Kids: A Surprising Anxiety Remedy?
health2 years ago

Sour Patch Kids: A Surprising Anxiety Remedy?

Eating sour candy or other strong-tasting foods like sriracha or salt and vinegar chips can distract the brain from a panic attack and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax after periods of high stress. However, this is not a long-term solution and should be paired with long-term treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, and exercise for chronic anxiety. It's also important to be mindful of any health conditions that may be aggravated by consuming these foods.

"Breathing Exercises Lower Alzheimer's Risk"
health2 years ago

"Breathing Exercises Lower Alzheimer's Risk"

Slow breathing exercises may reduce the levels of amyloid beta, a peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease, in the blood. In a trial, participants who followed a breathing exercise had significantly lower levels of amyloid beta in their blood compared to those who spent time calming themselves with pleasant music or peaceful thoughts. The authors suggest that increasing oscillations in heart rate stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which declines with age and may contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's. However, it's unclear how much difference reducing amyloid beta in the blood makes, and the study didn't test how long the effects lasted.