Supporting Anxiety And Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Through Nutrition And Lifestyle

The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of all our internal organ functions. When it is damaged, the wide-ranging impact on our nervous system can manifest in a multitude of ways, including anxiety, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal distress, and vertigo. Based on current research into the vagus nerve and vagus nerve stimulation, this practical guide addresses a crucial missing link in healthcare and functional medicine by providing an innovative protocol on the management of anxiety and vagus nerve dysfunction through nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle. With a holistic, whole-person approach, this protocol bridges the divide between the physical and the psychological, providing a holistic approach that can be applied widely across various disciplines within healthcare, bodywork, and mental health. It provides detailed theory and is supplemented with an abundance of practical guidance including various recipes whilst also helping practitioners understand how clients may transition to a more sustainable, long-term protocol.

The brain is the most complex organ in our body. Indeed, it is perhaps the most complex structure we have ever encountered in nature. Both structurally and functionally, there are many peculiarities that differentiate the brain from all other organs. The brain is our connection to the world around us and by governing nervous system and higher function, any disturbance induces severe neurological and psychiatric disorders that can have a devastating effect on quality of life. Our understanding of the physiology and biochemistry of the brain has improved dramatically in the last two decades. In particular, the critical role of cations, including magnesium, has become evident, even if incompletely understood at a mechanistic level. The exact role and regulation of magnesium, in particular, remains elusive, largely because intracellular levels are so difficult to routinely quantify. Nonetheless, the importance of magnesium to normal central nervous system activity is self-evident given the complicated homeostatic mechanisms that maintain the concentration of this cation within strict limits essential for normal physiology and metabolism. There is also considerable accumulating evidence to suggest alterations to some brain functions in both normal and pathological conditions may be linked to alterations in local magnesium concentration. This book, containing chapters written by some of the foremost experts in the field of magnesium research, brings together the latest in experimental and clinical magnesium research as it relates to the central nervous system. It offers a complete and updated view of magnesiums involvement in central nervous system function and in so doing, brings together two main pillars of contemporary neuroscience research, namely providing an explanation for the molecular mechanisms involved in brain function, and emphasizing the connections between the molecular changes and behavior. It is the untiring efforts of those magnesium researchers who have dedicated their lives to unraveling the mysteries of magnesiums role in biological systems that has inspired the collation of this volume of work.

Nutrition and Lifestyle in Neurological Autoimmune Diseases: Multiple Sclerosis discusses important discoveries relating to the types of, and efficacy of, nutritional and lifestyle responses to symptoms and reoccurrence of MS. Each chapter defines a new approach to use in foods, dietary supplements, exercise, behavior, and/or lifestyle in health promotion and symptoms management for MS. This book presents the role of non-pharmaceutical approaches and is essential reading for neurologists, physicians, nurses, nutritionists, dietitians, healthcare professionals, research scientists, biochemists, and general practitioners. Presents a comprehensive overview that details the role of nutrition and exercise in Multiple Sclerosis Written for researchers and clinicians in neurology, neuroscience, and exercise and nutrition Defines a new approach that focuses on foods, dietary supplements, exercise, behavior, and lifestyle in health promotion and symptoms management for MS

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA), one of the most common mental disorders in the United States is anxiety disorder. This illness affects over 40 million American adults (18 years and older) each year, which is a big 18.1% of the US population. Although anxiety disorders can be treated, over a third, or 36.9%, of the population only gets the allotted treatment, while the remaining 63.1% remain suffering. Anxiety disorders are very common and have become associated with depression. These two illnesses may occur together, or one disorder leads to the other one and vice versa. Statistics say that almost half of the patients diagnosed with depression were also diagnosed with anxiety disorder. Are you one of these people suffering from anxiety? What if we tell you that your anxiety may be caused by a nerve that is related to your stomach and your brain? Have you heard of the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is the “hunger nerve” that links your brain and gut. This nerve is responsible for sending signals from the gut to the brain back and forth. Studies have revealed that if this nerve is not functioning well by being less sensitive or “asleep,” it may lead to other health problems such as obesity, gastrointestinal diseases, seizures, fainting, bradycardia, chronic inflammation, mood disorders, and anxiety. How the vagus nerve becomes dysfunctional and what causes it to not work as it should, will be explained in the succeeding parts of the guide. Since the vagus nerve is a nerve that does its work in the gut, we have thought that to bring it back to its former glory, then a healthy diet may be one of the ways to stimulate it (hint: obesity-inducing food items weaken the nerve). In this guide, you will discover... What the vagus nerve is What its function in the body is Vagus nerve and your health How it becomes weak How to stimulate it What exercises can stimulate the nerve What food items can activate it back

With chapters that focus on developing a robust therapeutic alliance and inspiring patients to assume responsibility for their own well-being, this guide provides a framework for lasting, sustainable lifestyle changes.

“Thoroughly researched, clearly explained, and beautifully illustrated…[this book] provides powerful insights and actionable steps for regulating the nervous system.” —Alex Korb, Ph.D., Neuroscientist, Personal Development Coach, and Author of The Upward Spiral A somatic approach to treating trauma, anxiety, and depression has never been more popular. Perhaps that’s because recent studies show that 80% of mind-body communication originates in the body —the vagus nerve is the superhighway that facilitates this communication. Healing Through the Vagus Nerve walks you through how the nervous system and the vagus nerve function, with approachable, non-academic language and helpful illustrations. Amanda Armstrong (founder of Rise as We) teaches all about vagal tone and the impact it has on your mental health and everyday life. Then, a variety of exercises and practices provide an adaptable approach to improving nervous system function: Breathing techniques including diaphragmatic breathing, physiological sigh, voo breath, and the Valsalva technique Massage techniques for the ear, neck, and abdomen Visual techniques including lateral eye stretches, eye pushups, orienting, eye cupping, and gaze opening Physical techniques including cold exposure, yoga, and more Featuring relatable client stories, key details of the author’s own journey healing her nervous system, and a selection of entry points to help engage with the process, Healing Through the Vagus Nerve is a complete guide to improving your stress response through optimizing your vagus nerve and nervous system. Learn how to work with your nervous system instead of against it.

'Your diet during the menopause is the most important choice you make, so read this book.' Tim Spector 'Nutrition is a hugely important part of menopause. Backed by science, this book has delicious ways of supporting our bodies when we really need it.' Davina McCall 'What an incredible book, full of brilliant recipes from Jane.' Angela Hartnett 'Fabulously informative with exceptionally good recipes. A great addition to the menopause cause.' Liz Earle MBE With ground-breaking scientific research from nutrition expert Dr Federica Amati and super-tasty, nourishing recipes from award-winning chef, Jane Baxter, Recipes for a Better Menopause will help you harness the power of food to optimise your health. Featuring Mediterranean-style dishes, from satisfying dinners to indulgent treats, the recipes are packed with nutrients, protein and essential vitamins to give your body the goodness it needs to thrive. Whether you want to combat sleeplessness, hot flushes and brain fog, or you simply want to feel better, physically and mentally, Recipes for a Better Menopause will give you the tools you need to transform your health.

“A whole brain/gut/body approach, conceptualized to calm the mind while simultaneously diminishing worry and panic.” —The Thirty Your diet plays a dynamic role on mood, emotions and brain-signaling pathways. Since brain chemistry is complicated, The Anti-Anxiety Diet breaks down exactly what you need to know and how to achieve positive results. Integrative dietitian and food-as-medicine guru Ali Miller applies science-based functional medicine to create a system that addresses anxiety while applying a ketogenic low-carb approach. By adopting The Anti-Anxiety Diet, you will reduce inflammation, repair gut integrity and provide your body with necessary nutrients in abundance. This plan balances your hormones and stress chemicals to help you feel even-keeled and relaxed. The book provides quizzes as well as advanced lab and supplement recommendations to help you discover and address the root causes of your body’s imbalances. The Anti-Anxiety Diet’s healthy approach supports your brain signaling while satiating cravings. And it features fifty delicious recipes, including: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast Zesty Creamy Carrot Soup Chai Panna Cotta Matcha Green Smoothie Carnitas Burrito Bowl Curry Roasted Cauliflower Seaweed Turkey Roll-Ups Greek Deviled Eggs