How Poor Digestion Affects a Dysregulated Nervous System
Starting the process of healing conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, POTS, or Fibromyalgia is complex and confusing. One of the hardest things I came across was figuring out what I could or couldn’t eat, or which vitamins I could or couldn’t take.
All parts of the body connect. People often call the gut the “second brain” because millions of neurons exist in the gastrointestinal tract. This system works alongside the central nervous system, and it assists in regulating digestion, mood, and overall well-being.
When digestion is compromised, the entire body can feel the effects. Conditions like IBS or food sensitivities can hinder nutrient absorption. Imbalanced gut flora or a leaky gut can leave the body deprived of essential vitamins and minerals. This nutrient deficiency can negatively affect the nervous system, worsening dysregulation. It creates a vicious cycle of symptoms.
The nutrients we obtain from food play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the nervous system. There are vitamins that help to regulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and support nerve function. The gut plays a vital role in the production of serotonin, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Around 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, and poor digestion or an unhealthy gut microbiome impairs this process. As a result, someone with a dysregulated nervous system and poor digestion may experience a further decrease in mood, energy, and overall nervous system stability. If digestion is not working properly your body isn’t getting any benefits from the food you are eating.
For some people, they can start to become overly sensitive to certain vitamins or supplements. This was a problem for me personally. I only could stand taking any supplement for too long before it would start to do weird things to me. Even certain herbal and medicinal teas would cause me problems, particularly teas that helped address issues with cardiovascular health. They would give me major heart palpitations. I have read that people who have conditions such as POTS also suffer with this similar issue.
You might be wondering if you have bad digestion or want more details about it. What I’m about to share is personal and uncomfortable, but I think it’s important. I’ll explain the digestive issues I’ve experienced. If any of these sound familiar, it might help you understand what’s happening in your body.
When I first started getting really sick, one of the most concerning symptoms was my stool color. It was incredibly pale, almost clay-colored. Naturally, I turned to the internet and, of course, I read that this could be a sign of a bile issue. Immediately, I started to panic, thinking something was seriously wrong with my liver.
Another issue I faced was constipation, which I experienced a lot of, but at times, the pattern would shift, and I’d end up with diarrhea. But overall, constipation was the most frequent issue. And there were moments when I would experience something strange; stools that had no form at all. It wasn’t exactly diarrhea, but it also wasn’t formed in any recognizable way. It made me wonder what was happening in my body, as it was just so unexplainable.
At other times, my stool would be a darker brown. While this may seem normal at first glance, it can indicate that your digestion is slowing down. When bile has sat in your system too long, it can come out darker than usual.
So as you can see, nothing with my stool has been consistent for well over 5 years now. All the things I listed in random order but the bottom line; I am almost certain I wasn’t getting any benefits from the foods I was eating. If nothing is being absorbed, it’s all just being used up with no real benefit and it’s basically just wasted energy.
When dealing with a dysregulated nervous system, it’s crucial to understand the role that digestion plays in the overall picture. Poor digestion and nutrient deficiencies can exacerbate nervous system dysregulation, creating a cycle of symptoms that can be challenging to break. By addressing digestive health and supporting proper nutrient absorption, individuals can help restore balance to both their gut and nervous system, improving their overall quality of life.
If you’re finding that vitamins and supplements are causing reactions, it may be a sign that your body is struggling to process them. Taking a gentler, more holistic approach to nutrition and self-care can help support both your gut and nervous system in the long term. Remember, healing is a journey, and taking small, thoughtful steps can lead to lasting improvements. I really struggled with this part; small steps and even when I thought I was taking small steps, it turned out it was still too fast. Hang in there…just be patient with yourself and let your body know that you are not trying to force it, you are only trying to let it know that it is safe.
I personally felt a lot of hopelessness all throughout my life, and this definitely manifested when I was beginning to feel very sick. Having an illness like this, it’s even hard to know what to eat. If you are experiencing the same thing, I understand. My heart goes out to you.
Links
PMC
Exploring Link Between Vitamin Deficiencies & Neurological Symptoms – Premier Neurology & Wellness Center
