How does our organism integrate within itself and with its environment? What role does the autonomic nervous system play in that regard? Let us briefly explore those questions.
As Dr. Ray Peat describes in his article Autonomic Systems, the autonomic nerves extend from the brain, through the spine, into all the diverse organs and tissues. The two branches, sympathetic (flight or flight) and parasympathetic (vegetative), can be seen as having opposing actions on the respective organs and tissues. The sympathetic intensifies energy expenditure while the parasympathetic limits energy expenditure. These are, in turn, regulated by the cortex of the brain, according to the overall needs of the organism.
The ultimate function of these systems, as described by Dr. Peat, is for the integration and optimization of energy throughout the organism. When energy is adequate, the activity of these systems is minimal. When energy is inadequate, the cortex of the brain adjusts their activity in order to stabilize energy in the respective organ or tissue. The primary mechanism for the influence of the autonomic systems is the various transmitters, including histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and adrenalin, all of which can impose further stress on the organism if their activity is excessive. Thus, the importance of supporting optimal cell, tissue, and organ energy so as to minimize the activity of the autonomic systems.
Also of relevance here is the observation that an environment that provides choices and allows for meaningful and complex interactions minimizes the toxic effects of over activity of the parasympathetic (energy sparing) system. In other words, when choices are limited, energy expenditure is reduced, and energy production is inhibited, having systemic and long-term ramifications.
References
Autonomic Systems - Ray Peat's Newsletter, 2006
The Dark Side of Stress - Ray Peat's Newsletter, 2013
