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Parents always strive to give their children the best when it comes to their health. If a child has been dealing with chronic illnesses, many parents might have tried everything from traditional medical approaches to biomedical interventions. But what if there’s a hidden cause of inflammation that’s often overlooked? Let’s explore vagus nerve dysfunction and nervous system dysregulation.
It’s often said that “inflammation is the root of all disease,” and while inflammation plays a significant role in many chronic illnesses—including those affecting the gut, immune system, brain, and nervous system—it’s not the whole picture. Conditions like autism, ADHD, anxiety, and epilepsy are linked to chronic inflammation, but just focusing on inflammation might not be enough to resolve these issues.
The Rising Tide of Chronic Conditions in Children
Recent research shows that about 27% of children in the United States have a chronic condition, and 1 in 15 have multiple chronic conditions. These numbers are on the rise, suggesting that traditional medical approaches might not be effectively tackling the root causes of these health challenges. This is where understanding the nervous system and the vagus nerve becomes crucial.
The Missing Piece: Stress and Nervous System Dysfunction
While traditional and biomedical approaches often center on diet changes, detoxes, and supplements to combat inflammation, they might be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. Chronic stress is a significant contributor to inflammation, even in children, and it can lead to dysfunction in the vagus nerve and autonomic nervous system.
The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve in the body, plays a vital role in regulating the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response. When this nerve is compromised due to subluxations or interference along its pathway, it can lead to gut and immune system dysfunction, allowing inflammation to take over.
The Vagus Nerve-Immune System Connection
Recent scientific discoveries have shown a strong connection between the vagus nerve and the immune system, particularly in controlling and regulating inflammation. When the vagus nerve is functioning properly, it helps keep inflammation in check. However, when it’s dysfunctional, the body’s ability to manage inflammation is compromised, leading to a wide range of chronic health issues.
So, how can it be determined if a child’s vagus nerve is stressed and dysfunctional? The Neurological INSiGHT Scans we use at E320 Chiropractic, especially NeuroThermal testing, can detect areas of subluxation, nervous system interference, inflammation, and temperature changes in the spine, indicating vagus nerve dysfunction and nervous system dysregulation.
Another valuable tool is Heart Rate Variability (HRV) testing, which measures the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. This test can reveal dysautonomia and the body’s ability to manage stress and inflammation.
The Path to Healing
If a child is struggling with inflammation-related symptoms such as immune or autoimmune disorders, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, seizures, or other neuroimmune-related health challenges, it might be time to look beyond just managing symptoms with diet changes and supplements.
Balancing the autonomic nervous system and optimizing vagus nerve function is key to resolving persistent inflammation that doesn’t respond to traditional or biomedical interventions. By identifying and addressing the root cause of a child’s chronic inflammation and health struggles, parents can set their child on the path to true healing and wellness.
Once vagus nerve dysfunction has been identified, there are various safe, simple, and gentle ways to stimulate and activate this essential part of the nervous system. These methods can help restore balance and reduce inflammation.
Parents should be well-informed about the various factors contributing to their children’s health challenges. If vagus nerve dysfunction is suspected, give our office a call at 864-367-6766 to schedule your child’s consultation and full neurological exam. Our team of excellent Care Advocates can’t wait to hear from you and help guide you as you start your child’s journey to optimal health. Remember, addressing the root cause of a child’s health challenges is the key to a healthier and more vibrant life for them!