Your Physiology

Every move you make has its origins in your nervous system.

Your nervous system is incredibly complex and contains many subsystems. Your main system is the Central Nervous System which encompasses your brain and spinal column. One of the subsystems below the Central Nervous System is the Autonomic Nervous System which subdivides again into the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

These two sub-sub-systems perform completely opposite, but complimentary, functions for total body activation. They ebb and flow within your body on a daily basis as you engage with the world. While these are two separate systems, it is helpful to envision them on a spectrum.

The Sympathetic System is your accelerated “fight or flight’ system. For example, your child runs out in front of a car and you have to spring into action. The automatic engagement of your Sympathetic System allows you to respond immediately. The opposite end of the spectrum, the Parasympathetic System, is what allows you to wind down at the end of the day and fall asleep once you know your child is safe.

We are all born with a unique distribution of these tendencies. Your unique combination has major implications for the way your body burns fuel and stores fat, your height, weight, fat distribution, energy levels, anxiety, and ability to digest certain foods.

If you have a tendency towards Sympathetic activation you may be more ‘accelerated’ and characterized by high energy. You would tend to be a rapid and precise thinker. Physically, you would likely be taller than average, and thinner than many of your family members. You wouldn’t typically have to watch what you eat to maintain a healthy weight and you probably don’t like to eat meat very often.

If you are someone with more of a Parasympathetic tendency you are likely more decelerated overall, and characterized by mellow or calm energy. You would tend to be described as relaxed and ‘easy going’ and don’t get easily worked up about many things. Physically, you are probably average or below average height with a softer body. You likely have a tendency to gain weight easily and are drawn to salty or fatty foods like chips, chocolate or cake.

One system is not better or preferred over the other. The ideal scenario is to have both of these systems functioning in harmony. That is, we can accelerate when we need to and decelerate when necessary as well.

All genetic combinations can result in a lean, energetic and healthy body if you understand your unique predispositions and align your lifestyle with your body’s requirements.

Gain a better understanding of your unique genetic predispositions.
CLICK HERE to complete a Genetic Profile.