Practice Building: Parasympathetic Support Through Digestive Health*

At Enzyme Science, we believe that great health starts with healthy digestion. As practitioners, you understand that healthy digestion involves a whole lot more than what goes in and how it goes out. Beyond digestion, the gut is an epicenter for the immune and nervous systems — and can serve as a barometer for the well-being of both. 

A lot of that has to do with the vagus nerve and the parasympathetic nervous system. Since the parasympathetic nervous system is nicknamed the “rest and digest” system, its connection to digestion can’t be ignored! 

Additionally, the enteric nervous system – often called the “gut brain” – is directly connected to the central nervous system through the vagus nerve and the millions of neurons that line the digestive tract. 

In today’s busy, always-connected world, it can be hard at times to transition into a relaxed state that’s more supportive of digestion.* Read on for some science-backed tips and formulas that you can share with your clients.* 

Make meals a multisensory experience.* 

While some believe digestion starts with the first bite of food, between 30% and 50% of acid production can be attributed to sensory stimuli alone. This first step of digestion, also known as the cephalic stage, includes visualization, smell and eventually tasting. Studies show just the sight of food or smell (or a combination of both) increases gastric acid secretion. 

The cephalic phase is mediated through the vagus nerve and its effect on parasympathetic neurons in the stomach, therefore stimulating acid secretion. Learn more about how to support stomach acid production naturally.* 

Tip: Taking a few moments at the beginning of each meal to breathe deeply, inhaling the aromas and noticing any sensory details, can help prep the body for mealtime.  

Integrate probiotics into the routine.* 

One of their major roles (dubbed “the 3 Cs” by Julia Craven, Enzymedica’s vice-president of education) is to communicate. “They get involved by communication between the gut and the brain (via the vagus nerve and neurotransmitters), immune system (via cytokines and T cells) and more,” she says. Learn more about probiotics for mood.*

Tip: If taking another capsule isn’t something you want to add to your client’s to-do list, consider a 2-in-1 probiotic and enzyme formula like Complete Digestion or Critical Digestion.*  

Take note of motility as well as regularity.*

Think back to that gut-brain axis. When the mind is experiencing times of stress or big emotions, the body diverts attention to those more crucial tasks. This can throw digestion off-schedule. If your client needs support with regularity, starting with fiber is usually a safe bet (since only 5% of adults get enough).* Focus on gentle, soothing support to keep things on schedule.* The ProDigest® in our GI Motility Complex has been shown in clinical studies to support healthy motility and digestive comfort.* In one study, 82% of participants reported digestive comfort with ProDigest®.* Learn more about supporting healthy motility.* 

Tip: Many of the same habits that can relieve everyday stress can also promote regularity and healthy motility — such as exercise and making time to relax. That includes bathroom visits. Remind clients to give themselves time and consider using a small stool to elevate the feet and make it easier to pass BMs comfortably. 

Focus on the breath during stressful moments.

Breathing through the diaphragm — including sighing — can stimulate the vagus nerve and help shift us toward a more relaxed state. Singing and humming can also support this shift. While singing to oneself before a meal might not be an option, taking a few deep breaths is a convenient tool for relaxation. 

Tip: Think back to the “multisensory” experience of mealtime. Pausing for some intentional breaths may help create a more relaxing atmosphere and allow more time for gastric acid secretion.* 

We hope these tips help you and your clients enjoy healthy, more relaxing meals!