Nutrition Response Testing: Correcting Issues of the Autonomic Nervous System

What is Nutrition Response Testing?

Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) is a non-invasive system of analyzing the body to determine underlying causes of ill health. Developed by physicians and neurologists, NRT focuses on detecting and correcting imbalances in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which governs essential bodily functions. This method aims to restore the body's self-regulating mechanisms, enabling individuals to return to a state of health.

Research emphasizes the significance of the autonomic nervous system in maintaining homeostasis. Dysfunction in the ANS is associated with various health conditions, from gastrointestinal disorders to cardiovascular issues (Porges, 2009). NRT offers a targeted approach to address these imbalances holistically.

Factors Contributing to Imbalances

NRT practitioners identify six common contributors to autonomic nervous system dysfunction:

1. Undiagnosed food allergies - Food sensitivities can provoke chronic inflammation and disrupt gut-brain communication (Chaudhary & Truswell, 2018).
2. Heavy metal toxicity - Accumulation of metals like lead and mercury interferes with cellular signaling and enzyme function (Tchounwou et al., 2012).
3. Petroleum chemical toxicity - Exposure to environmental pollutants, such as BPA, affects endocrine and nervous system health (Rubin, 2011).
4. Chronic unresolved infections and scars - Lingering infections can create systemic inflammation, impacting the ANS (Tracey, 2002).
5. Unresolved psychological stress - Chronic stress dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, influencing the ANS (McEwen, 2007).
6. Electromagnetic stress - Emerging studies suggest that electromagnetic fields may disrupt neural communication and cellular health (Balmori, 2015).

How Does Nutrition Response Testing Work?

NRT operates on principles similar to holistic practices like acupuncture and chiropractic care, emphasizing the body’s innate ability to heal. By analyzing muscle reflexes and energy flow, practitioners pinpoint areas of stress and dysfunction.

The autonomic nervous system, often referred to as the body's "control center," regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, hormone levels, and more (Shields et al., 2017). When imbalances occur, they manifest as symptoms, signaling underlying issues.

NRT practitioners interpret these signals through a combination of muscle testing and targeted nutritional support, aiming to eliminate barriers to health such as toxins, infections, or stressors. By addressing these root causes, NRT seeks to optimize ANS function and overall wellness.

Benefits of Nutrition Response Testing

NRT often proves effective where conventional treatments fall short, particularly in managing chronic and complex conditions. Examples include:

1. Allergies and chronic infections
2. Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
3. Hormonal imbalances (e.g., PMS, menopause)
4. Digestive disorders (e.g., IBS, GERD)
5. Neurological conditions (e.g., MS, ADHD, seizures)
6. Mood disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression)

By restoring balance to the ANS, NRT addresses the root cause of symptoms rather than merely treating them. This holistic approach promotes long-term health and vitality.

Conclusion

Nutrition Response Testing offers a comprehensive method for identifying and correcting autonomic nervous system dysfunction. By addressing contributing factors such as toxins, stress, and dietary imbalances, NRT empowers the body to heal naturally. Research continues to validate the importance of addressing ANS health as a cornerstone of overall well-being.

References

1. Balmori, A. (2015). Electromagnetic pollution from phone masts. Reviews on Environmental Health, 30(1), 99-104.
2. Chaudhary, N., & Truswell, A. S. (2018). Food allergies and their impact on health. Nutritional Reviews, 76(5), 351-363.
3. McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1113(1), 57-67.
4. Porges, S. W. (2009). The polyvagal theory: New insights into autonomic regulation. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1179(1), 116-135.
5. Rubin, B. S. (2011). Bisphenol A: An endocrine disruptor. Fertility and Sterility, 95(1), 49-54.
6. Shields, R. W., et al. (2017). Autonomic nervous system: Clinical disorders and diagnostics. Neurology Clinics, 35(2), 191-205.
7. Tchounwou, P. B., et al. (2012). Heavy metals toxicity and the environment. EXS, 101, 133-164.
8. Tracey, K. J. (2002). The inflammatory reflex. Nature, 420(6917), 853-859.