In last month's column, I discussed the influence of calcium and potassium on the function of the autonomic nervous system. In particular, I pointed out that potassium deficiencies produce a weakened parasympathetic response to hypothalamic signals to any tissue required to function in that "mode" to maintain homeostasis.

Ringer (solution) demonstrated in the 1940s that calcium acts much the same as stimulation of the sympathetic nerves while potassium and sodium produce a parasympathetic (vagus) effect.

He showed that normal control of the heart muscle depends upon a certain equilibrium between the action of the sympathetic and the vagus nerves supplying the heart and a relative proportion between the ions, particularly the calcium and potassium inside the cells. A relative increase in calcium over potassium produced a sympathetic effect (increased rate and force of contraction). Conversely, a relative increase in potassium over calcium increased parasympathetic action.

Interestingly, when they cut the splanchnic nerves, the serum calcium level dropped. When the vagus was cut, it rose. This, therefore, showed the definite relationship between nerves and electrolytes. It should be emphasized that it is the ion content of the tissues that must be studied, not just the blood. Other studies of that time period confirmed that what was found in the heart was also true in the bronchi, the gastrointestinal tract, the skin and nasal passages and the eye.

Today, of course, these relationships are recognized to be in effect throughout the body, and we can draw the following clinical rules of thumb: Potassium deficiency = symptoms of sympathetic dominance = muscle contraction in the upper cervical spine.

Potassium is required for the assimilation of simple sugars and the greater the consumption of mineral deficient simple (refined) sugars, the more likely a potassium deficiency exists. In fact, one of the major causes of potassium deficiencies in North America is excessive sugar consumption and not diuretic use, as many suppose.

Sympathetic dominance can occur by default when potassium deficiencies occur and vagus innervation to the tissues becomes inadequate. One of the effects of sympathetic dominance is vasoconstriction with an elevation of blood pressure. While this is certainly desirable during a "fright, flight or fight" scenario, it is not desirable to be "locked in that mode" every day, all day, because of diet.

Curiously, the narrowing of blood vessels by continued sympathetic stimulation (by default due to potassium deficiency) has similar effects to the narrowing of blood vessels caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits on the side of blood vessel walls. This is caused for the most part by accumulation of fat in the blood, which is the result of excessive consumption of simple sugars and a lack of complex carbohydrates and fiber. It is also caused by the lack of adequate amounts of lipid-digesting enzymes to remove the fat.

Nutritionally, it has long been known that the integrity of the blood vessel walls are related to the fat/sterol content of the blood, cholesterol and triglyceride accumulations, and fatty acid deficiencies. Much has been written in recent years regarding the value of fiber for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. A high fiber diet has been useful (to a point) for lowering these levels. This same diet is used for diabetes, which is also caused by excessive fats in the bloodstream which automatically depresses the amount of insulin the pancreas produces.

It has been long observed that patients with biliary stasis, and thus the inability to properly digest and assimilate fats, overeat simple sugars. This leaves them susceptible to potassium deficiencies, lack of adequate parasympathetic response, and produces symptoms of sympathetic dominance, one of which is to further reduce digestion, including hydrochloric acid production and bile secretion. A vicious cycle that, once started, perpetuates itself into chronic degenerative disease.

This seemingly complicated nutritional scenario leads us back to the spine and to the related viscero-somatic connections found in Meric Zone Two (the axis place).

Associated contraction

While muscle contractions will occur locally in those muscles neurologically related to the tissue/organ in question, a primary area of involvement in any parasympathetic weakness/sympathetic dominance is always the upper cervical area (vagus nerve). In this zone, the Temporalis and Sternocleidomastoid are elongated, weakened, and stretch sensitive, thus affecting jaw closure, neck flexion and rotation.

There is tenderness on the side of the head that may be traceable from the mastoid process, around the ear, and into the temporal fossa. It may even continue below the temple, and above the orbit or down over the angle of the mandible and ramus of the jaw.

Associated symptoms are:

*** History of diabetes in yourself or family.

*** High blood pressure.

*** High blood triglycerides levels.

*** Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when changing positions.

*** Pain on the side of the head or in the temples.