Did you know that the food you eat can directly impact the way your brain processes pain and responds to stress? This may seem like a surprising connection, but research has shown that a maladaptive central nervous system (CNS), can be influenced by dietary choices.

A maladaptive CNS is a condition where the brain's ability to regulate sensory input and adapt to changes is compromised, leading to amplified pain perception and other negative symptoms commonly associated with chronic pain conditions. In this article, we'll explore the impact of diet on the development and function of a maladaptive CNS and discuss how making healthy dietary choices can help improve its resilience and overall cognitive abilities. So, buckle up, put down that bag of chips, and get ready to learn how your diet can affect your central nervous system.

The Maladaptive Central Nervous System
A maladaptive CNS exhibits abnormal changes in its function that leads to amplified pain perception, impaired motor control, or other negative symptoms often associated with chronic pain conditions due to its inability to properly regulate sensory input and respond in an adaptive way. A maladaptive CNS can manifest in a variety of manners including chronic pain from central sensitization, poor descending inhibitory control, and decline in neuroplasticity.

Dietary choices can significantly impact the development and function of a maladaptive CNS by altering the way the brain processes sensory information and responds to stimuli. Research has shown that diet and exercise can have profound consequences for increasing the resilience of the CNS to injuries and for maintaining cognitive abilities. Both can influence the capability of the brain to fight disease and react to challenges.

Healthy diets, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, contained in foods such as salmon and turmeric, can stimulate molecular systems that serve neuronal function and plasticity in the brain and spinal cord and can elevate levels of molecules important for daily brain function, for example, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Conversely, unhealthy diets that consist of high amounts of saturated fats and sugars, as prevalent in “junk food,” do the opposite. A poor diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in the central nervous system, potentially leading to increased sensitivity to pain and stress.(1)

The Enteric Nervous System
This brings us to the enteric nervous system (ENS), this second brain both stores and produces neurotransmitters, serving as the scaffolding of interplay between the ENS, SNS, and CNS. Healthy brain function and modulation are dependent upon the microbiota’s [gut bugs] activity of the vagus nerve.(2)

Microbial factors, cytokines, and gut hormones can also impact cognition by finding their way to the brain through the gut mucosal system and its local immune system. This impacts not only cognition, but also emotion, mood, stress resilience, recovery, appetite, metabolic balance, interoception, and PAIN.(3) So, by process of logic, the food we eat, or fail to eat, directly impacts the health or dysfunction of this magnificently orchestrated system. One that directly and profoundly impacts our brain, our body, and our being.

In conclusion, it is evident that our dietary choices play a crucial role in the health and function of our central nervous system. By consuming nutrient-rich foods, we can promote the resilience of our CNS and maintain cognitive abilities. On the other hand, a diet filled with processed and unhealthy foods can have detrimental effects on our brain and spinal cord, leading to inflammation and increased sensitivity. It is up to us to make mindful and deliberate choices when it comes to what we eat, as it directly impacts our overall well-being. As the saying goes, "You are what you eat," and this rings true for the health of our CNS.

Learn how to nourish our bodies and minds with wholesome and nourishing foods, and in turn, strengthen the powerhouse that is our central nervous system. As always, the conversation doesn't end here. Let's continue to explore and discuss the impact of diet on our bodies, CNS, and strive towards optimal brain health. Join Megan Pribyl for Nutrition Perspectives for the Pelvic Rehab Therapist to gain vital and clarifying information in her next course scheduled for February 22-23, 2025.

Resources

1. Gomez-Pinilla F, Gomez AG. The influence of dietary factors in central nervous system plasticity and injury recovery. PM R. 2011 Jun;3(6 Suppl 1):S111-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2011.03.001. PMID: 21703566; PMCID: PMC3258094.
2. Turna, J., Grosman Kaplan, K., Anglin, R., & Van Ameringen, M. (2016). "What's Bugging the Gut in OCD?" a Review of the Gut Microbiome in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Depress Anxiety, 33(3), 171-178. doi:10.1002/da.22454
3. Lerner, A., Neidhofer, S., & Matthias, T. (2017). The Gut Microbiome Feelings of the Brain: A Perspective for Non-Microbiologists. Microorganisms, 5(4). doi:10.3390/microorganisms5040066

AUTHOR BIO
Megan Pribyl, PT, CMPT, CMTPT/DN, PCES

Megan Pribyl, PT, CMPT, CMTPT/DN, PCES (she/her) is a mastery-level physical therapist at the University of Kansas Health System in Olathe, KS treating a diverse outpatient population in orthopedics including pelvic health, pregnancy, and postpartum rehabilitation – all with integration of health and wellness. She began her PT career in 2000 after graduating from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center with her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. Prior, she earned her dual degree in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences (B.S. Foods & Nutrition, B.S. Kinesiology) in 1998 from Kansas State University. Later, she obtained her CMPT from the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy and became certified in dry needling in 2019. Since 2015, she has been a faculty member of Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehab Institute and enjoys both teaching and developing content. She created and instructs Nutrition Perspectives for the Pelvic Rehab Therapist offered remotely through Herman & Wallace. She also teaches Pelvic Function – Level 1, Pregnancy Rehabilitation and Postpartum Rehabilitation. She brings many years of experience and insight to all courses. As a content developer, Megan has also contributed to the Herman & Wallace Oncology Series, Pelvic Function Level 2A, as well as the Pelvic Function Series Capstone Course.

Megan’s longstanding passion for both nutritional sciences and manual therapy culminated in her creating Nutrition Perspectives for the Pelvic Rehab Therapist designed to propel understanding of human physiology as it relates to pelvic conditions, pain, healing, and therapeutic response. She harnesses her passion to integrate ancient and traditional practices with cutting-edge discoveries creating a unique experience sure to elevate your level of appreciation for the complex and fascinating nature of clinical presentations in orthopedic manual therapy and pelvic rehabilitation. Clinicians will come away from this course with both simple and practical integrative tools that can be immediately utilized to help clients and providers alike - along their path of healing.

Megan enjoys her many fulfilling roles as an instructor, clinician, wife, and mom to two active teenagers and owner of two rambunctious golden retrievers. She loves to read, cook, be in the great outdoors, travel, and spend time with her family and friends. She has a passion for both the mountains and the beach, exploring scientific literature, and learning all she can about the power of using nature, nurture, and nutrition to heal and sustain health.