That’s exactly what I discovered when I started looking deeper into the role of the nervous system. I was shocked to realize how much my stress levels were blocking absorption and wasting nutrients.
When your body is on high alert, digestion and assimilation take a back seat.
Here’s why your nervous system state is one of the most overlooked keys to supplement effectiveness:
– The parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”) is where optimal digestion, absorption, and enzyme activation occur.
– The sympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) redirects resources away from digestion to deal with perceived stress.
– If you’re taking your supplements in a rushed, distracted, or tense state—your body may not be fully absorbing them.
This isn’t just theory. It’s physiology.
What I’ve learned about maximizing your supplements’ impact:
– Your CNS state matters more than you think
– Relaxation improves enzymatic activity and nutrient transport
– Parasympathetic tone supports gut health and microbial balance
– Stress blunts absorption and increases inflammation
Simple ways to activate rest-and-digest mode before meals or supplements:
– Deep breathing for 60 seconds
– Meditation, humming, singing, or vagus nerve stimulation
– Creating a calm, screen-free environment
– Chewing slowly and eating mindfully
A relaxed body is a receptive body.
If you want to truly optimize your health stack, start by calming your system.
What’s one ritual that helps you shift out of stress mode?
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