Spiritual growth - a journey in AI art; & Polyvagal theory, P2X receptors and vitamin B6 are highlighted.
Polyvagal theory, a counseling method, by creator Stephen Porges, explained with a graphic from his website. And a Cameo appearance from Vincent Van Gogh.
Regarding AI art or chat prompts - “Tell it exactly what you want - The AI is not psychic” - as I saw suggested somewhere. Or should I give it some room to show me what it “thinks”? I like the idea of seeing what an Artificial Intelligence will think - it is not psychic, but it is a foreign intelligence. …. Surprise me!
Vitamin B6, P2X receptors, and vagal nerve dysfunction
*Post got too long for email with the B6/P2X receptor addition at the end - tl;dr - if you have tingling numbness in your fingers, (or vagal nerve dysfunction) then lack of vitamin B6 may be an underlying causal factor, not just lack of methyl B12, . . . magnesium, or cannabinoids. Low vitamin B6 related neuropathy may be more of a risk for people who also have a genetic or dietary lack of folate or B12, older adults, or people with diabetes, hypothyroidism, or with pre-existing large-fiber neuropathy.
Symptoms of vagal dysfunction might present as tachycardia and dizziness upon standing up suddenly, or bradycardia, a slowed heart rate may also occur. Mental illness symptoms might also occur with deficiency in vitamin B6 (and/or zinc - both are lost in pyroluria, an often undiagnosed and untreated genetic based condition).
Vagal dysfunction, means impaired ability to regulate our heart rate, or to calm down and digest food well. The Parasympathetic response is our calm, the Sympathetic response is our fight/flight/fright fear response. Modern lights and stimulation from EMF and sound and diet can all keep us more in the fear response mode of living - hypervigilant and tense - and that is inflammatory and damaging over time. A graphic included later, by Stephen Porges, shows the two systems depicted in his Polyvagal theory. Addition - impaired parasympathetic response became part of document - mAChRs & Nicotine, (sync.com/pdf), parts of which are in this recent post: Coffee and nicotine - health habits for our new era? Cholinergic blocking of mAChRs can affect hair growth - is my alopecia a shedding 'booster' side effect? (Substack)
AI art ‘prompts’ - Better to be precise or better to give the AI room to ‘do art’? . . . that is the Shakespearian question of this post.
I gave fairly ephemeral descriptions for the following art, around a theme of “Deliverance” - deliverance from entrapment by self or situation: “The wise and contented human has everything he or she needs to accomplish the task of letting go, whether it applies to a bad habit or situation, or anything that requires immediate removal to assure success.” (I Ching Number 40) I like the creations generated by my vague ‘prompts’.
‘Independent journey through the universe.’
‘Breaking free from self-confining webs of thought.’
‘Deliverance from feeling trapped by convention.’
‘Enlightenment is on the other side of self-doubt.’
‘Joy in life is an attitude.’
This one was more trouble for the AI - we weren’t on the same page. I regenerated several times, and the AI tends to go black and white eventually when you do that. It offers 4 pics with each ‘Generate’ and you can choose a different style when you regenerate, or just regenerate. I eventually picked this black and white image as it seems to represent what we might see when we aren’t looking with an attitude of joy - life is more bleak, linear, and a little confusing. *Or this is the Communist version of Strength in Joy.
‘Peace is a state of mind and nutrients.’
‘Universal love flows through everything.’
Early childhood trauma is a risk factor for having an impaired parasympathetic response - trapping ourselves in the fear response -
- leaving difficulty returning to a state of calm after a stressor occurred
- or constant hypervigilance.
Early childhood trauma can leave the adult with an impaired parasympathetic response – difficulty relaxing, and constantly on hyperalert for danger, or over thinking and worrying instead of living in the present. (Brave AI summary)
Childhood Trauma and the Adult Nervous System, (brainharmony.com).
Learn more about Stephen Porges polyvagal theory on his nonprofit site: What is Polyvagal Theory? (polyvagalinstitute.org).
What if Vincent Van Gogh had been well nourished? *for his particular genetic/individual needs.
This one was a bit of a curveball from the Substack AI with /Paint selected for the prompt, and it leads to asking myself “What if Van Gogh hadn’t cut off his own ear?”
‘A state of feeling safe and free from worry’.
‘A state of feeling safe and free from worry’… can be ours even in challenging times, when we are well nourished - lack of zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins is frequently associated with symptoms of mental illness - restore the nutrient balance and the mood and thinking can clear up too.
For example - with a pyroluria condition, chronically low zinc and vitamin B6 are possible. Based on this review - I should be more consistent with my B6 supplements and maybe increase use to more frequent, or a higher dose, or switch to the bioactive P5P form. “Positive Psychology” or “talk therapy” can be very frustrating or impossible when the brain is simply out of whack - to use a layperson description. Trying to talk rationally about an irrational mind is just a way to bill a good insurance policy…a thorough nutrition screening and treatment might help the person return to rationality a lot faster than talk therapy alone.
“Signs and symptoms of pyridoxine deficiency:
Individuals with borderline vitamin B6 concentrations or mild deficiency might have no signs or symptoms for months or even years. Those with prolonged or severe pyridoxine deficiency may experience peripheral neuropathy and a pellagra-like syndrome. Pellagra is a disease that occurs when a person does not receive enough of vitamin B3, or niacin. It is characterized by dermatitis, dementia, and diarrhea. In those with pyridoxine deficiency, individuals may often experience skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis, which is characterized by a red, itchy rash on the scalp, face, neck and upper chest. It typically has an oily, flaky appearance and may cause swelling or white patches. One of the functions of vitamin B6 is to produce collagen, a protein in the skin that provides strength and elasticity. Without adequate levels of Vitamin B6, the skin barrier may break down, leading to dermatological conditions. Cheilosis (i.e., scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth) and glossitis (i.e., swollen tongue) are also characteristic signs. In the case of glossitis, the tongue becomes enlarged, smooth, and red as it loses the papillae, or raised protrusions, on the tongue.
Importantly, deficiency of B6 can cause nerve damage, leading to burning, shooting and tingling pain in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It may feel like “pins and needles” and can also result in clumsiness, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Individuals may also experience confusion, depression, electroencephalogram abnormalities, seizures, and a weakened immune system. Vitamin B6 is necessary for the production of antibodies and white blood cells, such as T cells, needed to fight infection. Without these cells regulating the immune function, it is unable to respond appropriately. Additionally, microcytic anemia, characterized by the presence of small, pale red blood cells, can also occur as the body needs vitamin B6 to make hemoglobin and increase the amount of oxygen carried by hemoglobin. In infants, vitamin B6 deficiency causes irritability, abnormal hearing, and convulsive seizures.”
Pyridoxine Deficiency - What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis, and More, By Lily Guo, Editors: Alyssa Haag,Józia McGowan, DO, Illustrator: Jillian Dunbar, Copyeditor: David G. Walker, Modified: 28 Mar 2022
Putting two and two together to get five - neuropathy induced by chronic vitamin B6 deficiency might also lead to vagal nerve dysfunction . . . and an impaired Parasympathetic response. I have been having tingling fingers now, kind of all of the time and it has been tingling more on my feet now too. I need to take my daily self-care seriously because my body really needs the extra help - having had more severe deficiencies initially when I first learned of pyroluria I know what I want to avoid, but chronic long-term damage is something I don’t want to learn more about on a first hand, (or foot), basis. *puntentional
B6 Deficiency and Vagal Dysfunction (Brave AI)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the nervous system, including the vagus nerve. Deficiencies in B6 have been linked to various neurological disorders, including peripheral neuropathy and vagal nerve dysfunction.
Mechanisms of B6 Deficiency-Induced Vagal Nerve Dysfunction
Impaired neurotransmitter synthesis: B6 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate vagal nerve function. Deficiencies in B6 can disrupt neurotransmitter production, leading to impaired vagal nerve signaling.
Oxidative stress and inflammation: B6 deficiency can lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system, which can damage vagal nerve fibers and disrupt their function.
Disrupted mitochondrial function: B6 is involved in the regulation of mitochondrial function, which is critical for maintaining the health of vagal nerve fibers. Deficiencies in B6 can impair mitochondrial function, leading to vagal nerve dysfunction.
Clinical Manifestations of B6 Deficiency-Induced Vagal Nerve Dysfunction
Neurological symptoms: Patients with B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction may experience symptoms such as:
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
Dysarthria (slurred speech)
Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
Hypertension
Gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g., constipation, diarrhea)
Autonomic dysfunction: Vagal nerve dysfunction can lead to autonomic nervous system imbalances, resulting in symptoms such as:
Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing) **I have had this already a couple times during past illness flair-ups ~ POTS. Taking methyl folate and reducing bad air and/or smoking helped me to reverse it.
Bradycardia (slow heart rate)
Hyperventilation
Treatment and Prevention
Supplementation: Vitamin B6 supplementation can help alleviate symptoms of vagal nerve dysfunction in individuals with deficiencies. ** I try to take a 100 or 200 mg supplement of B6 or P5P in the morning and the evening and I take 50 mg zinc for the pyroluria, too.
Dietary changes: Increasing dietary intake of B6-rich foods, such as meat, fish, and whole grains, can help prevent deficiencies.
Management of underlying conditions: Addressing underlying conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders or infections, can help prevent B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction.
In conclusion, B6 deficiency can contribute to vagal nerve dysfunction by impairing neurotransmitter synthesis, inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and disrupting mitochondrial function. Recognizing the relationship between B6 deficiency and vagal nerve dysfunction is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment of related neurological disorders.
Follow up
Which specific subpopulations are most vulnerable to B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction?
Nutritional status: Deficiencies in other nutrients, such as vitamin B12 or folate, might interact with B6 deficiency to exacerbate vagal nerve dysfunction.
Diabetes: Diabetic patients may be more prone to small-fiber dysfunction due to their underlying condition, making them more vulnerable to B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction.
Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone plays a role in regulating nerve function, and hypothyroidism may predispose individuals to small-fiber dysfunction, increasing their susceptibility to B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction.
Animal studies suggest that large-diameter nerve fibers, particularly those in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), are more vulnerable to pyridoxine (PN)-induced neuropathy. This may translate to increased susceptibility in subpopulations with larger-diameter nerve fibers, such as:
Older adults: Age-related decline in nerve fiber diameter and density might exacerbate the vulnerability to B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction.
Individuals with pre-existing large-fiber neuropathy: Those with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which primarily affect large-diameter nerve fibers, might be more susceptible to B6 deficiency-induced vagal nerve dysfunction.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, The Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review - PMC
mdpi.com, Nutrients | Free Full-Text | The Role of Vitamin B6 in Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review
‘Vitamin B6 deficiency and delusive thought’
‘Nerve flow during nutrition adequacy - wellness visualized.’
The Carnivore crowd won’t like this one - paint your life with the beauty you want.
Our minds can be a scary place to go alone - pack a snack at least.
Vitamin B6 can inhibit P2X receptors which mediate excitatory signaling of parasympathetic cardiac vagal neurons - affecting heart rate. Vitamin B6 deficiency can lead to tachycardia - rapid heart rate, but chronic autonomic dysfunction may also lead to bradycardia - slow heart rate. Our ability to self-regulate to varied situations may be impaired. Related search (Brave AI)
“Here we show that P2X receptor activation mediates respiratory-related excitatory neurotransmission to parasympathetic cardiac vagal neurons, the dominant control of heart rate. These data demonstrate a critical functional role for adenosine 5′-triphosphate–mediated purinergic signaling in facilitating respiratory-related excitatory neurotransmission to cardiac vagal neurons after hypoxia.” (Griffioen, et al., 2007)
A follow up question - What is the role of P2X receptors in immune cell function and activation, particularly in autoimmune diseases?
P2X Receptors in Immune Cell Function (Brave AI follow-up)
P2X receptors, a family of ionotropic receptors, play a crucial role in immune cell function and activation, particularly in autoimmune diseases. These receptors are activated by extracellular ATP, which is released from damaged or infected cells, and modulate the immune response by regulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Immune Cell Expression and Function
P2X receptors are expressed on various immune cells, including:
T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells
Dendritic cells and macrophages
Neutrophils and eosinophils
Activation of P2X receptors on these cells triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), which amplify the immune response. P2X receptors also regulate the differentiation and modulation of immune cells, including T cell activation and proliferation.
Autoimmune Disease Involvement
P2X receptors have been implicated in various autoimmune diseases, including:
Rheumatoid arthritis: P2X7 receptor activation contributes to the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of immune cells, exacerbating joint inflammation.
Irritable bowel syndrome: P2X3 receptor activation in immune cells may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation and symptoms in the gut.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: P2X7 receptor activation may promote the production of autoantibodies and the activation of immune cells, contributing to tissue damage and inflammation.
Therapeutic Potential
Targeting P2X receptors may offer therapeutic opportunities for autoimmune diseases. For example:
P2X7 receptor antagonists may reduce inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune diseases by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
P2X receptor agonists may enhance immune responses in certain autoimmune diseases, such as cancer, by promoting the activation and differentiation of immune cells. **** and the bioactive P5P form of vitamin B6 is a P2X receptor antagonist. (Thériault, et al., 2014)
In summary, P2X receptors play a crucial role in immune cell function and activation, particularly in autoimmune diseases. Understanding the specific roles of P2X receptors in different immune cells and diseases may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for autoimmune disorders.
Follow up
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, P2X ion channel receptors and inflammation - PMC
mdpi.com, IJMS | Free Full-Text | P2X7 Receptor in Dendritic Cells and Macrophages: Implications in Antigen Presentation and T Lymphocyte Activation
Disclaimer: This information and Substack AI generated art is being shared for entertainment or educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use and is not intended to provide individual health guidance.
Reference List
(Griffioen, et al., 2007) Griffioen KJ, Gorini C, Jameson H, Mendelowitz D. Purinergic P2X receptors mediate excitatory transmission to cardiac vagal neurons in the nucleus ambiguus after hypoxia. Hypertension. 2007 Jul;50(1):75-81. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.106.086140. Epub 2007 Apr 30. PMID: 17470721., https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.106.086140
(Thériault, et al., 2014) Thériault O, Poulin H, Thomas GR, Friesen AD, Al-Shaqha WA, Chahine M. Pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (MC-1), a vitamin B6 derivative, inhibits expressed P2X receptors. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2014 Mar;92(3):189-96. doi: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0404. Epub 2013 Dec 6. PMID: 24593783. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24593783/
Interesting stuff. I have been looking into pyrroluria and the B6 connection.