The Interaction Between the Autonomic Nervous System and the Immune System in Autoimmune Diseases…

Autoimmune diseases are chronic, systemic inflammatory conditions characterized by the immune system being misdirected to attack its own tissues. In recent years, COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome in particular have taken on a role in triggering the onset of autoimmune diseases and flaring up existing ones. The mechanisms underlying this include infection-related overactivation of the immune system, cytokine storm, mitochondrial dysfunction, disruption of autonomic (vegetative) nervous system (ANS) regulation, and chronic inflammation.

While regulation medicine offers a holistic approach to restoring the balance of the immune system and relieving symptoms, neural therapy is an important treatment method that specifically supports immune system regulation through the autonomic nervous system.

Flare-Ups of Autoimmune Diseases After COVID-19 and Post-COVID

After COVID-19 infection, the immune system is affected by intense inflammatory processes. These effects include:

• Cytokine Storm: The excessive inflammatory response caused by COVID-19 can disrupt the regulation of the immune system and trigger autoimmune mechanisms.
• Molecular Mimicry: Certain proteins of SARS-CoV-2 contain structures similar to proteins in human tissues, which can cause the immune system to mistakenly target its own tissues.
• Disruption of Gut Microbiota: COVID-19 can disrupt the gut-brain-immune axis by affecting gut microbiota, thereby increasing autoimmunity.
• Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Dysautonomia, a common component of COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome, disrupts the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance, preventing the immune system from functioning properly.

The Interaction Between the Autonomic Nervous System and the Immune System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in regulating the immune system.

• Sympathetic Nervous System: Chronic stress and sympathetic overactivity destabilize the immune response, increase inflammation, and trigger autoimmune flare-ups.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System: A decrease in parasympathetic tone reduces the immune system's anti-inflammatory effects and disrupts immune surveillance. The vagus nerve in particular plays a central role in immune system regulation.

A dysfunctional ANS is a significant triggering factor in the onset and flare-ups of autoimmune diseases. These processes become even more pronounced with post-COVID dysautonomia.

The Regulation Medicine and Neural Therapy Approach According to Nazlıkul

Regulation of the Autonomic (Vegetative) Nervous System

Neural therapy is an effective method for balancing the ANS and regulating the immune system. Injections performed with local anesthetics can bring the overactivation of the immune system under control by regulating both sympathetic and parasympathetic tone.

• Stellate Ganglion Applications: An effective protocol for regulating the sympathetic nervous system and reducing inflammation.
• Vagus Nerve Support: Contributes to bringing inflammation under control by increasing parasympathetic activity.

Treatment of Interference Fields

Interference fields (e.g., dental foci, old surgical scars, chronic infections) can create ongoing stress on the immune system through the autonomic nervous system.

• Treating Interference Fields with Neural Therapy: Eliminating the neurogenic effects of these fields reduces the burden on the immune system, helping to bring autoimmune flare-ups under control.

Regulation of the Gut Microbiota

The gut-brain-immune axis is of critical importance in managing autoimmune diseases. To support gut health after COVID-19:

• Probiotic and Prebiotic Support: Restoring microbial balance.
• Gluten-Free and Low-Sugar Diet: Can be effective in reducing inflammation and repairing intestinal permeability.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutritional Support

Nutritional supplements play an important role in bringing inflammation under control in the management of autoimmune diseases. Recommended supplements:

• NADH and CoQ10: Support mitochondrial function and increase energy production.
• Vitamin D: Supports immune regulation and reduces inflammation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Regulate cytokine production and provide anti-inflammatory effects.
• Glutathione: One of the body's most powerful antioxidants, it maintains the balance of the immune system.
• Zinc and Selenium: Support the immune system and reduce oxidative stress.
• Taking Tetra DTX Plus capsules for the removal and elimination of heavy metals. 

Psychological Regulation

Chronic stress can disrupt immune balance by increasing sympathetic nervous system activity. Stress management is important in controlling autoimmune diseases:

• Mindfulness Techniques and Meditation: Increase parasympathetic tone.
• Ensuring a Regular Sleep Pattern: A critical factor for the proper functioning of the immune system.

The Clinical Approach for Post-COVID-19 Autoimmune Flare-Ups According to Nazlıkul

Patient Assessment:

• Identifying autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

• Detecting interference fields (e.g., scars, dental foci).

• Assessing gut health (dysbiosis, leaky gut).

Treatment Strategy:

Neural Therapy:

• Stellate ganglion block and treatment of interference fields.
• Applications for vagus nerve regulation.
• Nutrition and Supplements:
• Anti-inflammatory diet and the nutritional supplements listed above.

Psychological Support:

• Stress management techniques and psychotherapy.

Long-Term Follow-Up:

• Monitoring the patient's immune responses and nervous system regulation.
• Early intervention for recurring inflammatory processes in the post-COVID period.

Conclusion:

The interaction between the autonomic nervous system and the immune system plays an important role in the development of autoimmune diseases and flare-ups. COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome can further disrupt this balance, triggering autoimmune processes. Regulation medicine and neural therapy offer effective tools for treating interference fields, regulating the autonomic nervous system, and balancing the immune system.

A multidisciplinary, individualized, and holistic approach is critically important in combating autoimmune diseases in the post-COVID period. In this context, neural therapy not only relieves symptoms but also provides long-term recovery by targeting the underlying mechanisms of the disease.

Dr. Hüseyin Nazlıkul, M.D., PhD.
President of IFMANT, BNR, MTAR
Specialist in General Medicine - Medical Biophysics
President of IFMANT (International Federation of Medical Associations of Neural Therapy)
President of the Turkish Neural Therapy Society
President of the Turkish Manual Medicine- Pain Regulation Association
Hakkı Yeten Cad. Vital Fulya Plaza No:23 Kat:3 D:10 Fulya 34394 Şişli – Istanbul
Tel: 0 (212) 219 19 12 or 219 09 00 Fax: 0 (212) 219 18 38