Homeostasis and the Nervous System

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At Tranquility Foods, our focus is on two specific receptors in the nervous system that detect varying stimulants and control the sensory mechanisms that regulate pain and healing, body temperature, and energy metabolism. 

These receptors are critical to homeostasis, connecting the brain and body. Through the spinal cord, they send signals across synapses to our brain that something is wrong. When the brain processes the signals, it activates the stress response to stimulate inflammation and the body's immune system to heal and restore balance. If the receptors are continuously activated, the nerve endings become damaged. They are unable to send signals to the brain, causing our defense and immune systems to function inaccurately, and we end up in a state of chronic stress and inflammation. 

For instance, when you sprain your ankle, the ligament is damaged, and the nerves in the surrounding tissue send signals up the spinal cord to the brain that something is wrong. The brain reacts by stimulating the stress response to dilate blood vessels to send blood to the damaged ligament to help it heal. The pressure in the blood vessel causes micro tears, and fluid leaks into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling. Often, blood will also leak into the tissue, causing bruising. The ankle becomes red, hot, and swollen. The immune system is activated to assist in the inflammatory response and initiate the healing process. As the ligament begins to heal, inflammation subsides, and the immune system enters the proliferative stage, producing more cells to rebuild the damaged ligament tissue. It is important to avoid putting weight on the ankle to limit stress and allow these cells to mature and fully heal the ligament. If we return to regular activity too soon, the collagen fibers may not develop properly, favoring the production of Type III collagen (often referred to as emergency collagen) instead of the primary Type I collagen, which is known for its strength and resilience. Although the ligament heals, the fibers may be less structured and more elastic. This makes the ligament more susceptible to stress, reinjury, and chronic inflammation.

Sensorial Neuroreceptors 

TRPA1 and TRPV1 

The specific neuroreceptors, Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) ion channels, are best known for their roles in:

• Producing a pain response

• Thermoregulation (regulating body temperature)

• Neuropathy (nerve damage)

• Neuroplasticity (brain pathways that regulate your ability to learn)

• Cutaneous neurogenic inflammation (Inflammation of the skin such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or eczema)

• Stress responses

• Mood disorders

To simplify our explanation, we will refer to receptor TRPV1 as Val and TRPA1 as Al.

TRPV1 (Val)

TRPV1 (Val) is the Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 channel. It is also known as the capsaicin receptor or vanilloid receptor. It was initially discovered to be involved in the pain response. Over the years, scientists have learned how critically involved Val is in many human diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. It is activated by capsaicin (hot peppers), vanilloids (synthetic vanilla), heat, and acidic compounds. Activation opens the channels, allowing for the influx of calcium and sodium ions into the cell and disrupting the delicate intracellular balance, which can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.

TRPA1 (Al)

TRPA1 (Al) is the Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1. It is also known as the Wasabi Receptor and is a sensory receptor of thermal, chemical, and mechanical stress. Its activation involves motor reflexes (cough, withdrawal, scratch), vascular constriction and dilation, inflammation, and tissue repair. Scientists have linked it to disorders involving the respiratory system, facial trigeminal nerves, joints, intestines, skin, bladder, and blood vessels.  

Where are Val and Al Receptors Located?

Val and Al are present in sensory neurons found in both the epithelial and endothelial cells.

Epithelial cells make up the outermost layer of our skin and internal organs. The epithelium protects from microbial invasion, shields UV exposure, and maintains adequate skin hydration. The cells produce keratin protein filaments that provide structure to the skin.

Activation of the Val and Al receptors in the epithelium sends signals through the nervous system to the brain to elicit a pain or itch response to physical, chemical, or microbial damage to the skin or barriers of our internal organs. Imagine the pain you experience when you get a paper cut.

The endothelial cells comprise a single layer of cells that regulate vascular smooth muscles to control blood pressure, blood flow, and blood vessel tone. Vascular smooth muscles are found in:

• Gastrointestinal Tract

• Cardiovascular System (Blood and lymphatic vessels)

• Reproductive System

• Renal System (Urinary bladder)

• Respiratory Tract

• The Skin and Hair follicles

• The Eyes

 Activation of the Val and Al receptors in the endothelial lining contracts or relaxes (dilates) blood and lymphatic vessels in an effort to balance stress and inflammation of our internal organs and restore homeostasis. Imagine the pain you feel after eating a very spicy meal. Your stomach begins to hurt because of the signals Val and Al have sent to the brain to communicate the damage the spicy food has caused to the smooth muscular lining of your stomach.

Discover how specific foods can trigger the Val and Al receptors in our bodies, and learn how we often unknowingly overstimulate these receptors. This overstimulation can disrupt our homeostasis, potentially leading to chronic diseases. Join us to explore this crucial connection and take charge of your health!