Re: autonomic nervous system dysfunction

Yes, In fact, a chronic stored stress is believed to be the main cause of leaky gut and intestinal barrier dysfunction. The intestines have the highest average of cellular replacement in the body, meaning the intestinal ephitelium needs to be totally replaced around 72 hours . When the intestine is resting, needs more blood than any other organ in our body to replace its cells. In a case where you have chronic stress, the blood is re-directed to other functions to be ready to "fight or fly". As a result, the cellular replacement is lack of the nutrients and energy that the blood should carry to it. Overtime, there will be defective cells and gaps between them allowing antigens to cross the ephitelium and reach the bloodstream. It is what we know as a leaky gut and a chain of food intolerances and allergies caused by it. Every time a new antigen cross the lining, the immune system will respond with an antibody (Th2) This will increase the immune load and will keep the immune system fighting in a humoral response (Th2) Here you can read:
http://askwaltstollmd.com/articles/lgs.php

Jorge.