A Complete Guide to The Cell Danger Response
I always consider people “lucky” when they have an illness or condition that is easily diagnosed and treated by doctors. You have an infection? Here’s some antibiotics. Knee pain? Surgery will fix it.
Some of us are not so lucky, and have conditions that are more complex. We get stuck in an endless circle running the gamut from “what is happening to me?” to “when am I ever going to get better?” We may spend thousands of dollars and countless hours trying different treatments that don’t seem to work. Doctors have no answers. Frustration and anxiety mount, days (maybe even months or years) go by, and nothing changes. Welcome to life under the shadow of the Cell Danger Response.
What is the Cell Danger Response?
The CDR occurs when cells get “stuck” in defense mode while trying to protect the body from invaders. Mitochondria, also known as the powerhouse of the cell, generate most of the cell’s supply of ATP used as a source of chemical energy. (They are effectively the body’s energy supply.) They signal to neighboring cells that there is stress in the environment; and inside the cell, they are an energy carrier. Mitochondria, since their metabolism is so fast, are the first to sense danger or toxicity. The “threats” may stem from infections, viruses, trauma, toxins…anything that initiates a stress response from your body. While the initial response is critical to addressing crises, issues arise when the cells cannot get out of fight or flight.
The mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from the CDR has profound effects on the body, as cells are too busy trying to stay safe instead of completing their regular functions such as repair and energy production. If you feel like you are running on “low battery,” it is because you actually are. Healing requires shifting the cells out of “protect” mode and back into their normal functioning state.
There are three parts of the Cell Danger Response:
CDR 1: This starts with the cells of the body detecting a problem, such as a virus, an injury or an infection. The cells attempt to contain damage (stopping bleeding, containing infection to a small area) and then mount an immune system attack that creates inflammation. The mitochondria slows down energy production, increasing oxygen concentration in the cells. Higher oxygen levels lead to oxidative stress, a defense mechanism that destroys invaders such as viruses or infection. At this stage, the cells are in “defense” mode and are not focused on day-to-day activities such as energy production and repair.
What happens when your body gets stuck in CDR 1: Your cells may overreact to real or perceived threats, creating a continuous cycle of inflammation. Energy may remain low as your cells focus on defense instead of energy production.
CDR 2: The body starts to repair itself by sending stem cells to the damaged area to replace the damaged cells you have lost.
What happens when your body gets stuck in CDR 2: Your body may send too many repair materials and cause excess growth. An example of this is cancer, where cells multiply out of control.
CDR 3: This is the completion of the healing process. Your body rebuilds specific cells, puts them in place, then turns them on and restores communication with surrounding areas.
What happens when your body gets stuck in CDR 3: Cells may fail to make connections with other cells, which can cause signaling to fail and lead to chronic pain.
What can trigger the Cell Danger Response?
Nutrient deficiency or depletion
Heavy metals
Toxic chemicals
Biotoxins found in mold
Infection
Viruses
Parasites
Inflammation
Medications
Trauma
It is common to see the CDR coinciding with environmental (mold) illness, Epstein-Barr, COVID, Lyme and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, but a wide variety of factors could lead to the CDR scenario.
SOLUTIONS FOR THE CDR:
Since the biological chain reaction starts with “danger,” as a health coach I like to look at ALL the factors that might be contributing to your body sensing that it is at risk, starting with the triggers listed above. But from a functional medicine standpoint, it is worth looking at other factors as well.
These include:
Stress levels
Sleep
Diet
Possible food allergies/intolerances
Gut health
Nutrient levels
Blood sugar
Any factors that are making you feel like you are in “fight or flight”
Eliminating things that are draining your body’s resources helps reduce the total load, allowing your body more energy to heal. Things like gut health, food allergies and intolerances, and blood sugar are quick and easy to test and address. Other parts of “fight or flight” can be more difficult to deal with. You may be “stuck” with things like stressful jobs, financial difficulties or toxic relationships in your life due to circumstances beyond your control. If these “dangers” cannot be eliminated, a plan must be created to help you mitigate the damage they may be doing to your health.
After addressing the issues contributing to your CDR, you can also look at things to help heal. The vagus nerve is an important key to activating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body go from “fight or flight” to “rest and repair.” The vagus or “wandering” nerve connects your brain to all of the organs in your chest and abdomen. When your brain perceives “fight or flight” the alarm literally travels and leads to a cascade of physical effects in areas that seem to have no relation to each other. These effects may include slower heartbeat; dilated pupils; increased flow of saliva; reduced airflow in the lungs; sweating; nausea; feeling warm; ear ringing and tunnel vision; bladder contractions; dizziness; intestinal spasms and difficulty swallowing. The vagus nerve travels in both directions, with the majority of traffic going from the body to the brain. Too much time in fight or flight may actually damage the vagus nerve.
What are some ways to calm it?
Breathing exercises can slow the heart rate and reduce the stress response. I like the simple 4-7-8 pattern; inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Try to engage your belly into your breathing, it makes a big difference.
Splashing cold water on your face or taking a cold shower activates the “dive” reflex which quiets the vagus nerve.
Spending time doing something you enjoy creates feelings of well-being. Positive vibes change the pathways in your brain…think of it as “fake it until you make it.” For some, it may be yoga or meditation; for others it could be doing a craft or just meandering around the mall. Whatever makes YOU feel content will have the desired effect.
Try to laugh. This can be hard when you are unwell, but being around people who make you laugh can be the best medicine. TV shows, movies or stand-up comedy specials may also do the trick.
Massages, particularly on the back of your neck, may stimulate the vagus nerve.
Gargling activates the muscles in the back of the throat, which calms the vagus nerve.
Vibrations can help calm the nerves. (There are devices sold specifically for this purpose, but any vibrational stimulation would help.)
Supplement/Nutritional Support:
For Mitochondrial Repair:
Since the CDR is about the cells, you might want to consider supplements geared toward mitochondrial repair. These include:
CoQ-10: an antioxidant that protects cells from damage and improves energy production
Resveratrol: an antioxidant that can trigger mitochondrial repair and growth
B vitamins: essential to mitochondrial metabolism and enzyme function
NAD+: enhances mitochondrial function and reduces inflammation
L-Carnitine: transports fatty acids into the mitochondria for energy production
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: supports mitochondrial function and reduces oxidative stress
Phosphatidylcholine: supports mitochondrial membranes
Quercetin: stimulates production of new mitochondria, reduces oxidative stress, supports aspiration and supports membranes
Foods to detoxify include green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, berries and green tea
Supplements/Herbs to help with calming:
Getting your body to believe that it is safe is an important part of shutting down the CDR. Certain herbs are known for having a calming effect on the body:
Ashwagandha
Rhodiola
Magnesium Glycinate
GABA
Lavender
Kava
Chamomile
Passionflower
Valerian root
Hops
Bacopa
Catnip
Lemon balm
Kava
Skullcap
Holy Basil
Content is intended for informational purposes only. It is advised that you consult with a doctor before starting any new supplements. Always start supplements one at a time and introduce at the lowest dose, building up to the suggested dose slowly.
