Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for regulating the functions of several organ systems, thereby contributing to homeostatic control and adaptive mechanisms. The ANS function can be modified by several modifiable factors and its derangement is also responsible for several disorders. Diet is an important modifiable factor.
Aim and Objectives: The objective of this study was therefore to study this interaction between diet and ANS.
Materials and Methods: Subjects meeting the required inclusion and exclusion criteria as set by the investigators were classified into two groups based on their dietary habits (vegetarian and non-vegetarian). Anthropometric data were measured/calculated, and Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was recorded at rest and during hand grip test (HGT). Results were statistically analyzed using unpaired t-test.
Results: The pertinent anthropometric data were comparable between the groups, and also the DBP was similar under resting conditions as well as during HGT.
Conclusion: The type of diet adopted by an individual does not seem to influence the way the ANS functions, but this could be due to the fact that all the subjects in this study irrespective of their dietary preferences had a normal and similar body mass index.
Key words: Autonomic Nervous System; Diastolic Blood Pressure; Diet; Hand Grip Test; Vegetarian
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