Influence of carlsbad thermo-mineral water on the autonomic nervous system

The drinking cure is an essential part of Karlovy Vary spa treatment. The effect of Karlovy Vary mineral water on the autonomic nervous system has not yet been investigated. Based on case analyses, we hypothesized that the effects of the drinking cure have an effect on the functional activity of the autonomic nervous system. The prospective research study had the character of an experiment in clinical conditions. Research file: Health women n = 15, age 40-50 years. Methodology: Before and 30 min after the experimental sequence, the functional state of the autonomic nervous system was examined by the method of spectral analysis of heart rate variability in the ortho-clino-orthostatic position. The experimental sequence: rest sitting position (pre) drinking cure in a sitting position (application of 350 ml thermo-mineral water 50 °C) rest sitting position (post). The length of all monitored intervals was 300 heartbeats. Results: Pre-post status (30–50 minutes after the application of the drinking cure): an increase in the overall activity of the autonomic nervous system an increase in activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic frequency bands reducing the heart rate blood pressure values did not change. Effects during the application of the drinking cure (comparison with a rest sitting position): a decrease in the overall activity of the autonomic nervous system an increase in sympathetic activity and decrease in parasympathetic activity an increase in heart rate an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusions: A prospective research study highlighted the reflexive relationships between the digestive system and the cardiovascular system. These relationships are modulated by the autonomic nervous system. Factors that influence the effect of the drinking cure in the area of the upper part of the digestive system are: the rhythm of swallowing and the temperature of the water. Factors that influence the post-effect of the drinking cure in the area of the duodenum and jejunum they probably are: high content of free carbon dioxide and bicarbonate ions in the Carls Bad thermomineral water. These factors apparently activate the motility of the intestinal tract and have an effect on systemic changes of the functional status of the autonomic nervous system.