The Dr. Hyman Show What It Really Means to Regulate Your Nervous System—and How to Start
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Apr 13, 2026 Dr. Scott Scher, a clinician-researcher who studies stress physiology and mitochondrial function, walks through sympathetic activation and how it ties to mitochondrial dysfunction. He explains signs of nervous system dysregulation and contrasts “tired but wired” with true resilience. The conversation highlights practical science-backed ways to start regulating through breath, blood sugar, sleep, and daily habits.
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Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers
- Robert Sapolsky's zebra example shows acute stress then rapid return to baseline prevents ulcers.
- Mark Hyman uses zebras to contrast human chronic stress where we rarely 'calm right down.'
Nervous System Controls Other Systems
- The nervous system is the master regulator that sets the tone for inflammation, hormones, metabolism, and immunity.
- Chronic sympathetic activation raises cortisol, shifts microbiome, causes insulin resistance, and drives inflammation upstream of symptoms.
Stress Directly Drives Fat Storage
- The nervous system innervates adipose tissue so stress signaling directly promotes fat storage and weight gain.
- Elevated cortisol and insulin from chronic stress create predictable stubborn weight and metabolic disruption.
