Vagus Nerve: Discover the Power of Your Nervous System

The vagus nerve, also known as the wandering nerve, is the most important cranial nerve in the body. It runs from the brain to the large intestine, connecting vital organs like the heart, stomach, intestines, and lungs. This nerve acts as a communication bridge between the brain and organs, continuously exchanging signals about what’s happening inside your body.

This system functions like an internal antenna, constantly seeking signals between your vital organs and brain. It receives a steady stream of information about everything happening in the body and the environment, and coordinates how your organs respond.
  

Three Key Functions of the Vagus Nerve

1. Spreading Information: It facilitates the exchange of signals between the organs and the brain, allowing your body to respond to everything that’s happening. Think of it as an antenna that is constantly alert to your safety. Should you take action, or is there room for rest and relaxation?

2. Regulating the Digestive System: This includes the intake of food, nutrient absorption, and emptying of the stomach.

3. Regulating the Immune System and Inflammation: The vagus nerve sends anti-inflammatory signals to different body parts to trigger neurotransmitters, which then address inflammatory molecules.

The vagus nerve also interacts with other nervous systems. For instance, the sympathetic nervous system is activated in moments of potential danger when action is required. On the other hand, when there is peace and quiet, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, creating space for relaxation and recovery. This stimulates the production of feel-good hormones (dopamine and serotonin) while lowering stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline).
  

How Does Imbalance Occur?

This system is finely tuned, making it crucial to balance periods of lots of activities with moments of rest and recovery.

In today’s fast-paced world full of stimuli, stress, addictive behaviour, and the constant pursuit of more, bigger, and better — combined with the high prevalence of unhealthy, sugar-rich, and fatty foods —your system can quickly become unbalanced.

A disturbance in the system may lead to overstimulation, increased heart rate and blood pressure, digestive issues, memory problems (forgetfulness, brain fog), and irregular or rapid breathing. It can even contribute to anxiety and depression.
  

Recovery

Even after years of stress, you can restore balance to your vagus nerve with simple adjustments to your daily routine. Here are a few practical tips to help you get started:

1. Yoga and Meditation: Especially the more gentle forms of yoga that increase vagus nerve activity and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, positively influencing heart rate and digestive function. Deep breathing also activates the parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation.

2. Get Outdoors: Stepping away from screens and into nature creates a sense of peace and calm. Engage your senses by focusing on what you see, smell, and feel. Soak up some sunlight for a boost of Vitamin D and serotonin.

3. Get Enough Sleep: Prioritise both the quality and quantity of your sleep. Sleep affects how you think, react, work, learn, heal, and interact with others.

4. Cold Water Exposure (Cold Showers or Ice Baths): Research shows that the parasympathetic nervous system is activated when your body needs to adapt to cold temperatures. Cold exposure strengthens this system, which is responsible for rest and recovery.

5. Probiotics: The vagus nerve is heavily influenced by the bacteria and fungi in your gut flora. To support, restore, and strengthen your gut, consider taking probiotics, such as supplements like Happy Juice.

6. Mindfulness: To calm your vagus nerve, reducing stress is one of the most crucial steps. Alongside the tips above, focus on cultivating a positive mindset. Practice daily gratitude by making a list of things you’re thankful for, and write down your worries. This helps you focus on the positives and reduces stress.

7. Nutrition: Eat a healthy and varied diet, and avoid refined carbohydrates, (quick) sugars, caffeine, and alcohol as much as possible. Also, avoid foods that cause bloating or negatively affect your digestion.
  

You have the power to improve your health! Start today with these simple adjustments and bring your body and mind back into balance.