The Vagus Nerve and Optimal Heath
The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve, and interfaces with the all major body organs, including the brain, gut, heart, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, ureter, spleen, lungs, female reproductive organs neck, ears and tongue. It controls all involuntary body processes including heartbeat, breathing, circulation and digestion.
The vagus nerve is critical to optimal heath. Low vagal tone affects energy levels, chronic fatigue, digestive function, IBS, gastroparesis, B12 deficiency, heartburn, anxiety, depression, brain fog, weight gain and chronic inflammation.
Vagus Nerve Functions
- Stimulates gastric secretions
- Controls heart rate and blood pressures
- Helps control blood glucose balance
- Helps release bile
- Promotes kidney function
- Helps urinary retention
- Reduces inflammation by releasing acetylcholine
- Helps control fertility and orgasms in women
- Helps control taste and saliva
- Helps release tears
- Influences the release of oxycontin, important in social bonding
- Influences the release of testosterone
Factors that May Influence Vagus Nerve Function
- GI distress
- Hiatal hernia
- Poor posture
- Alcohol
- Spicy foods
- Stress
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
Increasing Vagal Tone May Help Treat the Following Conditions:
- Anxiety and depression
- Alzheimers
- Autism
- Chronic fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Migraines
- Personality disorders
- Mental disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Addictions, including alcohol and heroin
- Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia
- Concentration issues and poor memory
- Fibromyalgia
- Tinnitus
Natural Ways to Improve Vagal Tone
- Breathing deeply and slowly
- Breathing practices such as Sudarshan Kriya and Nadi-Shodhan Pranayam (alternate nostril breathing)
- Yoga and tai chi
- Chanting or singing
- Laughter
- Cold water on face or body
- Potassium rich foods including nuts, banana, curd, spinach, avocado, coconut water and sweet potato
- Fibre rich foods
- Meditation
- Positive social relationships
- Supplements such as probiotics, zinc, fish oil, 5-HTP (seratonin)
- Exercise
- Massage
- Fasting including intermittent fasting
- Sleeping or laying on your right side
- Acupuncture
- Tensing stomach muscles
