The vagus nerve is an essential part of your body's communication network. It plays a crucial role in the nervous system, connecting the brain to the heart and digestive system, as well as regulating vital functions. The vagus nerve has recently become the subject of lots of social media conversation, especially in discussions about stress and techniques to “reset” and “stimulate” it. Let’s dive deeper into the vagus nerve and its impact on our bodies. The vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system The vagus nerve is a crucial component of the parasympathetic nervous system. As the longest cranial nerve in the body, it extends from the brain to the large intestine. As you would probably expect from the name, the right vagus nerve runs down the right side of the body, while the left vagus nerve runs down the left side. The parasympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system. This system controls various involuntary bodily functions and helps relax the body after the “fight or flight” response managed by your sympathetic nervous system. This state of being is commonly referred to as “rest and digest.” The role of the vagus nerve in the body The vagus nerve contains 75% of the parasympathetic nervous system’s nerve fibers. These fibers manage communication between the brain, heart, and digestive system, playing a role in: Regulating mood and emotional responses Controlling heart rate and blood pressure Managing digestion Supporting immune function Because of its important role in various important processes, the vagus nerve is thought to be responsible for the connection commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis. The vagus nerve and the “gut-brain axis” The gut-brain axis refers to the bidirectional connection between the brain and the gut, mediated by the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for the communication between the brain, heart, and digestive system. It runs from the brain to the gut, hence the name. This connection helps explain why gut health is thought to potentially influence mental well-being and vice versa. Some neurotransmitters, like those associated with mood, and chemicals that have been shown to support brain function, are actually produced in the gut. It’s also possible that stress on the vagus nerve can impact both the brain and the gut. In particular, stress can negatively affect the vagus nerve, which may lead to consequences for the GI tract and microbiota. When the vagus nerve is functioning well, it helps maintain balance in this system. However, sometimes stress and other factors are believed to impair the vagus nerve, and that’s where the conversation of “stimulating” or “strengthening” it comes in. Can you naturally “stimulate” the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve manages the relaxed state that your body experiences after stress and danger or the “fight or flight” response. Sometimes the vagus nerve can waver in its ability to switch back and forth between these states because of factors like aging or stress. Although the vagus nerve operates automatically, it’s thought that it can be naturally “stimulated” by promoting relaxation in the body and managing stress levels through certain activities and habits. For example, exercise has been shown to help activate the vagus nerve, meditation promotes a relaxed state of mind and can help regulate your autonomic nervous system, and deep breathing can lower your heart rate and calm the nervous system. The vagus nerve is an important component of our overall health The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in our nervous system and impacts our overall wellness, particularly digestive and brain health. To support your well-being, prioritize a healthy diet and regular exercise, and try relaxing habits to help manage stress levels.