GUT BRAIN AXIS & THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VAGUS NERVE

The vagus nerve is one of the longest nerves in our bodies that stems from the brain, circles around our digestive system and connects directly to every organ.

Understanding the importance of the vagus nerve can help us with digestive discomforts, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, inflammatory conditions (ACNE), clouding of consciousness and brain fog.

Your vagal tone is key to activating the parasympathetic nervous system (the rest and digest system).

Since most individuals today are in flight or fight mode more often than not, having a good vagal tone is important. A high vagal tone means your body can respond to stress better, relax faster, process information and concentrate better and return to a normal ‘resting state’ easier.

A higher vagal tone is associated with better moods, less anxiety and handling stress better.

A low vagal tone is associated with inflammation.

Learning how to activate your vagus nerve and increasing tone is vital to avoiding brain fog/clouded consciousness, regulating blood sugar levels effectively, lowering anxiety levels and becoming more stress resistant, putting you in a generally happier mood.

GUT BRAIN AXIS

A healthy gut creates a positive feedback loop through the vagus nerve. There are studies online that show how an increase in healthy gut bacteria positively changes the calming receptors in the vagus nerve, ultimately benefiting the nervous system overall.

OTHER SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN WAYS TO STIMULATE THE VAGUS NERVE

📈 DEEP BREATHING AND MEDITATION

📈 BRIEF COLD EXPOSURE

📈 INCREASING OXYTOCIN LEVELS THROUGH LAUGHTER OR TOUCH

📈 INTERMITTENT FASTING

📈 ADDITIONAL GUT SUPPORT

80% of vagus nerve fibres send instructions from the stomach to the brain. These signals control everything from our feeling of Hunger, Fullness and Metabolism - directly affecting the look and feel of our bodies and skin.

Along with this, 20% of vagus nerve fibres send instructions from the brain to the stomach, ultimately affecting stomach acid secretion (stomach acid kills harmful pathogens and helps with digestion), Digestive enzyme secretion, gastric capacity and blood glucose levels.

Implementing the above healthy habits in order to stimulate and increase our vagal tone will ultimately improve gut health and even support inflammation over time.