8 Natural Ways to Improve Vagus Nerve Function

The vagus nerve acts as a critical communication pathway between the brain and major organs, influencing both physical and mental health.

Your body relies on tight communication between senses, organs, muscles, brain, and more—and one of the most critical communication lines is the vagus nerve.Axel_Kock/Shutterstock

The secret to optimal health may lie not just in your diet and exercise routine but also in a lesser-known hero: the vagus nerve.

This cranial nerve is the master regulator of the body’s delicate balances, governing everything from stress management to digestion and immunity. By unlocking its power, you can improve your well-being and resilience.

What’s the Vagus Nerve and Why Is It Important?

As the longest cranial nerve, the vagus nerve acts as a critical communication pathway between the brain and major organs. A 2018 report in Frontiers in Psychiatry highlighted the effects of parasympathetic intervention (and vagus nerve stimulation) on various bodily functions. The report showed that such intervention stimulates salivary glands, dilates blood vessels, and increases bowel motility.

Food

The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating food intake, maintaining energy homeostasis, inducing satiety, and modulating inflammation. It is involved in transmitting signals from the gut to the brain, informing the brain about the stomach’s stretch and the presence of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. These signals help regulate feelings of hunger and fullness, influencing food intake.

Stress

The vagus nerve is also involved in the onset of psychiatric disorders and inflammatory and stress-related conditions. Vagus nerve stimulation has been demonstrated to have therapeutic potential, largely due to its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties.