Known as the wanderer, the vagus nerve, or cranial nerve X (10), is a long nerve that runs from the cranium to the colon, connecting and controlling all the organs in between. The vagus nerve is the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which oversees a vast array of crucial bodily functions, including control of mood, immune response, digestion, heart rate, and more.
The parasympathetic nervous system is also known as the rest and digest response because it restores the body back into balance after sympathetic stimulation, or fight-or-flight response. When the body is in a sympathetic state, its primary focus is stress and being able to flee from a situation, if necessary. In a parasympathetic state, the body is calm and composed and is able to focus on resting and digesting.
Essentially, the vagus nerve is a communication superhighway between the gut, the brain, and beyond.
The Gut-Brain Axis
An important analogy to keep in mind is that when the gut is on fire, the brain is on fire, and vice versa. This is because of the intimate connection of the gut and brain through the vagus nerve. It establishes one of the main connections between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract and sends information about the state of the inner organs to the brain through afferent nerve fibers.
This communication network is known as the gut-brain axis.
The vagus nerve is responsible for giving you a “gut feeling” about a situation or something that is bad or unhealthy, or a dangerous idea.
Vagal Tone
The activity, or tone of the vagus nerve is crucial for optimal function. Increasing vagal tone activates the parasympathetic nervous system. Having a greater vagal tone means the body can quickly relax after a period of stress. When vagal tone is weak, symptoms can arise.
Some signs and symptoms of vagal tone insufficiency are:
- A hoarse voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Deficient gag reflex
- Deviation of the uvula away from the side of the damaged nerve
- Abnormality in heart rate or heart rate variability
- Gastrointestinal symptom
- Gastroparesis
- Loss of appetite
- Nutrient deficiency
- Neurotransmitter dysfunction, anxiety, and/or depression
- Blood sugar dysregulation
- Metabolism dysfunction
- Pain syndrome
- Thyroid imbalance
- Adrenal dysregulation
- Detoxification pathway impairment
Risk Factors
It’s important to understand what causes the vagus nerve to become compromised in the first place. Anything that is stressful to the body (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) and left unchecked can eventually damage the vagus nerve.
This could be inflammatory food choices, gut imbalances, various infections such as Lyme, hormone imbalances, blood sugar dysregulation, poor sleep habits, and exposure to environmental toxins such as mold, heavy metals, or chemicals.
Likewise, anything the body deems life-giving (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) will strengthen the vagus nerve.
Oftentimes, we see trauma contributing to damage in vagal tone, especially adverse childhood experiences. Additionally, negative thoughts and brain patterns can contribute to vagal nerve dysfunction.
Also, the brain can be wired in negative patterns as a result of going through hard things in life. It seems that the hardship of walking through chronic illness can further aggravate negative brain patterns and vagal dysfunction.
Strong Versus Stressed
Why would you want to activate the vagus nerve? High vagal tone has numerous benefits, including helping to regulate blood glucose, reduce inflammation levels, improve digestion, boost immune function, support detoxification, improve metabolic function, calm stress, foster better mental health and neurotransmitter function, and more.
And weak vagal tone? That can lead to the opposite situations.
There’s no doubt about it, the past couple of years have been a season of stress and anxiety. As we discuss the vagus nerve, it’s important to understand that it’s deeply impacted by stress.
When you’re stressed, vagal nerve function diminishes, allowing for a multitude of unwanted symptoms. Likewise, when you’re under significant stress, strengthening vagal tone can decrease your fight-or-flight response and the subsequent cascade of inflammatory stress hormones.
Doing activities and exercises for the vagus nerve will help your body to successfully navigate stress.
How to Tone the Vagus Nerve
By understanding the workings of your vagus nerve, you can learn to work with your nervous system, rather than feel at the mercy of it.
Deep Breathing
Deep diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or pranayama breathing can tone the vagus nerve. Make sure your belly expands outward and you focus on a long, slow exhale for maximum benefit. These breathing techniques are particularly helpful tools to employ during moments of stress.
Mindfulness
Taking part in prayer, meditation, and mindfulness can positively impact the vagus nerve. Not only do these strategies combat stress and anxiety, but they can increase heart rate variability and parasympathetic activity.
Cold Stimulation
Research shows that acute cold exposure activates the cholinergic neurons that are part of the vagus nerve pathways and stimulates the vagus nerve. Short, one- to two-minute bouts of cold shower water increases stimulation of the vagus nerve by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. You can also spend time outside in the cold in minimal clothing, or plunge into cold water for a therapeutic effect.
Singing, Humming, Chanting, and Gargling
The vagus nerve is connected to your vocal cords, so singing, humming, chanting, and gargling can activate the vagus nerve. Keep in mind, it must by robust, loud gargling for maximum vagal nerve stimulation.
Exercise
The health benefits of exercise are widely established, so it probably isn’t surprising that physical activity also tones the vagus nerve. Find an activity you enjoy and stay consistent for optimal vagus nerve stimulation.
Massage
Receiving regular therapeutic massages on various parts of the body can help with vagal nerve tone. Reflexology can also stimulate the vagus nerve, increase heart rate variability, and decrease the fight-or-flight stress response. Even giving yourself a foot massage can help to restore vagus nerve function.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation regulate the autonomic nervous system at the peripheral level and its projections to the central nervous system. In particular, chiropractic adjustments may activate the parasympathetic system and, therefore, downregulate the activity of the sympathetic system.
Supporting the Gut
Since the gut and brain are connected through the vagus nerve, supporting the gut not only tones the vagus nerve, but also supports the brain. Supplementing with probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber can support the vagus nerve, because gut microbiota impact the vagus nerve.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to consume because the body cannot make them on its own. Consuming omega-3 fatty acids from wild-caught fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, or taking an omega-3 supplement can improve vagal tone and vagal activity. Studies show omega-3 fatty acids increase heart rate variability and conversely stimulate the vagus nerve.
Laughter and Spending Time With Others
Social interaction is foundational to overall health, especially vagal nerve function. Researchers have discovered that increased positive social interactions are directly correlated with increased vagal tone. Make sure you prioritize being with others and enjoying life!
