Vagus Nerve 101 with Nutritional Therapist Xuxa Milrose
We caught up with Xuxa Milrose, Nutritional Therapist specialising in the Gut-Brain Connection, to get the low-down on the Vagus Nerve and learn why it's our secret weapon when it comes to fighting stress.
What is the Vagus Nerve?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and extends from the brain down to the colon, connecting all major organs including the heart, lungs and digestive tract.
It sends sensory information to the brain and controls motor functions within the body.
Why is the Vagus Nerve Important?
The vagus nerve represents the main component of the parasympathetic nervous system aka our ‘rest and digest’ state and helps to counterbalance our ‘fight or flight’ mode.
It oversees an array of different bodily functions including:
- Digestion
- Mood
- Emotion regulation
- Immune response
- Heart rate
- Inflammation
How Can You Stimulate the Vagus Nerve?
Stimulation of the vagus nerve can induce a relaxation response, leading to a sense of calm and emotional well-being.
Here are 5 ways you can stimulate it:
- Deep, slow belly breathing
- Humming and chanting
- Meditation
- Laughing
- Cold water therapy
