The Top Reasons Your Vagus Nerve Needs Stimulation
Ever feel like your gut is trying to tell you something? Call it gut instinct. Or maybe you are feeling like a nervous wreck before a presentation followed by a roaring tummy? You know that something in your body's just not quite in sync. You might be surprised to learn that a key player in this could be your vagus nerve.
Most of us are familiar with the vagus nerve these days and some of its roles in the body, but in this four-part blog series, let’s identify the warning signs that your parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) may be ‘off’.
If you need a quick refresher, in Part 1 I shared the basics in this vagus nerve series.
In Part 2, we talked about the warning signs that something might be wrong with the vagus nerve and in this post, we discuss the reasons your vagus nerve needs stimulation (you might be surprised with how much work this cranial nerve does). And in Part 4, we get to the ‘how’ — how to stimulate the vagus nerve. It’s easier than you think.
Vagus Nerve Activation and IBS Management
IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and altered bowel habits. While the exact cause of IBS may be unclear, research suggests that a dysfunction in the gut-brain axis, including impaired vagal nerve function, may contribute to its development. Studies exploring the potential of vagus nerve stimulation for IBS management have shown promising results:
A 2018 systematic review analyzed the effects of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on IBS symptoms. The review concluded that VNS could be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with moderate to severe IBS, improving symptoms like pain, bloating, and stool consistency.
A 2020 study investigated the effects of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) on IBS patients. The study found that tVNS significantly reduced pain intensity and improved overall quality of life in patients with IBS.
Beyond Digestion: Vagus Nerve Activation and Mental Well-being and Other Inflammatory Diseases
The vagus nerve's influence extends far beyond the gut, playing a crucial role in mental health and other diseases associated with inflammation. It acts as a key player in the gut-brain axis, the complex network that constantly communicates between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system. By activating the vagus nerve, we may be able to influence our mental well-being in several ways positively:
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Studies suggest a link between vagus nerve activity and mood regulation. A 2018 systematic review found that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) showed promise in treating anxiety disorders, with evidence of reduced anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. Similarly, research on VNS for depression management has yielded promising results. A 2017 meta-analysis indicated that VNS could be a viable treatment option for treatment-resistant depression, with some patients experiencing significant improvement in mood. What these findings suggest is that activating the vagus nerve may help promote relaxation and emotional well-being.
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The vagus nerve is also implicated in cognitive function, including memory and learning. Studies exploring the link between VNS and cognitive performance have shown positive results. A 2016 study investigating the effects of VNS on healthy adults found that it enhanced memory consolidation, the process of converting short-term memories into long-term ones. While the research is ongoing, these findings suggest that activating the vagus nerve may play a role in boosting cognitive function.
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The gut microbiome, the vast community of microorganisms residing in our intestines, plays a significant role in mental health. Emerging research suggests that the vagus nerve may act as a communication bridge between the gut microbiome and the brain. Studies have shown that specific strains of gut bacteria can influence vagus nerve activity and mood regulation. A recent study found that probiotic supplementation with Bifidobacterium longum improved symptoms of depression in patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. These findings highlight the potential for targeting the gut microbiome and vagus nerve activity to support mental well-being.
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Serotonin found in the gut can induce peristalsis and vomiting by activating the vagus nerve. But it’s also necessary for a variety of functions including sleep, appetite, and more commonly known, feelings of well-being. 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut. By stimulating the vagus nerve, serotonin systems are also modulated in the gut and the brain, thereby playing an important role in treating mental well-being.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is being explored further, as the theory would suggest that stimulation of the vagus nerve could intervene as treatment for inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as RA.
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Epilepsy has been researched extensively in connection with vagus nerve stimulation. By activating the nerve with regular, mild pulses, epileptic seizures may be prevented or lessened.
By incorporating strategies that activate the vagus nerve, we may be nurturing a healthier gut-brain connection, potentially leading to improved mood, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being.
The Source of the Disruption: What Might Be Hindering Your Vagus Nerve
Chronic stress, a diet high in processed foods and low in fibre, and a lack of sleep can all disrupt your vagus nerve function. When stress takes hold, your body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode, leaving your calming parasympathetic nervous system (the one your vagus nerve is a big part of) feeling overwhelmed.
But what other factors can influence the vagus nerve?
The list below highlights the various factors that can influence the vagal nerve activity in the body:
Gastroparesis
Diabetes
Infections
Abdominal surgery
Scleroderma
Vasovagal syncope
Trauma
Chronic stress
Processed foods
Diet high in fat
Diet low in fibre
Lack of sleep
In the next post: The Best Ways to Stimulate & Nourish Your Vagus Nerve
This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before implementing any new practices or making changes to your diet or lifestyle. Please note: This is an inclusive space for all humans regardless of gender identity, sexuality, religion, and race. Terms such as “women” and “men” or “female” and “male” refer to the gender assigned at birth for the purpose of this post.
All sources cited in post #4: The Best Ways to Stimulate & Nourish Your Vagus Nerve
