The Vagus Nerve connects to many body systems and has a significant influence on systemic inflammation and overall health.
The Vagus Nerve serves as an irreplaceable member of the parasympathetic nervous system, or PNS, which is associated with physiological activities categorized as, "rest and digest."
As its name implies, the PNS specializes in calming the body down and digesting food to restore the body's energy supply among other functions. To achieve this, the Vagus Nerve communicates with its associated organs by releasing a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine which helps facilitate blood pressure regulation, blood glucose balance, heart rate, taste, digestion, breathing, crying, sweating, kidney function, bile release, saliva secretion, female fertility, and orgasms.
Hormones throughout the body are also engaged with the Vagus Nerve. Insulin decreases glucose release from the liver to stimulate the Vagus Nerve whereas thyroid hormone, T3, stimulates the Vagus Nerve to increase appetite and the production of ghrelin. Ghrelin also stimulates the Vagus Nerve to increase hunger.
Vagus Nerve function is essential to the release of oxytocin, testosterone, and vasoactive intestinal peptide. The production of growth hormone releasing hormone, GHRH, and the activation of parathyroid hormone for converting vitamin D3 to active vitamin D also rely on the Vagus Nerve.
Such gluten sensitivity also disrupts gut health resulting in a reduced vagal index. So, ceasing consumption of gluten is yet another way to stimulate the Vagus Nerve while supporting gut health and reducing inflammation in the brain.
Studies show Vagus Nerve stimulation also lowers blood pressure, decreases heart rate, reduces the body's response to stress, and improves digestion.
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