Additional Coverage:
- Stimulating your vagus nerve could help you live longer. A top scientist shares 3 easy things he does to activate his. (businessinsider.com)
Could the Vagus Nerve Hold the Key to a Longer, Healthier Life?
The vagus nerve, a crucial player in bodily functions like digestion and heart rate, is gaining attention for its potential role in combating inflammation, a major contributor to chronic diseases. Dr.
Kevin Tracey, a renowned neurosurgeon and inflammation researcher, highlights this connection in his new book, “The Great Nerve.” He argues that inflammation, not infection, poses the biggest threat to human longevity.
Noninfectious diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, driven by chronic inflammation, account for a significant portion of deaths globally.
Stimulating the vagus nerve appears to offer a promising approach to reducing inflammation. This nerve, comprised of 200,000 fibers extending from the brainstem to the abdomen, influences nearly every organ. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “rest and digest” state, crucial for various bodily processes including digestion, blood pressure regulation, breathing, mood, and immune function.
While the exact function of each nerve fiber remains a subject of ongoing research, scientists have established a link between vagus nerve activity (vagal tone) and a reduced heart rate. Vagus nerve stimulation devices, similar to pacemakers, have already been approved for treating epilepsy and depression, and are now being explored as a potential therapy for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Tracey’s groundbreaking research demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammation in mice following vagus nerve stimulation.
While online sources tout various methods for stimulating the vagus nerve, including cold showers, breathing exercises, and body tapping, scientific evidence supporting these claims is still limited. However, Dr.
Tracey, drawing on his research, incorporates some of these practices into his routine as a preventative measure against chronic diseases. He regularly takes cold showers, believing the body’s response to cold exposure might suppress inflammation.
He also maintains a consistent exercise regimen, recognizing its numerous health benefits, including potential positive effects on vagal tone. Finally, he practices daily meditation, citing early research suggesting its potential to reduce inflammation, possibly through increased vagus nerve activity.
While research continues to explore the full potential of the vagus nerve, its emerging role in managing inflammation offers exciting possibilities for improving long-term health and well-being.