The major neurotransmitter utilized by the vagus nerve is acetylcholine, which has a major anti-inflammatory effect in the body. Therefore, one of the most important functions of the vagus nerve is managing the inflammatory systems of the body. If the vagus nerve begins to malfunction, then inflammation in the body reaches higher than normal levels and can become chronic. Common conditions that correlate to long term, high inflammatory levels include Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease and more.

   

There are three main problems that can occur to cause vagus nerve dysfunction: dysfunctional signaling from brain to body; dysfunctional signaling from body to brain; and damage to the vagus nerve via physical, mental or emotional trauma or chronic state of stress.

   

The following mechanisms can lead to a dysfunctional vagus nerve: dysfunctional breathing (not using diaphragmatic/abdominal breathing and dysfunctional airways), dysfunctional digestive sequence (causing diarrhea or constipation, SIBO, poor dietary choices, herbicides and pesticides on our foods, poor satiety reflex, poor microbiome, leaky gut) dysfunctional heart rate, poor liver function, poor sleep and circadian rhythm and lack of social interactions.

   

For those who feel they might have a dysfunctional vagus nerve, there are several exercises that can be done to help improve vagal nerve tone. First, learn some deep, abdominal breathing techniques and do them often through the day or when stress levels are high. Start exposing the body to cold by ending showers with one minute of cold water; over time, extend to several minutes with good abdominal breathing. Chanting, humming, singing and gargling also activate the vagus nerve and often bring us into a state of calm (parasympathetic norm). Yoga, Pilates and meditation help teach us to focus and calm the mind and regulate our breathing. Laughter and fun social gatherings help improve our mood and heart rate variability and normalize our breathing patterns.

   

Other treatments that may help include: getting a monthly massage or body work; receiving visceral manipulation to the vagus nerve itself and the innervating organs within the abdomen and chest; chiropractic care; and special electrical stimulation units.