Gut-Brain Axis
______Vagus Nerve: The Bridge between Mind, Body and Balance
The vagus nerve connects the brain and gut.
The gut is crucial to overall health, housing 70-80% of immune cells, and affecting everything from immune function to mental well-being. Inflammation in the gut not only causes physical symptoms like bloating and pain but can also impact mood, cognition, and emotional health.
Chronic gut issues, can lead to pain, an imbalanced microbiome, and increased inflammation, which in turn heightens brain sensitivity and worsens conditions like anxiety, fatigue, and brain fog. This often explains how traumatic or low grade prolonged stress can affect your health.
By focusing on the vagus nerve you can reduce anxiety and shut down, as well as find relief from various other health conditions.
Stress, the Vagus Nerve, and the Gut
The vagus nerve, part of the parasympathetic nervous system, helps calm the body after stress by counteracting the "fight or flight" response. The vagus nerve is the super highway of mind-body connection. It runs from the brain all the way to the colon, touching every major organ along the way.
The vagus nerve is what helps you feel at home inside of your body.
Chronic stress or trauma can dysregulate this system, leaving the body stuck in a heightened state of alertness. This can result in symptoms like:
Chronic anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Digestive issues
Increased inflammation
