Key symptoms of vagal nerve dysfunction:
1. Inability to resolve inflammation
2. Anxiety and/or depression
3. Irregular heart rate
The vagus nerve plays an important role in the body’s response to stress. Although it does not directly innervate the lacrimal gland, as the master nerve of parasympathetic activity, it plays an important role in regulating secretion throughout the body.
This nerve is responsible for sending signals from the brain to parts of the body such as the heart, lungs, and digestive system. When the body experiences stress, it can cause a disruption in communication between these parts of the body and the brain, leading to increased inflammation and other health issues. Research has shown that healthy vagal activity can help reduce stress-induced inflammation by increasing parasympathetic activity in the central nervous system.
In addition to its role in managing stress responses, regular stimulation of the vagus nerve can reduce inflammation levels throughout the body. This is because stimulating this nerve activates anti-inflammatory pathways by releasing neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and oxytocin into circulation.
Additionally, studies have demonstrated that stimulating this nerve may help reduce pain levels associated with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn's disease. Furthermore, evidence suggests that regular stimulation of this nerve may even have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome markers like hyperlipidemia and hypertension.