How to Know If Your Vagus Nerve Is in Trouble

You might not think much about your vagus nerve until it’s not functioning quite right. But how do you know if your vagus nerve is in trouble? Read on to learn what causes vagus nerve dysfunction and how to help stimulate it.

Your vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, travels from your brainstem through your neck and down to your abdomen. Together, your left and right vagus nerves contain three-quarters of all of the nerve fibers in your parasympathetic nervous system and influence many body systems, including your heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

When your vagus nerve isn’t working well, it can disrupt these processes.

The good news is that Lisa Webb, MBA, MPH, PsyD, and Ken Robins, MS, PhD, at Body & Mind Consulting in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, are experts in identifying vagus nerve dysfunction and providing personalized programs to restore balance and improve your mental and physical wellness.

Read on to learn more about your vagus nerve.

What causes vagus nerve dysfunction?

Dysfunction of the vagus nerve can result from various factors, such as:

Chronic stress or anxiety
Autoimmune disorders
Physical trauma, such as neck or head injuries
Infections or inflammation
Conditions like diabetes or gastroparesis

Understanding the root cause of your issue can help shape your treatment plan. For example, if chronic stress is impacting your vagus nerve function, then you know that stress management will be an important part of your management plan.

5 signs your vagus nerve is in trouble

If your vagus nerve is in trouble, you might experience a variety of symptoms, from tummy troubles to mental health concerns.

1. Digestive issues

Problems like bloating, constipation, acid reflux, or difficulty swallowing could signal vagus nerve dysfunction. Some people also lose their appetite.

2. Heart rate changes

An irregular or rapid heart rate might indicate an issue with the nerve’s role in regulating the cardiovascular system. These symptoms can also occur with other conditions (including anxiety and heart issues), so it’s important to get the right diagnosis before trying any treatments.

3. Chronic inflammation

Your vagus nerve helps regulate your immune response, so dysfunction can lead to excessive inflammation. Because chronic inflammation is internal, it can be hard to know if you’re battling it.

Chronic inflammation can cause fatigue, joint pain, and mood changes, so keep an eye out for these warning signs.

4. Fatigue or brain fog

Trouble focusing or persistent tiredness might result from impaired nerve signaling. You might even feel like your mind is foggy.

5. Anxiety

Since your vagus nerve connects to emotional regulation centers, dysfunction can impact your mood. To compound matters, anxiety itself can also contribute to fatigue, rapid heart rate, and brain fog.

In connection with Body & Mind Consulting, the therapists and counselors at Consulting Associates Group can help you manage anxiety so you can feel like yourself again.

How to support your vagus nerve

The good news is that there are ways to promote vagus nerve function. To stimulate your vagus nerve, try:

Deep breathing

Slow, diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve and encourages relaxation.

To practice deep diaphragmatic breathing, sit or lie down. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly, and inhale deeply through your nose so your belly rises while your chest remains still. Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen fall.

Splashing cold water on your face

Cold temperatures can interrupt your stress response and activate your vagal response. Researchers found that wearing a facial cooling mask can help lower stress scores and improve vagal nerve response, but you don’t have to wear a cooling mask to get the same response.

You can simply splash cold water on your face or take cold showers that can activate the nerve.

Exercising

Regular exercise can help stimulate your vagus nerve, and you don’t need to exercise vigorously to reap the benefits. Even moderate exercise like swimming helps control inflammation through the interplay of your vagus nerve and dopamine production.

Practicing mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help reduce your stress levels and stimulate your vagus nerve. You can do this on your own or through guided meditation. There are dozens of mental health apps available that include mindful meditations.

When to get help for your vagus nerve

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms like digestive issues, heart irregularities, or mood changes, don’t brush it off. Give us a call to find out if our “Healthy Mind for a Happier Life” wellness program is right for you.

With personalized coaching, gut-repair detox plans, professional supplements, and guided curriculum, this 60-day program offers a holistic approach to optimize your mind-body connection.

Take the first step toward a healthier, happier you. Book an appointment at Body & Mind Consulting today by calling 615-310-1491 or using the online booking feature.