Would it surprise you to learn that your vagus nerve can influence things like your gut motility, your stomach acid levels, your enzyme production and your heart rate?

In this episode, we are joined by Emrys Goldworthy. Emrys is a musculoskeletal expert clinician, with a special interest in the therapeutic potential of the vagus nerve. He’s is also a published author, having recently released his first book “The Vagus Nerve: Unleashing the Body’s Secret Weapon Against Disease”.

In this episode, Emrys joins Bec to discuss the profound impact of the vagus nerve on our health and wellbeing. He explains the role of the vagus nerve in various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, inflammation, and mental health. Emrys shares insights on how low and high vagal tone can affect our overall health and provides strategies for improving vagal tone. He also highlights the connection between the vagus nerve and gut health, discussing the role of the microbiome and enzyme function. Emrys also offers practical tips for optimising vagus nerve function, such as breathwork, cold water immersion, and strengthening the neck muscles.

Key Takeaways

-- The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, inflammation, and mental health.

-- Low vagal tone can lead to symptoms such as elevated heart rate, digestive issues, and increased inflammation, while high vagal tone can cause problems like excessive acid secretion and constipation.

-- The vagus nerve is closely connected to gut health, influencing gut motility, enzyme function, and the microbiome.

-- Strategies for improving vagal tone include breathwork exercises, cold water immersion, and strengthening the neck muscles.

-- The vagus nerve can be affected by factors such as compression, weak neck muscles, and environmental toxins.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

[00:00] Introducing Emrys Goldsworthy

[01:50] How Emrys became interested in using vagus nerve interventions in therapy

[06:05] Vagus nerve physiology 101

[08:28] Vagal tone and the gut-brain connection

[15:40] Clues your vagus nerve isn’t functioning optimally

[16:45] Vagus nerve relationship with allergies and histamine response

[19:07] The link between asthma and vagus nerve

[21:36] The role of vagus nerve in cortisol regulation

[26:19] The vagus nerve influences your gut and microbiome

[30:49] The role of the vagus nerve in toxin elimination

[37:25] How we breathe influences the vagus nerve

[40:27] Balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system response

[44:56] Compressions on the vagus nerve

[51:52] Learn more: Emrys’ book: The Vagus Nerve - Unleashing the Body’s Secret Weapon Against Disease

[53:53] The top three things everyone can do to care for their vagus nerve

Full Episode Transcript Here

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