What functions does the vagus nerve serve in the body?
It controls the parasympathetic nervous system and affects unconscious bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion, breathing, sweating, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, stomach and bile, kidney function and salivation. What does a stronger or weaker vagus function mean?
Higher:
at a higher heart rate, the Vegus nerve is part of the stress response due to increased adrenaline release. At the same time, important bodily functions, such as digestion and the immune system are slowed down.
Weaker:
- depressions
- decreased heart rate variability
- digestive problems
- anxiety states
- chronic inflammation
- tiredness and listlessness
How can the vagus nerve be consciously strengthened and trained? Cold showers, yoga, other physical exercises and conscious Ujjayi breathing - the long and consciously controlled breath exhalation.
