Smarter Not Harder How to Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Heal Inflammation with Dr. Navaz Habib | SNH Podcast #128
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Jun 18, 2025 Dr. Navaz Habib, bestselling author and founder of Health Upgraded, dives into the vital role of the vagus nerve in health and healing. Discover how this powerful nerve influences inflammation and gut health while also learning techniques to boost vagal tone. The conversation covers the connections between breath, trauma, and stress management, plus practical tools like heart rate variability for tracking wellness. Dr. Habib also shares insights on the importance of nutrients like choline for optimal nervous system function.
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Vagus Nerve Unique Functions
- The vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve and uniquely extends from the brainstem to almost every organ.
- It sends 80% of its signals afferently to the brain, monitoring organ status especially inflammation.
Indirect Vagal Control of Inflammation
- The vagus nerve controls inflammation through an indirect pathway involving the spleen and T lymphocytes producing acetylcholine.
- This cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway spreads anti-inflammatory signals body-wide via the bloodstream.
Parasympathetic Tone Reduces Inflammation
- Parasympathetic (vagal) tone is anti-inflammatory, while sympathetic tone is pro-inflammatory.
- Strong vagal tone ensures effective acetylcholine signaling to keep immune cells in regulatory anti-inflammatory state.
