Kevin J. Tracey, "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes" (Penguin, 2025)

Jul 12, 2025

Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, a neurosurgeon and president of the Feinstein Institute, dives into the remarkable capabilities of the vagus nerve, revealing its role in managing inflammation and chronic diseases. He discusses how stimulating this nerve can lead to recovery from serious conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and depression. With compelling patient stories of transformation and the potential of innovative implantable devices, Dr. Tracey emphasizes the nerve's vital connection to overall health. He also shares lifestyle strategies to enhance vagus nerve function.

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INSIGHT

Vagus Nerve's Extensive Role

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, connecting brainstem to multiple organs.
It continuously transmits signals maintaining organ function and bodily homeostasis.

ANECDOTE

Accidental Discovery of Inflammation Control

Kevin Tracey discovered the vagus nerve's anti-inflammatory power by accident during stroke drug studies.
Cutting the vagus nerve stopped the inflammation reduction, revealing the nerve's key role.

INSIGHT

Vagus Nerve Immune Regulation

Vagus nerve signals inhibit cytokine production in spleen monocytes, reducing inflammation.
These monocytes then migrate to inflamed joints or colon, promoting tissue repair instead of damage.

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The vagus nerve is fundamental to our health and vitality, coordinating critical functions from the precise heartbeat we need to exercise or rest to the balance of appetite and digestion. Made up of 200,000 fibers, the vagus nerve sends thousands of electrical signals every second between your brain and your most important organs. Yet despite its essential role in life, important vagus nerve functions have eluded centuries of scientific investigation. Now neurosurgeon and researcher Dr. Kevin Tracey has discovered the previously unknown power of the vagus nerve to reverse inflammation, balance the immune system, treat chronic illness, and keep our organs humming together in harmony.
In The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes (Penguin, 2025), Dr. Tracey shows us how stimulating the vagus nerve with a tiny electrical implant has the potential to reverse life-altering diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, MS, diabetes, obesity, stroke, depression, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. If this sounds too good to believe, Dr. Tracey shares stories of patients who have gone from being nearly bedridden to running and dancing, along with the science that makes possible these recoveries. He also explains the evidence for lifestyle strategies like ice baths, meditation, exercise, and breathwork that can maintain and improve vagus nerve function.
By opening the door to the new field of neuroimmunology, The Great Nerve  not only revolutionizes how we understand and treat disease, it gives us unprecedented hope for our health. This is the story of your body’s ability to heal itself.

This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda’s interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts.

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