How would you like to help your heart, your gut, your lungs, and your brain?

As savvy shoppers, we all love a good deal—especially when it’s a two-for-one offer. But what if I told you that taking care of one particular nerve in our body could benefit not just one, but several organs at once? Let’s talk about the vagus nerve—the longest nerve in our body that acts like a network, connecting to many organs and influencing their function.

Imagine a person whose mere presence can change the atmosphere of a room. That’s the impact the vagus nerve has on our body. Its condition can affect our heart, gut, brain, lungs, and more. A healthy vagus nerve promotes balance and well-being, while an unhealthy one can lead to imbalances and health issues.

Our body’s autonomic system, which includes the fight-or-flight response and the rest-and-digest state, is influenced by the vagus nerve. It’s typically associated with the calming, parasympathetic system. However, recent findings suggest the vagus nerve is more complex than previously thought. It can either slow down bodily functions in a beneficial way (promoting peace and healing) or in a detrimental way (leading to depression and lethargy).

The good news is that we can positively influence our vagus nerve’s function through simple, practical, and easy-to-do activities. Regularly engaging in actions like humming, singing, gargling, taking cold showers, deep breathing, and exercising can stimulate the vagus nerve and promote a state of rest, digestion, and healing.

Interestingly, some research suggests that maintaining a healthy vagus nerve may also benefit those experiencing the long-term effects of COVID-19, although conclusive evidence is still forthcoming.

For those interested in natural ways to manage health, especially blood pressure, our private Facebook groups “Keep Your Brain Sharp Community” and “Keep Your Brain Sharp Partners” are focusing on this topic this month of May. If you’re not already a member, consider joining to access valuable information and tips on maintaining your blood pressure through lifestyle adjustments and natural remedies.