With age, our bodies and minds develop differently. For example, some people have a stronger vagal tone than others which can lead them to relax more quickly after stressful situations, while others may take longer periods for their heart rates to slow down again depending on how they are wired.
One study found that if you have a strong vagal tone, your body can regulate blood glucose levels, meaning you may be at reduced risk of stroke, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A low vagal tone can lead to heightened stress response and chronic problems. It might include depression or anxiety, which are all common among people who have this kind of problem with their vagus nerve functioning as it should be.
This article will delve into the symptoms of having a low vagal tone and how you can improve it for a better life.
Definition of Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is a fascinating organ that controls many bodily functions, including heart rate and digestive activity.
When you stimulate your own “vagal” system with techniques like meditation or breathing exercises, it can improve moods by increasing happy chemicals in the brain. It even helps fight off anxiety symptoms – what more could anyone ask for?
The human brain is a complex organ that controls all major functions of our bodies. Cranial nerves are bundles of nerve cells in the head, and they help with more than just sight or hearing; they also control movement by sending information about muscles to different parts of your body, like fingers.
The vagus nerve is a unique cranial nerve that has sensory and motor functions. It is so named because it runs through “X” in the back of your neck, which makes sense as this area controlled what we now know as facial expressions.
Definition of Vagal Tone
The ventral vagus nerve is a key regulator of our heartbeat. It is also known as “cardiac tone” and can be considered the calmest part.
The vagal tone is measured by tracking heart rate and breathing rate. When you breathe in, your body speeds up just a little bit while slow-down slightly with each exhale. It proves that we are becoming more relaxed as our bodies work to maintain balance through life’s stresses.
The vagus nerve is a key player when it comes to managing stress. The higher your tone, the easier the said repair process.
It does not mean we are less reactive or affected by stress, but rather our recovery time will be shorter once safety is restored with this type of physiological response in place.
When we feel safe, our vagal tone increases, and so does the calming effect. It is essential to get back into an activated state quickly after an incident.
The common misconception about vagal tone is that it means your brain’s nerve activity. However, being low on this scale does not mean there are issues with the strength or length of our nerves.
Instead, we need to find ways to stimulate them through activities such as yoga massage therapy sessions.
When you feel safe, your body produces the chemicals that make up a calming response.
It sends signals to control heart rate for someone’s mental state not to be altered by outside forces or stressors such as anxiety attacks causing them to become more concerned about their surroundings than they already were when starting calm/safe.
Dysfunctional Vagal Tone
Living with a dysfunctional vagus nerve is something that you have to learn how to live through because there’s no cure. Read and learn the common types:
1. Chronic Nausea
The feeling of nausea can be uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to remain constant. It may come and go for many different reasons. Some people get sick after eating certain foods.
While others experience this triggered by their periods or medications they’re taking on top of other illnesses, which makes you feel better until the next meal time comes around again.
2. Weight Loss
For those who have trouble eating when experiencing nausea, it is possible to lose a significant amount of weight.
3. Weight Gain
Chronic fatigue and depression may be the cause of your lack of energy.
4. Bradycardia and Tachycardia
Otherwise known as decreased heart rate and increased heart rates, respectively. It can make simple things like walking or standing for long periods difficult.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The vagus nerve is a major player in the gut-brain axis. And targeting VN stimulation with anti-inflammatory properties might be an interesting way of restoring homeostasis between your microbiota (guts) and brain.
6. Depression
The brain is such an amazing organ. When you’re feeling down and sick, your mental health takes a toll.
7. Anxiety
When it comes to our mental health, the vagus nerve is an important player. These cranial nerves connect your brain with the heart and control different aspects of how you feel emotionally and physically.
8. Chronic Inflammation
The vagal tone index is linked to physical and psychological well-being. A high level of this physiological measure indicates that you’re less likely to experience inflammation, depression, or negative moods.
9. Dizziness/Fainting
Symptoms of the vagal response include dizziness, nausea, and sweating. In some cases, it can make you pass out or cause syncope – also known as fainting on occasion.
Avoid Vagal Episodes
The most important thing to do when you’re feeling vulnerable and experiencing a vagal episode is to protect yourself. Here are some easy ways that can help:
- Getting good sleep
- Staying well hydrated
- Avoiding standing for extended periods
Get Rid of Unpleasant Symptoms
When you have a low vagal tone, your vagus nerve sets off a series of unpleasant symptoms that can be triggered by stress and pain.
Since the vagal response is a balancing act between our fight or flight instinct and social awareness, when it gets out of control, things can happen.
Strengthen vagal tone today and tackle stress, boost sleep, improve focus. Neuvana’s vagus nerve stimulation device helps supercharge your wellness with an easy step. Listen to music and stimulate your vagus nerve today.
