My Acid Reflux Coach - Vagus nerve + GERD connection

The Vagus Nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for many“rest and digest” functions of the body.

Some Vagus Nerve Functions:
1. Lowering the heart rate
2. Gastrointestinal peristalsis
3. Gag Reflex
4. Vomiting
5. Stomach Acid Production
6. Satiation

An under-stimulated Vagus Nerve and Low Vagal Tone may lead to:
1. Low Stomach Acid
2. Delayed Stomach Emptying (Gastroparesis)
3. Inflammation
4. Constipation
5. High resting heart rate

For more info see: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/viva-las-vagus-how-vagal-tone-impacts-your-health-and-10-ways-to-‎improve-it‎/

Possible ways to irritate, or inhibit the function of, the VAGUS NERVE:
1. Forward Head Posture
2. Slumping or Hunching
3. Stress
4. Anxiety
5. Fatigue
6. A Hiatal Hernia
7. GI distress

Possible ways to damage the VAGUS NERVE:
1. Diabetes
2. Alcoholism
3. Infection

Source: https://www.livestrong.com/article/144353-list-spinal-nerves/ 

Ways to stimulate the vagus nerve:
1. Holding your breath for a few seconds
2. Dipping your face in cold water
3. Coughing
4. Tensing the stomach muscles as if to bear down to have a bowel movement

Source-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vagus_nerve

Possible ways to reset vagal tone:
1. Singing/chanting
2. Meditation/Mindfulness
3. Fasting
4. Laughter
5. Yoga

Source: http://www.saragottfriedmd.com/viva-las-vagus-how-vagal-tone-impacts-your-health-and-10-ways-to-‎improve-it‎/

Written by: My Acid Reflux Coach