30. The Vagus Nerve Connection: How It Shapes Your Gut, Brain, and Immune Health with Dr. Navaz Habib
Ever wondered why the gut is referred to as your second brain? Let’s talk about it. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Navaz Habib, the bestselling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve, and the newly released Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve. We sat down to discuss the importance of the vagus nerve—the only cranial nerve that connects to every organ within your body—the role it plays in your gut, brain, and immune health, the significance of heart rate variability, and why you should be more intentional with your breathing. In this episode, you'll discover: What the Vagus Nerve Does: Learn more about how the vagus nerve relays status information about your organ functions to the brain. The Four Areas of Stressors: Working in harmony with the immune system, the vagus nerve can influence inflammation. Triggers include daily, psychological, physical, and biochemical stressors, says Dr. Habib. How Heart Rate Variability Informs the Vagus Nerve Function: Dr. Habib shares that when your HRV is in a good zone (this varies by individual), your body is better able to send signals to the brain through the vagus nerve. Why Breathing Properly Is Key: Improve your sympathetic-parasympathetic balance—resulting in an increased HRV—by breathing through your nose, not your mouth. 01:59 Dr. Habib's Journey to Functional Medicine 08:17 Understanding the Vagus Nerve 18:46 The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Inflammation 34:04 Understanding HRV and Its Importance 34:39 Accuracy of Different HRV Measurement Devices 36:34 Using HRV Data for Trends, Not Diagnostics 37:07 Personal Experiences and HRV Improvement 40:15 Breathing Techniques to Improve HRV 42:35 The Role of the Diaphragm in Effective Breathing 46:47 Testing and Improving Your BOLT Score 50:27 Altitude Training and HRV 54:38 Vagus Nerve Dysfunction and Long COVID 57:21 Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Dr. Habib: Website: https://drnavazhabib.kartra.com/page/HUhome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib Podcast: The Health Upgrade podcast Book: Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve Book: Activate Your Vagus Nerve The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown Truvaga Vagus Nerve Stimulator.