What Happens in the Vagus, Doesn’t Stay in the Vagus
What Happens in the Vagus, Doesn’t Stay in the Vagus Simply put, the brain and gut directly influence each other. If you are nervous about something, this can directly impact the amount of stomach acid and gastric juices that are produced by your stomach, which can cause an upset stomach. If you eat poorly, this can directly impact the neurotransmitters that affect your brain chemistry and mood. The enteric nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system that lies within the gastrointestinal lining of the gut. It is often referred to as the second brain because of its impact on the brain and can operate independently of the brain and spinal cord. The Vagus Nerve connects the enteric nervous system to the brain and is a key player in the gut/brain connection. The Vagus Nerve, which is also referred to as Cranial Nerve X (10), is the longest cranial nerve in the body and runs from the brainstem to the intestines, innervating the throat, facial muscles, heart, and lungs. The...