The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in maintaining bodily processes, including digestion and heart rate regulation. Stimulating this nerve has been touted as a way to “reset” the nervous system and calm anxiety. However, growing evidence suggests that it may have far more significant benefits for our health.
Chronic inflammation is now recognized as the greatest threat to human longevity, with non-infectious diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes responsible for three-quarters of deaths worldwide in 2021. Dr. Kevin Tracey, a neurosurgeon and inflammation researcher, believes that stimulating the vagus nerve could be the key to living a longer, healthier life.
The vagus nerve is made up of 200,000 nerve fibers that run from the brainstem to the gut, touching almost every organ in the body. It helps regulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a “rest and digest” state, essential for digestion, blood pressure regulation, breathing, mood, and immune function.
Research has shown that stimulating the vagus nerve can reduce inflammation, but the exact mechanisms are still unclear. Dr. Tracey, who has conducted extensive research on the topic, believes that activities such as cold showers, exercise, and meditation may help activate the nerve. He regularly practices these activities to stimulate his own vagus nerve and reduce inflammation.
In a 2022 meta-analysis of 48 randomized controlled trials involving 4,638 people, those who meditated had fewer inflammatory biomarkers in their blood compared to control groups. While more research is needed to confirm this link, Dr. Tracey’s findings suggest that meditation may increase vagus nerve activity, which could lead to reduced inflammation.
While the science on stimulating the vagus nerve is still evolving, Dr. Tracey’s work provides a promising insight into the potential benefits of this approach. By incorporating activities such as cold showers, exercise, and meditation into their daily routines, individuals may be able to harness the healing reflexes of the vagus nerve and promote overall health and well-being.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/how-stimulate-activate-vagus-nerve-live-longer-top-scientist-2025-5