Ever feel like your body is stuck in panic mode, and no amount of deep breathing or bubble baths can pull you out?
You’re not imagining things.
More and more science points to a fascinating culprit behind chronic anxiety and stress: your vagus nerve.
Yep, there’s a nerve running through your body like a secret highway, and when it’s out of balance, your mental health can feel like a 3-year-old on a sugar high.
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Vagus Nerve, Anyway?
The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in your body. It runs from your brainstem down through your chest and into your gut.
Think of it as your body’s emotional thermostat: it regulates digestion, heart rate, breathing, and your body’s rest-and-digest response.
When it’s working well? You’re calm, focused, and able to handle that “mom, I can’t find my sock!” chaos with grace.
When it’s not? You’re anxious, irritable, your stomach’s in knots, and bedtime feels like a hostage negotiation.
Vagus Nerve and Anxiety: What the Research Says
Science is catching up with what many of us have felt for years: there’s a deep connection between your gut, brain, and nervous system—with the vagus nerve at the center.
- A 2021 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry explains how vagus nerve dysfunction contributes to anxiety, depression, and inflammation. Read the study
- Another study found that low vagal tone (a sign of poor vagus nerve function) is associated with higher levels of anxiety and worry.
- Even more interesting: gut bacteria influence vagus nerve signaling. A healthy microbiome = a better functioning vagus nerve.
Translation: if your vagus nerve is out of balance, it can affect your mental health in big ways. And if your gut health is off? That vagus nerve won’t stand a chance.
Real Talk for Parents: Signs Your Vagus Nerve Might Be Imbalanced
You’re probably not checking your vagal tone between daycare pickups and snack negotiations, so here are a few symptoms to watch for:
- Feeling constantly on edge or anxious
- Digestive issues (bloating, irregularity, discomfort)
- Brain fog or difficulty focusing
- Racing heart, especially when stressed
- Low energy or burnout
If this sounds like you, don’t worry: there’s hope.
5 Natural Ways to Support Your Vagus Nerve
- Deep Breathing – Try 4-7-8 breathing or box breathing to activate the vagus nerve.
- Cold Exposure – Splashing cold water on your face can stimulate vagus nerve activity.
- Humming or Singing – Yep, your kids are onto something! These vibrations can boost vagal tone.
- Laughter – Don’t underestimate the healing power of a silly dance party in the kitchen.
- Gut Health Support – A thriving microbiome = better vagus nerve function.
The Gut-Brain Helper Moms Are Raving About
This is where a targeted gut-health supplement like Truehope GreenBAC comes in.
GreenBAC is packed with billions of good bacteria as well as plenty of good probiotics, designed to restore gut balance and promote better communication between your gut and brain.
In simpler terms? It helps support that vagus nerve from the inside out so you can feel calmer, more focused, and less like you’re living in a nonstop episode of “Survivor: Parenting Edition.”
Bottom Line: A Balanced Vagus Nerve = A Calmer You
An imbalanced vagus nerve doesn’t just mean occasional tummy butterflies. It can influence your whole emotional world.
But with daily habits, a little laughter, and gut support like Truehope GreenBAC, you can start dialing down the chaos and feeling like yourself again.
Because you deserve a nervous system that works for you, not against you.
