One essential operate of the vagus nerve is to dial down irritation within the physique. This happens via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, explains functional-medicine doctor Gregory Plotnikoff, MD.
When the vagus is stimulated, it sends electrical alerts alongside its size. These result in the discharge of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates irritation.
Acetylcholine interacts with particular receptors on immune cells, inhibiting the manufacturing of proinflammatory proteins referred to as cytokines. Decreasing proinflammatory cytokine manufacturing can decrease irritation not simply domestically however all through the physique. After we’re in fight-or-flight mode, the vagus nerve isn’t being stimulated, so it might probably’t ship these essential inflammation-reducing alerts.
“This pathway is the purposeful relay circuit between the nervous system and the immune system — the neuroimmune system,” says functional-medicine supplier Navaz Habib, DC. This relay performs a key position in situations characterised by widespread irritation, resembling rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel ailments (IBD). It’s why stress is linked with greater irritation and worse signs in so many situations.
It’s additionally why VNS is so promising for any situation worsened by stress during which irritation performs a job.
