How can physically warm foods can stimulate the vagus nerve?

Understanding the Vagus Nerve and the Effect of Physically Warm Foods

The vagus nerve is one of the largest nerve systems in the body, extending from the brain to the abdomen and performing a wide range of functions. It plays an integral part in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for relaxing the body, slowing the heart rate, and prompting digestion.

How Does Physically Warm Food Stimulate the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve's functions include controlling the muscles in the throat and regulating the body's swallow response. When we eat physically warm food, the heat stimulates the nerve endings in the throat that are connected to the vagus nerve. This can trigger a relaxation response, stimulating digestion and creating a sensation of calmness (Grossman, 2020).

Why is Vagus Nerve Stimulation Important?

Stimulation of the vagus nerve can help control conditions like anxiety and depression, improve digestive health, and even regulate heart rate. As such, using natural methods such as consuming warm food and drinks to stimulate this nerve could have notable health benefits (Breit, Kupferberg, Rogler, & Hasler, 2018).

References

Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus Nerve as Modulator of the Brain–Gut Axis in Psychiatric and Inflammatory Disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00044

Grossman, P. (2020). The Polyvagal Theory and The Vagus Nerve: An Unholy Alliance. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00178