Is the Vagus Nerve connected to Long Covid?
The vagus nerve is one of the longest nerves in the human body, running from the brainstem down to the abdomen. It plays a critical role in the body's autonomic nervous system, which controls unconscious functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing. The vagus nerve is also involved in regulating the immune system and inflammatory responses.
Recent research has suggested that the vagus nerve may play a role in the development of long COVID. Long COVID is a term used to describe the persistence of symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and cognitive impairment, in some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.
One theory is that the vagus nerve may be involved in the body's inflammatory response to the virus. The vagus nerve has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that are involved in the body's immune response. In some individuals with long COVID, it is suggested that the inflammation may be prolonged due to an overactive inflammatory response, and an underactive vagus nerve. This theory is supported by the fact that the use of vagus nerve stimulation has been shown to improve symptoms in some individuals with long COVID.
Another theory is that long COVID may be caused by an overactive immune response, in which the immune system continues to attack the body even after the virus has been cleared. The vagus nerve plays a role in regulating the immune system, and an overactive immune response may be due to an underactive vagus nerve.
It's also been found that people with long covid tend to have a lower HRV (heart rate variability) which is a marker of the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is activated in response to stress and threat, while the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and recovery. The Vagus nerve is the primary nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system. Therefore, the lower HRV may be related to an underactive vagus nerve.
It's worth noting that research on the relationship between the vagus nerve and long COVID is still ongoing and more studies are needed to fully understand this connection. However, the research suggests that the vagus nerve may play a role in the development of long COVID and that interventions that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep breathing exercises, may be beneficial in improving symptoms in some individuals.
That being said, those who have followed some of the Vagus Nerve Practices on the Justin Caffrey YouTube Channel have been sharing positive results. Justin has also coached numerous people with his techniques producing really positive results. He combines his studies from his Masters in Mindfulness Based Interventions, Buteyko International Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Yamabushi and the Dr Chadha method.
In conclusion, the vagus nerve plays a critical role in the body's autonomic nervous system, immune system and inflammatory response. Recent research suggests that the vagus nerve may play a role in the development of long COVID. Long COVID is a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. Theories suggest that an overactive inflammatory response, an overactive immune response or an underactive vagus nerve may contribute to the persistence of symptoms. However, more research is needed to fully understand this connection. Nevertheless, interventions that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep breathing exercises, may be beneficial in improving symptoms in some individuals with long COVID.