Your Gut: The King of Your Brain? - Part 1

Get it under control now. Dr. Anil Bajnath gives insight on the longest nerve in your body and how you can keep it healthy. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Longevity Insider HQ. [Click here]( to manage your e-mail preferences. [Longevity Insider HQ logo] Your Gut: The King of Your Brain? - Part 1 Anil Bajnath, MD | March 15, 2022 | Baltimore, MD Dear Longevity Insider, Have you ever woke up in a terrible mood? Nothing in particular triggered you, but you just feel like crap... While many like to attribute these events to the "stars" or a "full moon," there may be a very logical scientific reason for erratic emotions. The gut influences the brain in a major ways, which can lead to anxiety and depression... How so? Through the longest nerve in your body, the vagus nerve... What Is the Vagus Nerve? Vagus stands for wandering in Latin, and that's an apt description for this nerve. The vagus nerve is a long, thin nerve that starts in your brainstem and extends down your neck and into your chest and abdomen. Nerves in the body are made up of bundles of nerve fibers, or axons, that transmit signals between the brain and the body. The vagus nerve is made up of both motor and sensory axons. Motor axons carry signals from the brain to the body, telling the muscles what to do. Sensory axons carry information from the body back to the brain. The vagus nerve is one of twelve cranial nerves, and it is the longest nerve in your body. This nerve plays a role in many different body functions, including digestion, heart rate, and immune response. The vagus nerve is also involved in some mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Gut-Brain Axis The vagus nerve is often called the gut-brain axis because it is involved in both gastrointestinal and mental health conditions. The gut-brain axis refers to the relationship between the brain and the gut, and it's a key factor in your overall health. The vagus nerve is responsible for sending signals between the brain and the gut, and these signals play a role in both digestion and mental health. The gut-brain axis is a two-way street, and the gut can also send signals to the brain. The gut sends signals to the brain through the vagus nerve, and these signals can affect your mood and mental health. The gut also sends signals to the brain through the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls the body's automatic functions, such as heart rate and digestion. The autonomic nervous system is divided into two parts: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "fight or flight" response, and it increases heart rate and blood pressure. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the "rest and digest" response, and it decreases heart rate and blood pressure. The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, and it plays a role in the "rest and digest" response. When the vagus nerve is stimulated, it can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. The vagus nerve is also involved in the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in memory and learning. On Thursday, I'll reveal how you can stimulate the vagus nerve. In the name of "gut health," here are a [few key pointers]( for now on how to monitor what you're feeding your gut. To your longevity, [anil bajnath signature] Anil Bajnath MD CEO/Founder, Institute for Human Optimization Chief Medical Officer, Longevity Insider HQ --------------------------------------------------------------- This email was sent to {EMAIL}. It is not our intention to send email to anyone who doesn't want it. If you're not sure why you've received this e-letter, or no longer wish to receive it, you may [unsubscribe here](, and view our privacy policy and information on how to manage your subscription. To ensure that you receive future issues of Longevity Insider HQ, please add newsletter@longevityinsiderhq.com to your address book or whitelist within your spam settings. For customer service questions or issues, please contact us for assistance. Longevity Insider HQ, Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. 3 E. Read Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. For customer service, call (844) 491-5756. The content of this site may not be redistributed without the express written consent of Longevity Insider HQ. Individual editorials, articles and essays appearing on this site may be republished, but only with full attribution of both the author and Longevity Insider HQ as well as a link the website. None of these statements have been approved by the FDA to diagnose or treat any disease. Always consult with a trusted medical professional before starting or changing a health regimen. [Full Disclaimer](