Dietitian Blog | Sep 23 2024
Vagus nerve and nutrition implications
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When learning about different disease states and their impact on nutrition, the focus is often placed on the main organs in the body and their role in digestion. Commonly understood is that the liver is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, and digestion, the kidneys for filtration, the stomach for breakdown of food and digestion, and the small and large intestine for their role in nutrient absorption. Often overlooked is the contribution of the vagus nerve.
When functioning normally, this nerve contributes to an individual’s overall health and helps to support communication through the gut-brain axis. On the other hand, injury to the vagus nerve can negatively affect the brain, heart, and gastrointestinal (GI) system. Familiarizing yourself with changes that may occur due to vagus nerve function is essential to determining the best nutrition plan of care for your patients.
What is the vagus nerve?
The vagus nerve, also known as the vagal nerve, is the largest cranial nerve in the parasympathetic nervous system. Starting at the brain and ending in the large intestine, this nerve has a right and left side that join to create a vagal trunk and three main branches that connect to different regions of the body. With this extensive network of connections, the vagus nerve allows for signals to be sent to the brain, heart, and digestive tract.
The vagus nerve plays a crucial role in the body’s involuntary sensory and motor functions. It influences various aspects of our health, from mood and mental well-being to skin and muscle sensation. It also has a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, regulating heart rate and blood pressure. However, its most profound influence is on the gastrointestinal tract, affecting taste, saliva production, and the digestive process.
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Signs and symptoms of vagus nerve dysfunction
Depending on the individual and the area of injury, dysfunction of the vagus nerve may present in various ways. Common concerns involve abnormal GI function, including abdominal bloating or pain after eating, reflux, nausea, vomiting, and taste alterations. In some cases, early satiety or lack of appetite may also occur due to abdominal fullness.
The vagus nerve also impacts heart rate and blood pressure, and dysfunction of this nerve may result in dizziness, hypotension, hyponatremia, or syncopal episodes (fainting).
Most common disorders and treatment
Two of the most common disorders with vagus nerve damage are gastroparesis and vasovagal syncope. Both affect a different part of the body, and treatment may be necessary for symptom management.
- Gastroparesis: Healthy function of the vagus nerve allows signals to be sent to the stomach to promote peristalsis. Damage to this nerve causes these signals to be lacking, causing delayed emptying of food from the stomach into the small intestine. A combination of treatment therapies, including dietary modifications, medication, gastric nerve stimulation, or surgical intervention, is typically recommended.
- Vasovagal syncope: When vagus nerve damage is more serious, different triggers can cause an onset of vasovagal syncope. With this condition, a change can occur with the signals from the brain to the heart and an individual may experience a decrease in blood flow to the brain, decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and dizziness followed by passing out. Although not always needed, medication is considered as a treatment for individuals who experience regular syncopal episodes.
Patient application
With the extensive impact of the vagus nerve in the body, taking care of this vital system is essential. General recommendations suggested to promote healthy function of the vagal nerves include:
- Participating in regular exercise.
- Managing stress and incorporating mindfulness/meditation practices.
- Choosing a healthy, balanced diet. Similar to other disease states, this should encompass a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and foods with fiber (if tolerated).
- Patients). should be encouraged to care for and manage any other comorbidities they may have.
Encouraging patients to incorporate behaviors to support healthy vagus nerve functioning is beneficial for overall health and well-being.
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References
Cleveland Clinic. Vagus Nerve. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22279-vagus-nerve. Accessed June 6, 2024.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Your Digestive System & How it Works. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/digestive-system-how-it-works. Accessed June 6, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Gastroparesis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gastroparesis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355787. Accessed June 7, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Vasovagal Syncope. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vasovagal-syncope/symptoms-causes/syc-20350527. Accessed June 7, 2024.
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