Also known as the “wandering nerve” is the longest amongst the 12 cranial nerves, extending from the brainstem (through the neck) to the abdomen, passing many of your major organs on the way (including your heart, esophagus, and lungs). It controls autonomic functions, including respiration, heartbeat, blood pressure, swallowing, gag reflex, food digestion, fight or flight response, and the regulation of chemicals that control: inflammation, insulin, anxiety/depression, and parasympathetic nervous system functions (the rest and digest system).

Symptoms: Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Epilepsy, PTSD, Insomnia, Concentration Problems, Painful Muscle Cramps, Tinnitus, Tachycardia (fast heart rate), Bradycardia (low heart rate), High/Low Blood Pressure, POTS, Increased Gland Activity, Immunity Problems, Endocrine Problems, Decreased Sexual Interest, Increased Inflammation, Increased Sweating (when it does not make sense), Decreased Sweating (when you should be), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Increased Stomach Acidity, Gastroparesis (or delayed gastric emptying), Increased Intestinal Activity, Relaxed sphincter Muscles, Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Secretion, Weight Gain, B12 Deficiency, and Vasovagal Syncope (fainting).