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Vagal Tone

Meaning

Vagal Tone is a physiological measure of the activity of the Vagus nerve, the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system, reflecting the balance and responsiveness of the parasympathetic nervous system. High vagal tone is clinically associated with greater heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of cardiovascular health, stress resilience, and the body’s capacity to quickly recover from stressful events. It plays a crucial role in the gut-brain axis, modulating inflammation, digestion, and the secretion of certain gut hormones. Enhancing vagal tone is a key non-pharmacological strategy in wellness and longevity protocols.