Vagus Nerve & Gut–Brain Signaling
The vagus nerve is the main two-way line between the gut's own nervous system and the brainstem; most of its traffic runs upward, so the gut reports to the brain far more than the brain commands the gut.
An everyday example
A 'sinking' stomach when you open an unexpected email from your bank, before you have read a word of it.
What it can cost you
Treating every gut sensation as information about the deal in front of you, when it may be information about your last meal, your sleep, or a memory.
Warning signs
- My stomach reacted before my head had an opinion.
- I am calling a bodily sensation 'my instinct' without checking what else could cause it.
One thing to do
Name the sensation, then ask one question: is this about the situation or about my state? Eat, breathe slowly for two minutes, and re-check before deciding.
Is this happening to you right now?
Describe your situation and get a read across all six brains. No account needed.
Check my situationRelated
Not medical, legal or financial advice. How Decision IQ works
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