Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman

The Vagus Nerve Truth: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t) with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey | Part 2 EP 169


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“Everyone’s talking about ways to ‘stimulate your vagus nerve.’ But what actually works—and what’s just hype?” — Dr. Kevin Tracey 

Key Resources & Links  

  • Listen to Part 1 of this conversation HERE 
  • Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s new book: The Great Nerve 
  • Dr. Kevin J. Tracey’s TedTalk: Watch Here 
  • Center for Bioelectronic Medicine: Official Site 
  • SetPoint Medical: Official Site 
  • Clinical Trials: clinicaltrials.gov 
  • Follow me on Instagram for updates and giveaways: @BarbaraHannahGrufferman 
  • Have a question for Dr. Tracey? Email Barbara at [email protected]
  • In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon, researcher, and one of the most cited medical experts in the world, we’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to the vagus nerve. 

    If you’ve seen cold plunges, breathwork hacks, or gadgets claiming to “activate” your vagus nerve, you’ll want to hear this. Dr. Tracey explains what’s real, what’s promising, and what you can skip. We also dive into why inflammation is at the root of so many chronic conditions—and how new therapies might one day change the way we treat disease without relying on drugs. 

    In this episode, you’ll learn: 

    • Why only two methods actually stimulate the vagus nerve in a proven way 
    • Which “vagus nerve hacks” online might help—and which are misleading 
    • How breathing practices can change your heart rate (but what we still don’t know) 
    • Why cold exposure and even the “diving reflex” may play a role in calming inflammation 
    • What questions to ask before spending money on vagus nerve products 
    • And don’t forget—we’re giving away copies of Dr. Tracey’s groundbreaking book, The Great Nerve. Winners will be chosen from listeners who share Parts 1 or 2 (or both!). Just share the link to the episode on Instagram, tag me @barbarahannahgrufferman, and you’re entered! Easy peasy! 

      If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.      

      And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!    

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      Age Better with Barbara Hannah GruffermanBy Barbara Hannah Grufferman

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