The Great Nerve with Dr. Kevin Tracey

Welcome back to Ditch the Lab Coat, the podcast where we break down the fascinating world of medicine with a blend of scientific skepticism and real-world insight. In today’s episode, we dive deep into the mysteries of the vagus nerve—a nerve so ancient and essential, it’s been called the “conductor” in the symphony of human physiology.Join host Dr. Mark Bonta as he sits down with Dr. Kevin Tracey, neurosurgeon, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and a pioneer in the world of bioelectronic medicine. Dr. Tracey’s breakthrough research has shown us that the vagus nerve is far more than just a conduit for signals—it’s a key player in managing inflammation, regulating our immune system, and maybe even shaping the future of medicine.In this conversation, you’ll explore the mind-bending complexity of the nervous system, discover how cutting-edge science is redefining how we treat diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and long Covid, and learn how a tiny chip implanted in the neck might one day replace whole classes of immune-suppressing drugs. Dr. Tracey shares metaphors, straight talk about medical myths, and a vision for a future where reprogramming the body’s reflexes could offer relief to millions.Get ready for a journey that’s equal parts awe-inspiring and practical, as we unpack the true potential (and real-world considerations) of harnessing the vagus nerve’s power. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a science nerd, or just someone searching for new answers, this episode invites you to see medicine in a whole new way. Resources : ( https://feinstein.northwell.edu/ )Episode HighlightsVagus Nerve Complexity Unveiled — We’re only scratching the surface of understanding the vagus nerve’s vast, intricate network and its essential bodily roles.Inflammation: Friend and Foe — Inflammation is vital short-term, but when uncontrolled, it’s destructive and underlies many autoimmune and chronic diseases.Nervous-Immune System Interplay — The nervous and immune systems communicate reflexively, with nerves directly capable of controlling immune and inflammatory responses.Bioelectronic Treatments Emerge — Vagus nerve stimulation—via implanted chips—shows promise for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis without full-body immunosuppression risks.Individualized Nerve Fiber Functions — Each of the 200,000 vagus fibers controls specific functions, forming a body-wide symphony of precision responses.Not All Self-Help Fits — Lifestyle hacks can support vagus health, but serious disease often requires targeted nerve stimulation, not general wellness.Caution Against Online Misinformation — Vagus nerve advice online is often oversimplified or inaccurate; nuance and scientific backing are essential.Lifestyle Still Matters — Balanced diet, sleep, exercise, and community all help regulate vagus nerve tone and reduce chronic stress.Future Disease Applications Possible — Vagus stimulation may treat IBD, MS, and neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions as research evolves.Episode Timestamps6:25 — Exploring Nervous System Complexity9:08 — Vagus Nerve Controls Inflammation11:05 — Vagus Nerve: Brain Signals Control Inflammation15:45 — Nervous System's Role in Immunity20:43 — Understanding Your Vagus Nerves23:25 — Vagus Nerve Health and Research25:12 — Vagus Nerve Stimulation Insights29:36 — Vagus Nerve Stimulator: Inflammation Therapy32:13 — Neurotransmitter Effects on Cytokine Production38:22 — Minimizing Nerve Damage in Surgery39:30 — Vagus Nerve Stimulation Benefits43:42 — Exploring Vagus Nerve Mysteries46:42 — Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Autoimmune Diseases50:52 — Cold Plunges & Bioelectrical Future DISCLAMER >>>>>> The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions. >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests. Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University.