comes within minutes of eating. For others, it might be an hour later. The key is the connection between the stomach and the colon.
The Role of the Vagus Nerve
The gastrocolic reflex is mediated by the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that connects the brain to the digestive system. The vagus nerve is responsible for the “rest and digest” functions of the body. When you eat, the vagus nerve is activated. It stimulates the production of digestive juices and promotes peristalsis—the wave-like muscle contractions that move food through
the
There’s more to discover. Continue to the next page for the rest of this article.