Dr. M’s Women and Children First Podcast #113: Navaz Habib, DC – Vagal Action and Health

Welcome back to Dr. M’s Women and Children First. Today, we are joined by one of the leading voices in the world of vagus nerve health, functional medicine, and autonomic nervous system regulation, Dr. Navaz Habib. Dr. Habib is a chiropractor, educator, international speaker, and author of the bestselling books *Activate Your Vagus Nerve* and *Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve*. His work has helped bring the science of the vagus nerve from the research world into practical clinical medicine, helping providers and patients better understand the powerful connection between the brain, immune system, gut, metabolism, and overall health. On today's episode, we take a pediatric lens to this fascinating topic. We explore how vagal tone influences inflammation, stress resilience, digestion, sleep, emotional regulation, and neurodevelopment. We discuss what happens when the autonomic nervous system becomes dysregulated, how chronic stress can shape a child's physiology, and why the vagus nerve may be one of the most important communication highways in the body. We'll also dive into practical strategies that families and clinicians can use to support vagal function, including breathing techniques, movement, nutrition, social connection, sleep, and other evidence-informed interventions that can help children build greater resilience in an increasingly stressful world. If you've ever wondered how the nervous system intersects with immune health, behavior, gut function, and chronic disease risk, this conversation is for you. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Navaz Habib. Dr. M