The Vagus Nerve: The Missing Link Behind Chronic Symptoms 

In this episode, we explore why the vagus nerve is getting so much attention right now—and why it matters. We break down how this one nerve influences stress, digestion, mood, inflammation, immunity, and burnout, and why so many chronic symptoms may trace back to nervous system dysregulation. We also share practical ways to support vagus nerve function and help the body move out of survival mode and into healing. - - - - -About the Guest:Erika Shepard is a board-certified Holistic Family Nurse Practitioner and integrative care leader at Forum Health Denver. With a background in psychiatric and trauma ICU settings, she combines advanced clinical knowledge with a deeply human, soul-centered approach to healing. She specializes in hormone optimization, metabolic health, ketamine therapy, and nervous system regulation, helping patients reconnect with their energy, purpose, and vitality.Renata Esteves is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and National Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who helps patients translate complex care plans into sustainable daily action. Her work centers on metabolic health, stress resilience, sleep, nutrition, and mindset, bridging the gap between clinical recommendations and long-term behavior change. She is passionate about helping patients create realistic routines that support true healing.- - - - -Social Handles:Connect with Erika:Website: https://erikashepard.com/Website: https://forumhealth.com/provider/erika-shepard-fnp-c/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nurseerikashepard/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nurseerikashepard/ Connect with Renata:Website: https://www.belezaorganica.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belezaorganica Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belezaorganica/ - - - - -Forum HealthWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forumhealth.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Clinic Locator: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forumhealth.com/clinics/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Social:Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/forumhealthco/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/forum_health/⁠Boost your well-being with physician-grade supplements trusted by providers for longevity, focus, and more at ⁠shopforumhealth.com⁠.- - - - -PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/