Author
Dr Prashant Bhand
Gastroenterologist · Founder, CortiAura
Dr Prashant Bhand is an NHS gastroenterologist with 9–10 years of experience in gastroenterology. He writes about the gut–brain axis, the vagus nerve and the autonomic nervous system, explaining the science in plain English with references to the NHS, NICE and peer-reviewed research.
- NHS gastroenterologist with 9–10 years’ experience in gastroenterology
- Trained at Grant Medical College, Mumbai; worked in Ireland before joining the NHS in 2017
- Postgraduate qualification in AI and machine learning
- Founder of CortiAura, a UK neurotechnology company
Articles by Dr Bhand
Vagal tone explained: ancient and modern practices, and what the evidence says
What is vagal tone, how is it measured, and do yoga, slow breathing, cold water or humming really improve it? A gastroenterologist checks the evidence.
16 October 2026
The inflammatory reflex: how the vagus nerve talks to your immune system
Can the vagus nerve calm inflammation? A gastroenterologist explains the inflammatory reflex, what human studies show, and what is still unproven.
13 October 2026
Heart rate variability explained: what your heartbeat reveals about your body
What heart rate variability is, how it is measured, and what it can and cannot tell you about your nervous system. A gastroenterologist's evidence-based guide.
11 October 2026
The gut-brain axis deserves the measurement discipline we give the heart and kidney
A gastroenterologist explains why gut-brain disorders lack the objective measures used for the heart and kidney, and what HRV can and cannot show.
11 October 2026
Sleep and gut health: how they affect each other
Poor sleep and an unsettled gut often go together. A gastroenterologist explains what the research says about sleep, your gut microbes and the gut–brain connection, plus simple NHS-backed habits for better sleep.
7 October 2026
What does the vagus nerve do?
The vagus nerve links your brain to your heart, lungs and gut. A gastroenterologist explains what it does, what vagal tone means and what the research says about slow breathing.
5 October 2026
What is the gut–brain axis?
Your gut and brain are in constant two-way conversation. A gastroenterologist explains the gut–brain axis, the vagus nerve and why stress can upset your stomach.
5 October 2026
Introducing CortiAura
Who we are and what this blog will cover: the science of the gut–brain connection, explained clearly.
3 November 2025
Articles are for general information only and are not medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, speak to your GP.