Blog
The gut–brain connection, explained
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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 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.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 5 October 2026
Introducing CortiAura
Who we are and what this blog will cover: the science of the gut–brain connection, explained clearly.
Dr Prashant Bhand · 3 November 2025