"The human body is the most complex system ever created."

That was Bill Gates — and he was right on.

One example of the complexity is the interplay between the vagus nerve and your physical and emotional well-being.

When the nerve emerges at the base of the brain, it splits into two strands that go along the left and right sides of your neck and then extend downward, connecting to every organ in your chest and abdomen. Those vagus nerve strands, made up of more than 200,000 individual nerve fibers, are vital for the healthy function of virtually every organ system in your body.

But the smooth interplay of the vagus nerve with the rest of the body can be disrupted by stress, inflammation, or infection. And you can end up with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, atrial fibrillation, blood pressure changes, chronic pain, fatigue and anxiety, or dizziness and voice changes, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

New research, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, shows it can even cause premature aging of your heart.

If you're contending with emotional distress, gastrointestinal woes, cardiovascular problems, or undiagnosed fatigue, you may want to restore your vagus nerve's smooth functioning by practicing deep breathing, doing physical therapy, and adopting an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet free of red and red processed meats and highly processed foods.

Aiming for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly in a cool, dark, quiet room free of digital intrusions will also help.