Doctor says free and easy habit is 'essential for health'

A doctor has shared a free and fairly simple practice he believes is "essential to health", and referred to it as a medical "superpower". Doctor, speaker, author, and podcast host Dr Mark Hyman regularly shares health tips and tricks with his millions of Instagram followers.

And in a new social media update on Thursday, November 28, Dr Hyman took a moment to acknowledge that it is Thanksgiving - a holiday where people reflect on what they are grateful for - in the USA.

He said: "What are you grateful for today? This Thanksgiving, remember that gratitude is more than just a nice tradition—it’s a physiological superpower. Gratitude activates the vagus nerve, the key communicator between your brain and gut.

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"This nerve stimulates digestion by promoting the release of digestive enzymes and regulating gut motility. It reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels, which can otherwise impair proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

"A calm, grateful state shifts your body into ‘rest and digest’ mode, optimizing your digestive system for the feast ahead. Gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it helps your body function better."

He also explained, in text within the post's image, that being grateful "reduces stress, improves sleep, strengthens your immune system, and aids digestion", adding: "A grateful heart is essential for health".