Although the nervous system comprises about three per cent of your total body weight it is a part of every other system in your body and guides every action, whether voluntary like picking up a dish or involuntary like breathing.
It is a complex system consisting of nerve cells or neurons and the chemicals between the neurons known as neurotransmitters. Keeping this vital system healthy is important but difficult in this modern world. The nervous system can be affected by everything from pesticides and processed foods, to electromagnetic radiation, the presence of heavy metals like mercury or lead in the body, and even stress. A healthy nervous system begins with a healthy intake of nutrients.
Many of the nerves are wrapped in sheaths called myelin sheaths; Omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are particularly important in the sheath structures surrounding many nerves. Wild-caught cold-water fish (like salmon), seeds (like pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds), nuts (like walnuts), and some oils (like canola oils) are important food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Activity in the nerves is often carried out with special messaging molecules (neurotransmitters). In some cases, these molecules are simple amino acids or derivatives of amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein; for this reason, optimal protein intake and balanced intake of the amino acids within protein can be very helpful in support of the nervous system.
In order for the nervous system to synthesize and circulate neurotransmitters, B complex vitamins are particularly important. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid could also be singled out as especially important in nerve metabolism. Green leafy vegetables are especially rich sources of many B vitamins.
Processed foods, fatty meats, and excessive sugar consumption destroy Choline, also a B complex nutrient, needed for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter is essential to the brain's ability to retain memories and control muscle movements.
B vitamins are present in most whole grains like brown rice. A whole foods diet of fresh vegetables and fruits and little or no processed food is essential to nervous system health. Because B vitamins are so easily destroyed, a low dosage B complex supplement is probably necessary. Be sure that your chosen B complex vitamin includes inositol and choline.
The minerals calcium and magnesium, as well as manganese, iodine, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur are all important for nervous system health. Calcium, magnesium and the other minerals essential for nerve impulse conduction were once found in the soil and hence in the food grown in it. Sadly, modern agricultural practices like mono-cropping and pesticide use have led to the destruction of most of the minerals once found in the soil.
Other nutrients important to the nervous system are the pectin found in apples, the vitamin E found in dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains, and the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) found in flax, hemp, and evening primrose oils, as well as in cold water fish like salmon and halibut. Pectin helps to rid the body of many of the heavy metals that may be interfering with your nervous system. EFAs provide nutrients and healthy fats necessary to the myelin sheaths that cover our neurons, allowing impulses to travel along them quickly and efficiently. EFAs also control hyperactivity in children. Vitamin E improves the body's use of vitamin B12, mentioned earlier as part of the B complex essential to nervous system health. Vitamin E also helps to protect EFAs from free radical damage.
Stress has an extremely negative impact on the nervous system. To begin with, watch less television. The body cannot tell the difference between real stress and pretend stress. Next, have your health care provider test you for adrenal exhaustion. The adrenal glands are responsible for your response to stress; they help to control the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems; your relaxation or 'fight or flight' response to daily situations.
A good diet and adrenal supporting herbs could go a long way in preventing 'burn out' and restoring nervous system health. Also, be aware that caffeine aggravates stress. Even de-caffeinated coffee has a small percentage of caffeine in it. It is probably best that you drink non-caffeinated herbal tea or try some of the grain coffees available at most health food stores. And don't forget to avoid chocolate because it usually contains caffeine.
Also detrimental to nervous system health is electromagnetic radiation. Electromagnetic radiation is hard to avoid in the outside world but can be minimized at home. Watch less television, get rid of the microwave oven, and do not automatically refrigerate everything you buy. Most fruits, potatoes and onions will do just fine in baskets or bowls. Cut back your computer time as much as possible, sleep as far away as you can from the clock radio, and never use an electric blanket. Try eating some sea vegetables every day. There are also some crystals on the market that help to absorb some of the electromagnetic radiation that would otherwise be entering your body.
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