11 Best Foods For Nervous System

Our nervous system is responsible for maintaining a healthy balance between our body and mind. It’s essential for every single one of our bodily functions, from coordination to emotion regulation. But just like any other part of your body, the nervous system needs fuel in order to work properly. That’s why it’s important to ensure you’re eating a balanced diet full of foods designed to support the nervous system. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best foods for your nervous system – and how they can help keep you feeling your best.

See also Vegan Brain Booster Foods To Consume and 7 Foods To Avoid With Anxiety.

What is the Nervous System?

The nervous system is the network of nerves and cells in your body that transmits information between your brain and your body. 

It consists of two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).

The CNS is made up of your brain and your spinal cord. The CNS is responsible for processing information from the environment and coordinating the activities of your body.

The PNS consists of all the nerves that connect the CNS to the rest of your body. The PNS helps to relay information between the CNS and your body, and it also helps to regulate involuntary functions like heart rate and blood pressure. It also controls voluntary functions like chewing, waking, and facial expressions.

Nutrients That Support the Nervous System

• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin K
• Lutein
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Omega 3 fatty acids
• Folate

Best Foods for the Nervous System

1. Leafy greens

Leafy greens are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, vitamin C, and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for nervous system health.

Folate is a water-soluble vitamin and one of the B vitamins necessary for the proper development of the neural tube. It helps prevent spina bifida, a birth defect in the spinal cord. Folate also helps prevent other congenital disabilities of the brain and spine.

Leafy greens are also a good source of magnesium, a mineral needed for different biochemical reactions in the body. It is necessary for proper muscle function, heart rhythm, and blood pressure regulation. Magnesium also helps to calm the nervous system and has been shown to be effective in treating migraines and anxiety disorders.

Leafy greens are also a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to various diseases, including cancer. Vitamin C also helps boost the immune system and is effective in treating colds and flu.

2. Whole grains

The nervous system needs carbohydrates to function properly. This is because carbohydrates provide glucose (a type of sugar) which it uses for energy, and whole grains are a good source of this nutrient.

Whole grains can also protect the nervous system by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is a major contributor to many neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. 

In addition, whole grains are rich in fiber, which can improve blood sugar control, important for maintaining healthy nerve function. Fiber also promotes gut health which has a direct correlation to brain health.

Finally, whole grains have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which can also benefit the nervous system.

3. Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a good source of several nutrients that support nerve functions, including healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E.

They are rich in essential fatty acids, necessary for the proper function of the nervous system. Pumpkin seeds also contain magnesium, which is known to treat anxiety and depression.

Additionally, they are rich in zinc, an essential mineral for the development and function of neurons, and vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage.

Studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety and depression, while supplementation with magnesium has been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety. 

Zinc deficiency has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. 

Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood and sleep.

Tryptophan supplements have been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety. Pumpkin seeds are a good natural source of tryptophan and other nutrients that are beneficial for the nervous system.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are rich in powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins, all of which can benefit your nervous system. 

Anthocyanins can help protect cells from damage, flavonoids can help reduce inflammation, while proanthocyanidins can promote nerve growth and regeneration.

In addition to these compounds, blueberries are also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. 

Studies have shown that blueberries can help to improve cognitive function and memory. They have also been shown to protect against age-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, blueberries may help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

5. Nuts

There are a few reasons why nuts are good for the nervous system. One reason is that they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for nerve function. Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the cell membranes around nerves healthy and have anti-inflammatory effects. 

Another reason why nuts are good for the nervous system is that they contain protein.

Protein is necessary for the development and maintenance of the nervous system. It is involved in the formation of myelin, which is a fatty substance that insulates nerve cells and helps to improve nerve conduction. Protein is also essential for the repair and regeneration of nerve cells.

Protein intake is especially important for people with neurological disorders, as a high-protein diet has been shown to improve symptoms and slow down disease progression in these conditions.

Nuts also contain other nutrients important for nerve function, including copper, magnesium, selenium, vitamin E, and zinc.  

6. Avocado

Avocados are good for the nervous system because they are high in monounsaturated fats, which help protect the nerve cells. They also contain vitamins E and B6, which are important for healthy nerve function. Additionally, avocados are a good source of potassium, which is necessary for proper nerve transmission.

7. Pomegranates

Pomegranates are good for the nervous system for a few reasons:

1. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which help to protect cells from damage.
2. They contain compounds that have been shown to promote nerve growth and regeneration.
3. Pomegranates have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the nervous system.

8. Sesame seeds

Sesame seeds contain high levels of magnesium, which again, is beneficial for the nervous system. They are also a good source of vitamin B1, essential for nerve function. Vitamin B1 helps to protect the nervous system from damage and supports optimal nerve function.

9. Olives

Olives are a good source of oleic acid, a type of monounsaturated fat that has been shown to have beneficial effects on the nervous system. In addition, olives are a good source of antioxidants, which can protect cells from damage.

10. Beets

Beets contain betaine, a compound that can protect nerve cells from damage. Betaine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help reduce stress levels.

Research indicates that beets can help to improve cognitive function and memory. One study found that older adults who consumed beetroot juice daily for 12 weeks performed better on cognitive function tests than those who did not drink beetroot juice.

Beets are a good source of nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow. This increased blood flow can help to improve cognitive function and memory by providing more oxygen and nutrients to the brain.

11. Celery

Celery is an excellent source of a nutrient called luteolin, which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. Luteolin is thought to help protect against cognitive decline and age-related memory loss by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells from damage.

Celery also contains high levels of other antioxidants, including kaempferol which has been shown to reduce the risk of some neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Antioxidants scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, including nerve cells.

In addition to luteolin and antioxidants, celery also contains a compound called apigenin. Apigenin has been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in animal studies. These effects are thought to be due to apigenin’s ability to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the brain.

Foods that can cause havoc on the nervous system

There are a variety of foods that can cause harm to the nervous system. Some of these include:

Processed foods

Processed foods with high levels of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and other chemicals can overstimulate the nervous system and lead to problems such as anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.

Sugar

Sugar is harmful to the nervous system because it causes inflammation and oxidative stress. It also disrupts the communication between nerve cells and alters the structure of neurons. Sugar can also lead to impaired learning and memory and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and stroke.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows down communication between the brain and the body. This can lead to slurred speech, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Long-term heavy drinking can damage the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arms and legs. It can also cause problems with memory, learning, and mood.

Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance worldwide. It is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, some soft drinks, and certain medications.

Caffeine is a stimulant that can have harmful effects on the nervous system. Too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and even panic attacks. Caffeine can also exacerbate existing mental health conditions such as depression and OCD. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, it’s best to avoid caffeine altogether.

Trans fats

Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fat that can have negative effects on your health.

Most trans fats are created when manufacturers add hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them solid at room temperature. 

They are harmful to the body, including the nervous system. They can cause inflammation and damage the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering around nerve cells. 

Trans fats can also interfere with the production of new nerve cells and can cause the death of existing ones. All of these effects can lead to a deterioration of the nervous system and its function.

Refined carbs

Refined carbohydrates are a type of processed food that has had its fiber and other nutrients removed. This leaves behind empty calories that can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain.

Refined carbs can also have a negative impact on your nervous system. Studies have shown that they can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can damage nerve cells.

Mercury-containing fish

Mercury is a heavy metal that can be found in some fish. When mercury enters the body, it can damage the nervous system. This can lead to problems with coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Mercury can also cause problems with memory and learning.

Exposure to mercury can come from eating fish that contain mercury or from breathing in mercury vapors. Some people who eat a lot of fish or work with mercury may have more health problems from mercury exposure than others.

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2. 15 Natural Remedies For Headaches
3. Green Leafy Vegetables For Mental Health
4. Face Roller Benefits

Final Thoughts

The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the body. This system consists of nerves, which function like wires by carrying electrical impulse

The nervous system controls everything from movement to thought.

Eating a healthy diet that is rich in brain-boosting nutrients like B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and antioxidants can help nourish your nervous system, support proper brain function, and even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. 

Including the above nutritious foods in your daily meals can give your body the essential nutrients to maintain healthy brain cells and optimal cognitive performance. With a few simple changes to your diet, you can reap all of these amazing benefits for a healthier mind and body!

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