Are there Foods for Healthier Nervous System?
We pay close attention to our heart, lungs, digestive system, respiratory system, and immune system, and we strive to take steps in our daily lives to ensure that they function properly and that any problems that may arise are resolved. What we often overlook is our neurological system, which is an essential component of our body’s normal functioning. The nervous system is responsible for transmitting information from our nerve endings to the brain. It interprets, processes, and responds to sensory input. Though it is critical to exercise regularly to maintain your nervous system health, you can also incorporate certain super-foods in your diet throughout the day to ensure that your nervous system improves and remains strong.
17 Nerve-Healthy Foods
We all know that eating healthy is beneficial to our mental and physical health. In order to be more active and healthy, our systems occasionally require specialized nutrients. Because the brain is a part of our bodies, it necessitates specific nutrients in order to work effectively. Here’s a list of foods that can help you improve the operation of your brain and nervous system, especially your gray matter.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is regarded as a nervous system-replenishing food. It is renowned as the antidote to nervous tiredness and helps to relieve the symptoms of sleeplessness, stress, and worry. Oats are high in B vitamins, which assist to keep your mood in check. Avinine is a nervine alkaloid found in oats, that acts as a long-term nervous system restorative. Oats have been used by herbalists to treat a variety of nervous problems because they replenish and strengthen the overworked nervous system. Other essential minerals included in oats are calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which help to relax nerves and promote a healthy neural system.
Leafy Greens
Vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium are all crucial for the correct functioning of our nervous system and are abundant in green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B is required for the production and circulation of neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that control heart rate, breathing, and digestion. Magnesium aids in nerve relaxation. Vitamins E and C protect the neurological system against aging.
Dark Chocolates
Chocolate isn’t made the same way everywhere. In fact, 70% of chocolates on the market are highly processed and offer little nutritional value. Flavonols, which are found in dark chocolate, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities aid in the reduction of blood pressure and the improvement of blood flow to the brain and heart. Avoid milk and white chocolates in favor of dark chocolate that has been minimally processed and contains at least 70% cocoa. This will ensure that you reap its benefits for your brain.
Avocados
Avocados are bursting with vitamin K and folate which help to prevent blood clots in the brain, thereby preventing stroke. Avocados also aid in the improvement of memory and focus. The nicest thing about avocados is that they have the highest protein content and the lowest sugar level of any fruit.
Whole Grains
Vitamin B is abundant in whole grains such as brown rice, barley, millet, and others. Vitamin B is critical for nerve health, especially in pregnant women. Vitamin B aids in the development of a baby’s neurological system, and insufficient amounts of it might cause birth difficulties. To ensure that the baby is born healthy and with a strong neurological system, add whole grains to your diet.
Meat
Meat is a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for nerve health. Include chicken, red meat, and other protein-rich foods in your diet to meet your body’s vitamin, mineral, protein, and thiamine requirements. If you’re a vegetarian, you should obtain vitamin B12 shots because a deficiency can be extremely damaging to your health.
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in vitamin K, a nutrient that boosts brain capacity and cognitive abilities. Broccoli is high in glucosinolates, a chemical that can inhibit the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which the central nervous system requires to function properly. This maintains brain health and makes one’s memory sharp. Low acetylcholine levels have been associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Seafood
Vitamin B12 is one of the most critical elements for nerve health. B12 is essential for brain health, as well as preventing and treating depression and brain degeneration. This vitamin deficit can lead to cardiac difficulties and nerve damage. Seafood, such as fish, is an excellent source of vitamin B12 and should be included in anyone’s diet who isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Dairy Products
Potassium, which is abundant in dairy products, is another crucial vitamin for nerve function. Milk, yogurt, buttermilk, and other dairy products are high in potassium and calcium. Meat, green leafy vegetables, and fish are other examples of potassium-rich foods.
Liver
A vitamin B12 deficiency in one’s diet can produce difficulties with myelin and disrupt nervous system function, culminating in a spinal degenerative condition. When the myelin sheath that covers the nerve deteriorates, nerve injury ensues. Vitamin B12 is a necessary nutrient for the proper functioning of the myelin sheath. Vitamin B12-rich foods, such as liver, can aid in the healing of injured nerves.
Seeds and Nuts
Essential fatty acids are found in seeds and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and flax seeds, which help with skin health, neuron and cell membrane health. They’re also high in vitamins and minerals, as well as protein. Pistachios are high in thiamine, a B vitamin that is essential for nerve health.
Pumpkin Seeds
Magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc are all abundant in pumpkin seeds. Aside from that, pumpkin seeds are high in antioxidants, which help to protect the body and brain from free radical damage. Magnesium is necessary for learning and memory, and low magnesium levels have been related to a variety of neurological disorders such as migraines, depression, and epilepsy. The brain uses copper to assist govern nerve transmissions. There’s also an increased chance of brain illnesses like Alzheimer’s when copper levels are out of whack. Zinc is essential for nerve communication, and a lack of it has been linked to a variety of neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and depression.
Coffee and Tea
Both tea and coffee include caffeine, which enhances alertness and boosts brain function, as well as antioxidants. Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase neurotransmitter activity.
Turmeric
Curry powder contains turmeric, a dark-yellow spice. It’s not only a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, but it can also cross the blood-brain barrier and directly enter the brain. Turmeric has been associated with improved memory, reduced depression, and the development of new neurons in the brain.
Eggs
In eggs, you’ll find a lot of B vitamins and a nutrient called choline. B vitamin deficiency has been linked to depression and dementia, as well as cognitive deterioration. Choline is used by the body to make the neurotransmitters that control mood and memory.
Berries
Flavonoids are plant components found in berries such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries that have high antioxidant capabilities. Flavonoids are essential in the treatment of brain disorders and injuries because they have a favorable influence on cognition. When free radicals interact with cell tissues and induce cellular degradation, nerve damage ensues. Antioxidants in berries help to neutralize free radicals and mend damaged nerves.
Rosemary
Rosemary, a commonly used herb, has long been utilized as a medicinal plant to treat nervous system problems. Carnosic acid, which is present in rosemary, protects brain cells from free radical damage, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimer’s. Another chemical found in rosemary is rosmarinic acid, which has neuroprotective properties and decreases nerve irritation. Neuropathy, which includes nerve pain, tingling, weakening, and numbness, are all treated with rosemary essential oil.
Now that you Know…
The nervous system is a web of nerves and cells that send and receive messages from the brain and spinal cord to other sections of the body. Breathing, digestion, temperature regulation, and movement control are all controlled by the neurological system. Pain or a loss of muscle control might be a result of poor nerve health. Because the nervous system is responsible for so many processes, it is critical to strengthen the nerves in order to live a healthy life. A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can assist to strengthen nerves.