When it comes to eating a healthy diet in order to obtain optimal health, we often forget about the nervous system.
Just like other parts of the body, our brain and neurons need proper nourishment as well. As it turns outs, eating a healthy diet can be a great way to support a healthy nervous system.
In this article, we’ve researched and listed out the best foods for the nervous system that you can consider adding to your diet. Keep reading if you want to learn more.
1. Fish
Fish is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids which are known to reduce the risk of heart disease and other conditions. With that said, many don’t realize that they can benefit the nervous system as well.
Studies found that omega-3 fatty acids work to repair nerve damage after an injury has occurred.
Unfortunately, our bodies don’t produce omega-3s on their own, which means that we need to get it from our diet. And eating more fish is a great way to do just that. But, if you’re not a fish eater, you could consider taking a fish oil supplement instead.
Fish oil is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties which makes it great for repairing damaged nerves and treating neuropathy. It has been shown to provide relief for muscle pain and soreness as well.
Fish oil is generally considered to be safe for consumption, however, as always, it’s best to check with your doctor first before use.
2. Bananas
This vitamin helps the body to produce neurotransmitters which is a chemical that helps send signals throughout all of the organs and tissues of the body.
Thankfully, you can get nearly 25% of your daily Vitamin B6 by eating just one delicious banana which, as we mentioned, can provide some great benefits for your nervous system.
3. Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are loaded with some amazing minerals and antioxidants, but one that is often overlooked is calcium. Usually, when you think of calcium, the first thing that comes to mind is strong, healthy bones.
However, many don’t realize that calcium also supports the nervous system as well.
Calcium actually plays a role in the formation of brain cells and helps form the pathways for communication to other parts of the body.
This is important because calcium can help repair nerve cells and build them back up once they become damaged. This is why chia seeds and other calcium-rich superfoods can offer benefits for the nervous system.
4. Coconuts
Coconuts are loaded with nutritious components that can offer an array of benefits for the human body.
We’re not going to get into all the differences and benefits of eating raw vs dry coconut meat in this video. However, when it comes to the nervous system, what we really need to focus on is coconut oil.
That is because it is loaded with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
The MCTs in coconut oil serves as an alternative energy source to glucose which can actually benefit people with impaired memory or brain functionality.
MCTs also produce ketones which have become extremely popular over recent years for those who use the ketogenic diet for weight loss or other benefits. Studies found that ketones can also increase cognitive functioning and our ability to focus as well.
5. Ginger
Turmeric and curcumin are two ingredients of the ginger family that offer many different benefits for the human body.
Of course, this includes the nervous system.
A study showed that these powerful components work to provide protection for neurons and can be helpful in those with diabetic neuropathy as well.
6. Berries
Anthocyanins are a type of flavonoid that is found in red, blue, and purple berries. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and can protect brain cells from aging and potentially also reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer.
It also protects the brain from inflammation that can damage neurons, impair motor skills, and reduce cognitive functioning.
According to clinical findings published by Science Daily, consuming berries may also be beneficial in treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other mental disorders.
Some of the healthiest options include blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
7. Brussel Sprouts
.Brussel sprouts actually contain several beneficial nutrients, but one that I want to point out is alpha-lipoic acid
It’s a compound that is loaded with antioxidant properties and has been shown to help with the glucose levels of people with metabolic syndrome.
But, when it comes to the nervous system, alpha-lipoic acid can offer benefits to those with multiple sclerosis which is a chronic disease that causes the protective covering of the nerves to be damaged.
It also works to reduce the pain, numbness, and tingling sensations that can come with diabetic neuropathy as well.
8. Clams
Clams are chewy little shellfish that are surprisingly packed with several beneficial nutrients.
One that we need to mention is vitamin B12.
It’s a vitamin that is typically known as an energy booster but people don’t realize that it offers benefits for the nerves as well.
Vitamin B12 helps the body to create DNA which essentially works to keep the nerve cells healthy.
If your body is deficient in vitamin B12, nerve problems, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can occur. Not to worry, you can get more than 3,000% of your B12 daily value by eating only 10 small clams.
So yeah, to say that they are loaded with this important vitamin is an understatement.
9. Dark Chocolate
Surprisingly, dark chocolate is loaded with several nutrients that can positively affect your overall health.
But one that we need to point out is magnesium.
One study found that those who consume high levels of magnesium in their diet were less likely to experience the negative side effects that come with neuropathy. While more research and testing are needed in this area, the preliminary findings do seem to be promising.
Dark chocolate also contains cocoa which has been shown to significantly improve cognitive functioning in the brain as well.
10. Avocados
Not only are they loaded with anti-stress B vitamins, avocados also contain high amounts of potassium as well.
The central nervous system relays signals from the brain to other parts of the body. For this mechanism to occur, the body relies on potassium to generate nerve impulses.
An average-sized avocado contains up to 900 mg of potassium, which is about 20% of the daily recommended amount.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to improving the overall health of your body, it’s important not to forget your nervous system.
You can consider eating more of the foods that were mentioned in this article to help. For the best results, as always, please speak with your doctor first before making changes to your diet because they will know more about your individual condition.
References
The following are the sources that were used while doing research for this article:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5805166/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-chia-seeds
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271157
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-fish-oil
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465250/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33371588/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-brussels-sprouts
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20645129/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019938/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7272688/
Medical Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician with any questions that you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read in this article. Please consult with your physician before changing or adding any foods or supplements to your diet.