Foods That Heal the Nervous System

Written by Christine Garvin

08 July, 2011

The nervous system oversees many functions in the body, including involuntary reactions to emergencies and the digestion of food. Most importantly, the nervous system handles the stress response, which, if overworked, can eventually lead to diseases ranging from high blood pressure to diabetes. Certain foods can help in calming and healing the nervous system. These include fish, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, green leafy vegetables and sea vegetables.

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Fish

One of the best foods to help in healing the nervous system is fish. The nerves are protected by myelin sheaths, which, according to authors Artemis P. Simopoulos and Leslie G. Cleland in their book, "Omega-6/Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid Ratio: The Scientific Evidence," contain very high levels of fatty acids. Individuals deficient in these fatty acids may suffer nerve damage primarily because of degradation of the myelin sheaths.

Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition at New York University, notes in her book, "What to Eat," that fish are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids and are believed to be critical to the health of the nervous system.

Green Leafy Vegetables

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Green leafy vegetables also help in healing the nervous system. According to "Natural Superwoman: The Survival Guide for Women Who Have Too Much to Do," author Rosamond Richardson explains that these vegetables are high in B-complex vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E and magnesium, all important in the proper function of the nervous system.

The nervous system both synthesizes and circulates neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals that regulate heartbeat, respiration and digestion; B vitamins are essential to this process. Vitamins C and E are anti-aging for the nervous system, and magnesium acts to calm the nerves.

Sea Vegetables

Sea vegetables, such as seaweed, are another food that can help in healing the nervous system. According to Tom Monte in "The Complete Guide to Natural Healing," sea vegetables are high in minerals, and minerals are essential to proper nervous system function. Minerals assist a variety of the nervous system's functions, from oxygen absorption to clear brain function.