The nervous system is a complex network of cells that communicate with each other and send messages to the rest of the body. It controls every function in your body, including your heartbeat, breathing rate, blood pressure and digestion.
A healthy nervous system is essential for optimal health. If you have any kind of physical or mental problem, it’s likely because your nervous system isn’t functioning properly.
Here are 10 fruits that can help boost your nervous system:
Watermelon: Watermelon contains citrulline, a compound that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow to the brain. This can decrease headaches, migraines and stress levels by boosting serotonin levels in the brain (1).
Watermelon also contains magnesium and potassium, which help keep your heart beating regularly and at a healthy rate (2).
Blueberries: Blueberries contain anthocyanins — antioxidants that protect brain cells from damage caused by free radicals (3). They may also prevent memory loss or improve memory by protecting the hippocampus region of the brain (4). Blueberries are also rich in vitamin C — an antioxidant needed for proper immune function and wound healing.
Foods good for nerves and muscles:
Nuts, seeds, avocados and coconuts. These contain essential fatty acids that lubricate the joints and help with nerve impulses. If you are allergic to nuts, eat pumpkin seeds instead.
Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 oils which improve brain function by aiding the transmission of messages from cell to cell.
Also good for your brain are green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale and broccoli, which are rich in antioxidants called carotenoids. Carotenoids help prevent damage caused by free radicals – unstable molecules that attack cells and reduce their ability to function properly.
Foods bad for nerve pain:
Any food high in sugar or refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta etc) can cause spikes in blood sugar levels which can trigger nerve pain in susceptible people. Try not to eat these foods too often as they can also cause mood swings and make you feel irritable.
Foods good for nerves and muscles
Eggs
Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help improve nerve health. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, which is thought to be the cause of many neurodegenerative diseases.
Salmon: Salmon is another great food choice because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both of which are important for the nervous system. Vitamin D has been shown to protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. In addition, salmon contains protein which helps repair damaged nerves and prevent further damage from occurring.
Milk: Milk contains calcium which helps keep your bones strong and healthy. It also contains vitamin D, which has been shown to reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by helping regulate the brain’s serotonin levels. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Beans: Beans contain fiber which helps keep your digestive tract healthy by regulating bowel movements and protecting against constipation or diarrhea (which can cause pain).
Foods good for nerves and muscles
The following foods are good for the health of your nervous system and muscle tissue:
Fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. These types of fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for normal brain function. Fish also contains vitamin D, which helps regulate calcium levels in the body.
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamins A, C and K. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy eyesight, vitamin C supports the immune system and vitamin K plays a role in blood clotting.
Fruits like bananas and apples that contain antioxidants known as flavonoids. These protect cells against damage caused by free radicals — molecules produced by normal chemical reactions within the body that can damage DNA if they’re not neutralized by antioxidants.
Foods good for nerves and muscles
Nerves are the body’s communication system. They send signals from the brain to the body, and vice versa. Nerves also control muscle movement and help regulate blood flow. If you’re looking to support your nervous system, you’ll want to eat foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron and magnesium. Here are some of the best foods for your nerves:
Whole grains. Whole grains contain B vitamins needed for healthy nerves. Try eating whole-grain rice or pasta with veggies or beans for a healthy meal.
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, collard greens and Swiss chard. These dark leafy greens are high in iron, which helps carry oxygen to cells throughout the body — including cells in your brain and spinal cord that need oxygen to function properly (1). Iron deficiency can lead to weakness and fatigue — both symptoms of weak nerves (2).
Beef liver — especially beef liver cooked with onions because onions contain quercetin, an antioxidant that helps protect nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals (3).
Nerves, muscles and bones are all part of the same system — the nervous system. When your nerves aren’t working properly, it can affect your muscles and bones too.
There are many things that can lead to poor nerve function, including:
Injuries – such as a blow to the head or spinal cord injury
Neurological disorders – such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Parkinson’s disease
Genetic conditions – such as Down syndrome
Medications – such as antidepressants
Alcoholism and drug abuse
Ageing