Dr. Ahmed Alhamdan, BSc, DC - Doctor of Chiropractic
The food we consume and the diet we choose to adhere to play an important role in the function of all body organs, including the brain and the nervous system. So, what are some of the best foods that help you optimize the health of your nerves and brain? The short answer is foods that contain high level of Omega-3 and Omega-6, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are necessary for keeping your nervous system healthy.
Berries
While they are known to be anti-oxidants, berries can also be beneficial for the nervous system. They contain anthocyanins, which is a molecule that has been reported to help in a wide range of nervous system disorders such as cerebral ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and glioblastoma. It crosses the blood brain barrier and can help in protecting brain cells from aging. The healthiest types of berries are blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries.
Fish
Fish is known to contain high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. This type of fatty acid not only could prevent your nerves from damage but also help repair any already damaged. Some fish contain more Omega-3 than others, such as salmon, anchovies, herring, and sardines.
Eggs
Another super food for a healthier nervous system are eggs. Because eggs contain high levels of choline, when consumed, the choline is utilized by the brain to make a molecule called acetocholine. This molecule is a key neurotransmitter that helps in memory and physiological communication between brain cells. Eggs also contain vitamin B12 and vitamin E, which are important in energy metabolism and nervous system health.
Avocados
Avocados are known to be one of the highest quality super foods around the world. Due to high levels of vitamin K and folate, avocados help in the prevention of blood clot formation in the brain. Therefore, it is a great food to help prevent strokes. Avocados also play a key role in memory and focus, as they contain high levels of potassium. As the nerves rely on sufficient levels of potassium to generate impulses, you could get about 20% of your daily potassium needs from a single average size avocado fruit.
Dark Chocolate
While most chocolates in the average supermarket are heavily processed and lack sufficient benefit, high quality dark chocolates contain a great amount of flavonols. It is a molecule that contains great biological importance such as being an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. These properties help in improving circulation to the brain and the rest of the body.
While nutritional insufficiencies are one of the factors that may play a role in a suboptimal nervous system state, mechanical pressure on the nervous system caused by a musculoskeletal imbalance could also affect your neural health. Consult with your Chiropractor for an assessment or click here to book with one of our experts at Wellness for the Body.
Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that you do not have allergies to any of the foods mentioned above.
Comments