Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System
Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System
The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord and all the nerve endings throughout your body. This system is very fundamental as most activities are channeled through this system. All the essential functions of life such as breathing, heartbeat, locomotion and cognitive functions are dependent on this system. This system however needs to be nourished and replenished by nutrients from our daily meals. Proper functioning of your nervous system relies on a number of factors, including nutrients obtained from your diet. Consuming essential minerals and vitamins can help ensure the continued health of your nervous system which will result in your overall good health.
Calcium– Calcium is a mineral that is present in the foods we eat. It is responsible for maintain bone density and strength. It is one of the most important nutrients for strengthening the nervous system as well. However use of some substances like caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and other drugs often cause the body to deplete calcium. Particularly caffeine has been shown to double the urinary excretion of calcium. Several studies have demonstrated low serum calcium levels in alcoholics. Depressed calcium and magnesium levels are often the root of irritability, muscular spasm, and pain experienced by alcoholics and drug addicts. For this reason it is advisable that a recovering addict should take 1000 mg of elemental calcium per day in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
Magnesium-Magnesium is a crucial mineral in the nervous system.it works together with calcium in keeping the nervous system strong and healthy. Most abused substances contribute to diminished magnesium levels in the blood. This is unhealthy since it is magnesium that also regulates the amounts of mineral calcium in the whole system. This is how magnesium regulates the amounts of mineral calcium in the system. It is good to note that in the body these two minerals are positively charged. When they come into contact with negatively charged particles, an electrical current is formed. It is believed that fatty acids comprising the major portion of nerve tissue are negatively charged. Therefore to maintain a good electrical status the minerals calcium and magnesium supplies must be constantly renewed without this the flow of current by the nerves cannot be maintained.
Just like a battery works only when there is a positive and a negative electrode that maintains an electrical current. In case the positive plates become exhausted, will no longer function well. By this same mechanism, small amounts of electrical currents flow from the calcium ion to the negatively charged nerve lipids. When magnesium levels are low, the calcium supply becomes exhausted, and in the absence of adequate calcium, the nerve cells cease to function. It is advisable that a recovering addict should consider taking 500-1000 mg of elemental magnesium daily in divided doses, preferably at the beginning of meals.
DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) – DLPA is composed of two amino acids, D-Phenylalanine and L-Phenylalanine. It is the raw material that the nervous system uses to make PEA (Phenyl ethylamine) which increases the body’s ability to utilize endorphins. DL- Phenylalanine is most useful for cocaine addicts because it helps to restore norepinephrine levels, a neurotransmitter that is depleted by cocaine use. DLPA is also effective in lessening cravings and reducing depression, pain, and irritability. One double-blind study by Dr. Abram Hoffer compared the effect of D-Phenylalanine with imipramine which is a commonly prescribed anti-depressant, in 60 patients. Those given D-Phenylalanine had a higher rate of improvement, without the side effects of the anti-depressant. For good health and strong nervous system 500-750 mg dose, two times daily is recommended.
Potassium
The mineral potassium helps in proper nervous system function by regulating nerve impulses. This mineral plays a role in action potentials, the electrochemical impulses your nerve cells use to transmit a signal throughout the cell. Over the course of an action potential, sodium and potassium flood into and out of the cells, providing a temporary electrical signal that elicits a response within a nerve cell. The University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine explains that potassium signaling is important in turning off these nerve impulses when appropriate, preventing uncontrolled nerve signaling that can lead to diseases like epilepsy. Eating foods rich in potassium, like bananas, prune juice and oranges can help you consume an adequate level of potassium each day, supporting proper nervous system functioning.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is an essential vitamin that helps the functioning of the nervous system. This vitamin is part of the B-class vitamins and its main function is to help in the body’s metabolism. It helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates to produce glucose which fuels all the brain functions. This vitamin also supports nervous system functioning by helping to maintain healthy myelin, a nerve insulator that allows nerve transmission. A study by The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reveals that vitamin B-12 deficiency can cause a breakdown of myelin within the brain, which can in turn lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Consume foods like shellfish, poultry, beef and eggs to ensure proper vitamin B-12 consumption and support nervous system functioning
Thiamine-Thiamine or Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1 is a water-soluble vitamin of the B complex. This vitamin is needed so that our bodies can use carbohydrates as energy. It is a necessity for glucose metabolism. Thiamine also plays an important role in nerve, muscle and heart function. B1 (thiamine) optimizes cognitive activity and brain function. It also enhances the utilization of the glucose supplemented to form ATP and prevent the generation lactic acid that may accelerate cell damage in the brain
Finally, Here at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center we are committed to availing help to addicts by availing some of the most integrative approaches to healing an addict. We advocate for natural healing to all kinds of addiction. Call on Dr. Dalal Akoury (MD) at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for help.
Nutrients Associated With Relaxing And Strengthening The Nervous System
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