The symptoms of brain toxicity vary depending on the area of the brain that is affected and the agent involved.

Poor diet hampers the functioning of the central nervous system because it is an extremely vital area that has high metabolic requirements.  The brain uses only the sugar, glucose, for energy.  Unlike other body cells, it cannot use protein or fat if sugar is unavailable.  Everyone has felt the foggy feeling in your head when your brain is lacking sugar.  And then, after consuming a sugary snack or drink, the temporary increase in alertness you feel.

Fluctuating blood sugar is not conducive to optimal brain functioning and can become a more serious medical concern in the conditions hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Fats, amino acids and vitamins must also be in abundant supply for nervous system functioning.  The brain and nerve sheaths are made of fats that are deficient in the standard North American diet.  This results in compromised nerve conduction and brain cell communication.  Amino acids are obtained in the diet from protein and make up neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitters are nervous system hormones that coordinate brain cell functions.  Several vitamins, especially B vitamins, are important for the production of neurotransmitters and the efficiency of nerve transmissions.

Stress and emotional upset impact on brain functioning in several ways.  Firstly, it depletes neurotransmitters.  Stress also keeps the body in a sympathetic state; the body is on alert.  All of the body’s senses are ready and the digestion of nutrients is compromised.  Finally stress leads to a build –up of damaging agents called free radicals.  Free radicals have been associated with the degeneration of nervous system.

The brain develops by leaps and bounds during fetal life and childhood as neural patterns are laid and areas of the brain mature.  As we age, declines in brain function are normal but there are many preventative and natural therapies one can use to maximize brainpower and memory.

·  As they say, “if you don’t use it you will lose it.”   Keeping mentally busy and learning new things has been found to sustain brain functioning.

·  Regular exercise and deep breathing increases circulation to the brain.

·  Make time in your schedule for enjoyable activity and sufficient rest. 

·  Undergo regular detoxification to rid the body of toxins. 

·  Drink 2L of filtered water daily to help to flush toxins from the system. 

·  Essential fatty acids stabilize the nerve sheath.  Flax, pumpkin and sunflower seed oils should be a daily addition to the diet.  Fish also contain essential fatty acids but are usually contaminated with heavy metals. 

·  Saturated fats from animal sources, margarine and shortening interfere with the use of essential fatty acids and should be avoided. 

·  Consume foods that are high in lecithin and B vitamins including green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast and soy products.

·  Eat more fibre and protein, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar.

Listed below are some of the nutrients and supplements that support the brain and nervous system.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).