It sends the information to the brain and, if necessary, the brain responds by sending a signal to muscles via peripheral nerves.The body then performs an appropriate action. Most of the sections, except for reflexes, are under our control. The autonomic nervous system is beyond our conscious control. It is involved in regulating internal organs and maintaining a stable inner environment.
The primary component of brain tissue is fat. Picture your brain as a firm jelly, bathed in fluid and protected by a membranous coating. The coating provides a barrier that allows only certain substances access to the central nervous system. The nerves are like very thin wires that are sheathed in fat to insulate them. The nerves run through the spinal column, entering and exiting at different levels, depending on the area they innervate.

There are many degenerative conditions that affect the brain. Three of the more common conditions are described below:

Alzheimer'sDiseaseis a progressive loss of mental function that interferes with one's ability to function. A decrease in cognitive ability is quite common as we age; however, Alzheimer's disease involves actual degeneration of nerve cells in the brain.

Multiple sclerosis causes a breakdown of the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves of the brain and spinal cord. Without a sheath, the nerve cannot effectively conduct information around the body.

Parkinson'sdiseaseis a degenerative brain disease that results in the death of cells responsible for the production of dopamine and acetylcholine. These chemicals transmit nerve signals and when they are lacking one loves involuntary muscle control.Although the brain and nervous system are somewhat protected from factors which can invade other body cells, its segregation also makes it prone to the build-up of toxins and other harmful agents. Because it contains a significant amount of fat, fat-soluble toxins like heavy metals, and environmental chemicals, like DDT, can concentrate in the brain.
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 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 makeup 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 the sympathetic state; the body is on alert. All of the body 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 increase 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 fiber and protein, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar.