Supporting brain and nerve health is essential for maintaining mobility, cognitive function, energy, and overall quality of life. When the nervous system is under stress, it can affect many aspects of daily functioning and long-term wellness. Alongside medical care, many individuals are exploring natural approaches and targeted nutrients to promote balance and resilience within the nervous system. As awareness grows, neurological support has become an important focus in holistic health, with strategies aimed at supporting brain function, nerve communication, and overall well-being. 

How Does The Nervous System Work?

The central nervous system contains the brain and spinal cord. It receives and obtains information via nerve impulses from all areas of the body. The somatic nervous system receives information about pain, temperature and input from the five senses. 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 these actions, 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.

Types of Neurological Degeneration & How To Support The Brain

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

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s Disease is 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

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’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is 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 loses involuntary muscle control.

Neurological Toxicity Support

The brain and nervous system resist many external threats. However, this protection can allow toxins and harmful substances to accumulate. 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 if sugar is unavailable. Everyone has felt the foggy feeling in their head when their brain is lacking sugar. And then, after consuming a sugary snack or drink, you feel a 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 of hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Fats, amino acids and vitamins must also be in abundant supply for nervous system functioning. Fats form the brain and protective nerve sheaths. Many people do not consume enough of these fats. This deficiency may impair nerve signaling and brain cell communication. Dietary protien provides amino acids The body uses amino acids to produce 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. The body heightens all senses during this state. At the same time, it reduces digestive efficiency and nutrient absorption. Finally, stress leads to a buildup of damaging agents called free radicals. Free radicals may contribute to nervous system degeneration.

The brain develops rapidly during fetal life and childhood. Neural pathways form and mature throughout these stages. 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 activities 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 provide essential fatty acids. However, some fish may contain heavy metals and other contaminants.
  • Animal fats, margarine, and shortening can interfere with essential fatty acid utilization. Limit or avoid these fats whenever possible.
  • 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.