How to Strengthen Your Nervous System

The nervous system is a complex network of autonomic, motor and sensory nerves, which are involved in everything your body does.

From regulating your breathing to controlling your movements, from digestion to regulating temperature, the nervous system plays a role in many important functions of the body.

Problems with your nervous system can occur due to poor blood circulation, trauma or compression of the nerves, nerve dysfunction, side effects of drugs or toxic substances, and nutritional deficiencies of vitamins B6 and B12 as well as magnesium.

Furthermore, chronic stress increases the sympathetic nervous sytem activity and affects the autonomic nervous system.

This results in hyperactivity, cardiovascular stress, muscle tension and other intensified functions, thus leading to degeneration of nerve cells and other problems.

Any trouble with the nervous system can seriously affect your quality of life. Symptoms of a weak nervous system vary depending upon which part of the system is affected and may be mild or severe.

Some of the symptoms include shortness of breath, headaches, excessive sweating, muscle weakness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, twitching, pain, numbness and burning sensations in the hands and feet.

To reduce the risk of suffering from a weak nervous system, it’s essential to take charge of your health. With simple lifestyle changes, dietary changes and some home remedies, you can strengthen your nervous system and lead a healthy life.

Walking Barefoot :-

• • Walking barefoot on moist earth, soft grass or a sandy beach for about 30 minutes daily can greatly benefit your nervous system and overall health.
  • When you walk barefoot, the Earth’s surface electrons transfer into your body, promoting physiological changes and improved health.

• A 2012 study published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health highlights the manifold benefits of earthing, such as improvement in blood viscosity, heart rate variability, inflammation, cortisol dynamics, better sleep, autonomic nervous system balance and reduced stress level.
• Walk barefoot on grass, particularly in the morning, to balance your nervous system.

Sunlight :-

• Sunlight helps regulate the nervous system by helping the body produce vitamin D.
• A 2013 study published in Pharmacological Reports shows the connection between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of diseases of the central nervous system, particularly schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis.
• Also, a 2009 study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology highlights the role of vitamin D3 in central nervous system functioning, especially in relation to nervous system pathologies and aging.
• Expose your body to early morning sunlight without using any sunscreen for 10 to 15 minutes daily to boost your vitamin D levels.
• You can also get vitamin D from certain foods. Salmon, tuna, milk, eggs and fortified breakfast cereals are rich in vitamin D. You can opt to take a supplement, after consulting your doctor.

Deep Breathing :-

• Deep breathing is a simple yet effective technique to deal with a weak nervous system. It can help you relax and reduce stress.
• Furthermore, deep breathing improves your body’s healing abilities and counteracts the effects of stress and anxiety.
• Lie down or sit in a comfortable position, putting your hands on your abdomen.
• Take a deep breath through your nose, expanding your abdomen and then filling your lungs with air.
• Hold your breath for 3 seconds, then breathe out slowly through your mouth and completely empty your lungs.
• Continue to inhale and exhale deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Enjoy a short session of deep breathing 2 or 3 times a day.

Ensure optimal nutritional support for your nervous system :-

• • Your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves are coated with a layer of fat, called myelin, which provides insulation to your nervous system.
  • When myelin is not properly maintained or is eroded by autoimmune illness, you are bound to experience any number of symptoms of nerve dysfunction, common ones being muscle weakness, inexplicable chronic pain, and diminished vision.

• Ensure adequate intake of healthy fats, and ensure adequatevitamin D and vitamin B12 status. All are essential to maintaining optimal myelin and nervous system health.
• In looking to make sure that your body’s needs for vitamins D and B12 are met, be sure to understand the differences between synthetic and natural vitamins.

Exercise your nervous system on a daily basis :-

• One of the best ways of keeping your nervous system fine tuned is to spend a minimum of 15 minutes per day writing on paper as neatly as you can.
• Writing with pen on paper is far more effective at exercising your nervous system than writing with a keyboard on a computer, as typing on a keyboard doesn’t require as much fine motor control as writing on paper.
• An alternative to writing on paper is to draw on paper, as drawing with precision also requires intensive use of all of the major components of your conscious motor and sensory apparatuses.
• Getting back to the client that I recently saw for intermittent muscle weakness, within days of following the suggestions mentioned above, he noted a significant improvement in his grip strength.
• Interestingly, he mentioned that he hadn’t written on paper on a regular basis for more than 25 years prior to beginning a daily ritual of writing for 15-30 minutes each evening.
• He was surprised to find out how much energy was required of his brain and his writing arm to produce neat and coherent sentences.

Magnesium :-

• Magnesium is an important mineral for a healthy nervous system.
• The deficiency of this mineral has an inhibitory effect on several neurotransmitters that support signal transmission between nerve cells.
• Furthermore, it aids the body’s production of serotonin, which relaxes the nervous system and elevates mood.
• It even promotes muscle relaxation.
• Eat foods rich in magnesium, such as dark chocolate, spinach, lettuce, bananas, apricots, almonds, walnuts, lentils, brown rice and pumpkin seeds.
• You can also opt for a magnesium supplement. Consult your doctor for the correct dosage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids :-

• To reduce the risk of a weak nervous system, start eating foods rich in omega-3.
• Omega-3 fatty acids – eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – are important for the development and functioning of the central nervous system.
• These fatty acids are necessary for proper neuron functioning and improve nerve transmissions.
• A 2008 study published in Neuromolecular Medicine points out the neurological benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative conditions and acute neurological injury.
• Include foods rich in omega-3 in your diet, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, sardines, salmon, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach and canola oil.
• You can opt to take omega-3 supplements, after consulting your doctor.