Nerves
The nervous system is made up of billions of nerve cells, called neurons, which transmit chemical-electrical messages to and from the brain. These neurons link together to form nerves, which connect the brain and spinal column to all the areas of the body.
Nerve function is most commonly impaired by toxic substances, physical trauma, or disease. Toxic substances, including venom and heavy metals, can interfere with the absorption of sodium, potassium, and other nutrients that are vital for nerve health. Physical trauma can pinch, sever, or crush nerves, preventing the the transmission of messages to and from the brain. In the case of autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), the patient's immune system breaks down the nerve cells' fatty myelin sheath, interfering with the ability of the nerves to conduct messages.
While some nerve conditions may be beyond one's control, eating a diet that provides adequate levels of nerve-strengthening nutrients can prevent nerve damage caused by nutritional deficiencies and may help slow degenerative nerve diseases in some cases.
Beneficial Nutrients
| Phosphorous | Maintains nerve health and nerve impulse function. |
| Potassium | Maintains nerve health and nerve impulse function. |
| Sodium | Plays a role in nerve communication. |
| Vitamin B1/Thiamin | Deficiencies, especially resulting from overconsumption of alcohol, can cause a type of nerve damage that results in memory loss, jerky eye movements, staggering, and disorientation. |
| Vitamin B9/Folate | Acts as a nerve strengthener. |
| Vitamin B12 | Important for maintaining healthy nerve cells. A deficiency can lead to a host of neurological problems such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, depression, confusion, dementia, and poor memory. Nerve damage may be irreversible in some cases. |
| Vitamin C | Necessary for proper functioning of the nerves and brain. |