Sure Signs Your Nervous System is in Trouble — Eat This Not That

No Comments

Photo of author

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you’re feeling off balance, having trouble sleeping, or feeling anxious, it could be a sign that your nervous system is in trouble. Your nervous system is responsible for controlling your body’s responses to stress, and when it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a variety of physical and mental health issues. Fortunately, there are some simple dietary changes you can make to help support your nervous system and get it back on track. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the sure signs that your nervous system is in trouble and provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep your nervous system healthy.

Sure Signs Your Nervous System is in Trouble — Eat This Not That

If you’re feeling unusually tired, having difficulty concentrating, or experiencing any other symptoms that could indicate a problem with your nervous system, it’s important to take action. Here are some sure signs that your nervous system is in trouble and what you should eat to help it recover.

Signs of Nervous System Trouble

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tingling or numbness in the extremities
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Memory problems
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

What to Eat to Help Your Nervous System

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is essential for keeping your nervous system functioning properly. Here are some foods that can help:

  • Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help keep your nervous system healthy. They’re also high in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
  • Fish: Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper nerve function. Aim to eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines at least twice a week.
  • Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also high in fiber, which can help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
  • Berries: Berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins that can help protect your nervous system from damage. They’re also a great source of fiber, which can help keep your digestive system running smoothly.
  • Whole grains: Whole grains are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which can help keep your energy levels up. They’re also high in B vitamins, which are essential for proper nerve function.

What to Avoid

In addition to eating the right foods, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can be detrimental to your nervous system. These include:

  • Processed foods: Processed foods are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats, which can be damaging to your nervous system. Try to limit your intake of processed foods as much as possible.
  • Alcohol: Alcohol can be damaging to your nervous system, so it’s best to limit your intake. If you do choose to drink, do so in moderation.
  • Caffeine: Caffeine can be stimulating to your nervous system, so it’s best to limit your intake. Try to stick to one cup of coffee or tea per day.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs of nervous system trouble, it’s important to take action. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help keep your nervous system healthy and functioning properly.

Your nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord and a network of nerves and together they control how your body moves, functions and thinks. “Your nervous system is important because it is the way our organs communicate with other organs as well as the way our body is able to interpret the world,” Dr. Wally Wazni, a Neurologist and Medical Director of the Stroke Center at Dignity Health St. Mary Hospital in Long Beach tells us. Liang Wang, MD Neurologist with Dignity Health Northridge adds, “Your nervous system really makes who you are as a human being: your ability to love, work, raise a family–not to mention understand this article.” The nervous system is powerful, yet frail and when it becomes damaged, it can affect the brain’s ability to communicate with muscles and organs. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with Dr. Wang and Wazni about signs your nervous system is in trouble and symptoms to pay attention to. As always, please consult your physician for medical advice. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

Radiologist analysing X-ray image with human spine in consulting room
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang says, “It’s amazing and lets us function, but unlike many other body parts, there is limited regeneration, so more often than not any damage you incur becomes permanent!”

Dr. Wazni states, “The nervous system is divided into two parts. We have a central nervous system which is composed of your brain and spinal cord which interprets and responds to information provided by our peripheral nervous system which is our nerves.” 

Doctor with glucometer and insulin pen device talking to male patient at medical office in hospital.
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang tells us, “Not to make you worry, but so many things can cause injury, from chronic stress to over use of medications to a sedentary lifestyle to chronic medical diseases like diabetes.”

Dr. Wazni says, “Many things like alcohol, drugs, electrolyte imbalances, toxins, brain tumors, trauma, stroke can cause damage to the nervous system.”

Shutterstock

Dr. Wang advises, “If you have any concerns about your nervous system, please see a neurologist! Your concern may be a serious diagnosis that needs more attention or just reassurance that it’s no big deal, so definitely see a neurologist to get their evaluation and opinion!”

man hold his had and suffering from headache, pain, migraine
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang says if you experience, “Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, speaking difficulty, facial droop or drooling, see a doctor. In a word, this is possibly a stroke! Of all the nervous system diseases, this is the most serious and immediate life-threatening! If you feel or hear someone having any of these sudden symptoms, don’t wait, just call 911.”

woman in a couch with headache and a hand on forehead
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang tells us to be aware of “Persistent headaches, especially if you don’t have a history of headaches. It could be something as serious as a brain tumor (although exceedingly rare) or something more benign such as chronic stress or just poor quality sleep, but persistent headaches that don’t improve with over the counter medications definitely need to be evaluated.”

Sick young woman lying in the bed covered with blanket
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang explains, “If you can’t function like you did before due to weakness or low energy, this is definitely a sign that something is amiss in your body and you should definitely visit a doctor. Certain disorders like endocrine or autoimmune disease can also indirectly affect the nervous system as a result.” According to Dr. Wazni, “Acute onset weakness could be a sign of a stroke, so call 911 to get to the nearest emergency room.” 

Woman hands on his head felling headache dizzy sense of spinning dizziness with motion
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang states, “If you have blackout spells or lose consciousness from an unknown cause, this is definitely a sign of a potential nervous system disorder. The primary issue may be heart related, but your brain is designed to keep you awake at all times until you fall asleep, so any loss of consciousness needs a doctor’s attention!”

Sacred mature woman.
Shutterstock

Dr. Wang says, “We wouldn’t be humans if we couldn’t remember things, so any significant decline in memory should be evaluated by a neurologist! We all think of Alzheimer’s disease when it comes to memory loss, but there are many other disorders that can cause memory problems, and unlike Alzheimer’s, may be treatable and reverse the decline in memory.”

Swollen feet
Shutterstock

Dr. Wazni tells us, “This could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy which most commonly could be related to diabetes or high blood sugar.” 

Woman assisting an injured man on the running track at garden
Shutterstock

Dr. Wazni says, “This could be a sign of vestibulitis or inflammation of the 8th cranial nerve.”

Woman falling asleep on sofa in front TV. Tired exhausted lonely sleepy lady in pajamas sleeping in front of television sitting on cozy couch in living room, closing eyes while watching movie at night
Shutterstock

According to Dr. Wazni, “This could be a sign of stress. Meditation helps regulate blood pressure levels, heart rate, breathing rate, and other nervous system functions.” 

Pensioner reading message on mobile phone
Shutterstock

Dr. Wazni says “If you’re having a difficult time concentrating, this could be a sign of mental fatigue, try taking a power nap less than 30 min to recharge.” 

Heather Newgen

Heather Newgen has two decades of experience reporting and writing about health, fitness, entertainment and travel. Heather currently freelances for several publications. Read more

Leave a Reply