There are a whole range of different health conditions which affect the nervous system, with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in the current economic climate where unemployment is on the rise. In addition to mainstream treatments, there is much evidence now available to support the use of nutrition and nutritional or herbal supplements in treating such health conditions.
What are Nervous System Conditions?
Nervous system conditions are those which affect the nervous centre of the body and are related to the way in which the brain functions. In Super Immunity Foods, Goulart (2009) highlights several forms of health conditions associated with the nervous system, to include the following:
- anxiety
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Alzheimer's disease
- multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson's
- cerebral palsy
- headaches
- migraines
- vision disorders
While conditions such as Parkinson's and cerebral palsy are less common, anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are increasingly more prevalent, particularly in the West, where these three health problems often go hand in hand with eating disorders and stress-related illness. Each of the above disorders will likely require mainstream medical treatment, although there are a range of nutritional and alternative approaches, such as berries and mushrooms, which are super immunity foods.
Super Immunity Foods to Improve Nervous System Conditions
There are a range of foods, identified as "super immunity foods," which have been recognised as helpful in terms of treating nervous system conditions. In Super Immunity Foods, Goulart (2009) highlights key foods to improve nervous system conditions, to include the following:
- berries – increase immunity, helps cognition, source of vitamin C
- dark leafy green vegetables – slow mental decline, helps cognition
- green foods – help stabilize blood sugar levels
- mushrooms – lower blood pressure, healthy nerves
- apples – contain antioxidants and raise neurotransmitters
- potatoes – boost essential B vitamins
- herbs/spices – help insomnia and improves concentration
In addition to the above super immunity foods, Browne et al. (2007) recommend nutritional and herbal supplements to help depression sufferers as follows:
- SAM-e – boosts neurotransmitters
- St. John's wort – helps mild to moderate depression
- low sugar, high fibre diet
- omega-3 fish oils
- vitamin B complex
- 5-HTP
As highlighted above, nervous system disorders include conditions such as anxiety, Alzheimer's, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Super immunity foods and other nutritional or herbal approaches to the treatment of these health conditions, include berries, mushrooms, apples, omega-3 fish oils, St. John's Wort, vitamin B complex.
Sources:
Browne et al. (2007) 1,001 Home Health Remedies London: Reader's Digest
Goulart, F. (2009) Super Immunity Foods New York: McGraw Hill
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
Join the Conversation