top tips for nervous system SUPPORT
We are essentially electrical beings that operate via pathways of communication within the body. Neurons, a type of nerve tissue, are the means by which that communication occurs, enabling the sending and receiving of messages, and the health of the neurons basically determines how we feel in body and mind.
Because we live in a world that operates at lightening speed, our nervous systems are under pressure like never before. People walk around in a ramped up, reactive state much of the time, which is bound to have consequences. It means we more easily get depleted or sick, and it also means that our internal dialogue can become somewhat disrupted.
If you’re currently on a healing journey, working to overcome symptoms, just know that healing the neurological system takes time. It requires a rewiring of pathways both mentally and physically, in order for deeper healing to occur.
From a food perspective, there are ways in which you can deeply support the brain and nervous system day to day, and throughout the process of healing.
AMPLE GLUCOSE
In today’s world vital forms of glucose in the way of fruit, raw honey or potatoes, for example, get dismissed as troublesome foods that are too high in sugar. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. The nervous system thrives on the right kind of glucose, it is the primary fuel of the body. If the brain and other vital organs, including the heart and muscles, are starved of glucose, the body begins to shut down. We cannot live without glucose.
The natural sugars within these foods are encased inside vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidants that your body knows exactly what do with.
When the body gets stressed, whether it’s physical, mental or emotional, the brain and nervous system start to run hot and glucose is what cools it down. PTSD and chronic stress disorders require ample glucose for deep healing. The antidote to blood sugar regulation is ample amounts of glucose from healing foods.
MINERAL SALTS FROM GREENS
Mineral salts and trace minerals are also critical to the proper functioning of the nervous system. They are the fuel, alongside glucose, that feed the electrical activity of these electrical beings that we are. Mineral salts combat the destructive effects of toxic heavy metals, which cause the brain and nervous system to heat up, while mineral salts, just like glucose, cool it down.
When you eat trace minerals, they travel to the brain where they connect with your soul, and in turn help you to connect with the moon, the stars, the heavens and beyond. They are your connection to source!
Coriander, parsley, lettuces, rocket, kale, sprouts, spirulina and barley grass juice powder, there are so many mineral rich greens to choose from. They can be juiced, added to smoothies, thrown into salads, or eaten alongside warming hot dishes. Try to aim for 450g or 1lb of raw leafy greens per day.
KEY FOODS:
1. WILD BLUEBERRIES
Truly a wonder food. These little berries have oceans of resilience that gets imparted to you when you eat them. They are the most powerful adaptogen on the planet with the highest level of antioxidants over any other food. They detox heavy metals, restore brain tissue, are a powerful prebiotic, and support us deeply on an emotional level.
2. SEA VEGETABLES
These slithery, unassuming characters pack a powerful punch when it comes to our health and especially that of the nervous system. In the ocean, the job of sea vegetables is to absorb toxins such as heavy metals and radiation, and render them harmless. They deactivate the destructive frequency of such toxins and then release them back into the ocean where they can no longer cause additional harm. In the body, the same process happens but with one exception - the sea vegetables hold onto the toxins ensuring they get expelled from the body. All they leave behind is their beautiful nutrition, with over 50 health giving minerals. Nori, dulse, kelp, sea spaghetti, alaria, sea lettuce, Irish moss and more, each have their own health properties and benefits. See how you can bring these foods into your daily life in smoothies, soups, salads, stews or curries. They go well with practically anything.
3. MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS
Medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps and others are taking their place on the healing stage. These powerful beings are here to support us, each with their own personality and health giving properties. In particular, Lion’s Mane is a beautiful mushroom for nervous system support, helping to regenerate brain cells and overall communication throughout the body. It also works deeply with the gut-brain axis. It can be taken in capsule or powder forms, or if you’re lucky to find it, eaten fresh.
4. POTATOES
The poor old potato gets such bad wrap! Dismissed as contributing to diabetes, cancer, candida overgrowth, and other conditions, when actually it helps to stabilise blood sugar, knock back viral load and deeply support the nervous system by feeding it essential glucose. Mostly, it is what potatoes are eaten with that is unhelpful – namely butter, cream or cheese! Potatoes are also deeply grounding, which is exactly what’s needed in the modern world.
5. GINGER
Ginger is the spice of our times. In this era of the quickening where life moves at lightening speed, one of ginger’s greatest gifts, among others, is that it has the capacity to take us out of a reactive state. It works deeply with the muscles and organs of body, helping to relieve tension, and signals to the nervous system that it’s okay to let go. It also an anti-spasmodic helping to reduce symptoms that get ramped up by stress. Try making a strong ginger tea using 2-4 inches of ginger root for every 250ml of water. Simmer for 20 minutes. Allow the tea to cool before adding optional raw honey.