The System functions: 

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs and all of the nerves that connect these organs with the rest of the body. Together, these organs are responsible for the control of the body and communication among all its parts.

Central Nervous System (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord and is known as the control center where information is evaluated and decisions are made.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is made up of sensory nerves and sense organs which monitor conditions inside and outside of the body and send this information to the central nervous system.

Somatic Nervous System (SNS) is a division of the peripheral nervous system that is responsible for stimulating skeletal muscles in the body. This is the only consciously controlled part of the PNS.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is also a division of the PNS, and it controls subconscious effectors such as visceral muscle tissue, cardiac muscle tissue and glandular tissue.

  • Sympathetic: The body’s “fight or flight” response to stress, danger, excitement and emotions. The sympathetic nervous system can increase respiration and heart rate, release adrenaline and other stress hormones, and decrease digestion.
  • Parasympathetic: The body’s “rest and digest” response when the body is relaxed, resting or feeding. The parasympathetic nervous system works to undo the work of the sympathetic division after a stressful situation including decrease respiration and heart rate, increase digestion and waste elimination.

Associated organs:

Brain, spinal cord, complex network of nerves and sensory organs including the eyes, ears and taste buds.


What you can do to help support a healthy Brain, Nervous and Sensory System:

Recommended Dietary Supplements: Adaptuit, Adaptuit Sleep, Energy Now!, Essential D, Nerve Formula, NeuroShine, Omega3 Prime, Slow Dissolve B-12 or Super B-12, VisionGuard.

Amazon Herb Supplements: Recovery, Rejuvenate, Serenity.

Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Choline, Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex: B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid), B6 (Pyridoxine), B7 (Biotin), B9 (Folic Acid), B12 (Cyanocobalamin), Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.


Foods to include:

Fruits

Blueberries, Avocado, Banana, Strawberries, Citrus Fruits

Vegetables

Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Collard Greens, Brussels Sprouts

Protein/Dairy

Wild Caught Salmon, Sardines, Herring, Tofu, Eggs

Nut & Seeds

Almonds, Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Chia Seeds, Pistachios

Miscellaneous

Olive Oil, Cocoa, Garlic

NOTE:

Be sure to do your best to shop organic, grass-fed, free-range, unprocessed and low sodium.

Daily morning cleanse: 8-12oz of lemon water.


Foods you should avoid or limit:

Do your best to read the labels on packaged food. If the names are too hard to pronounce, they are likely chemical based ingredients and not very good for you.

  • Processed and high-sodium foods such as cured ham, bacon, sausage and potato chips.
  • Foods that contain all-purpose flour such as pizza, bagels, pretzels, white bread,  and flour tortillas.
  • Food containing artificial sweeteners like Sucralose such as yogurt, cereal, whole grain muffins and bread and microwave popcorn.
  • Beware of “reduced sugar” labels which are usually loaded with artificial sweeteners such as fruit juice, ketchup, jams, jelly, syrup, soda, sports drinks, ice cream and salad dressings.

Artificial sweeteners you should try to avoid:

Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium, Alitame, Cyclamate, Dulcin, Equal, Glucin, Kaltame, Mogrosides, Neotame, NutraSweet, Nutrinova, Phenylalanine, Saccharin, Splenda, Sorbitol, Sucralose, Twinsweet, Sweet ‘N Low, Xylitol


Recommended activities:

Physical activity is essential for good health. New studies show even 15 minutes of elevated heart rate from activity has numerous benefits. Find activities you enjoy doing and aim for at least 15 minutes 4 to 5 times per week.

  • CARDIO: Biking, Hiking, Walking, Running, Swimming, Dancing, Zumba.
  • STRENGTH: Weight Training, Pilates, Vigorous Yoga, P90X, Crossfit, Barre.
  • FLEXIBILITY: Yoga and Stretching.


Additional information:

Common Symptoms:

Common signs and symptoms associated with the nervous system include persistent or sudden headaches, loss of feeling or tingling, weakness or loss of muscle strength, loss of sight or double vision, memory loss, impaired mental ability, lack of coordination, muscle rigidity, tremors or seizures, back pain, muscle wasting, slurred speech or language impairment.

Common Disorders:
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – A chronic condition including difficulties keeping attention, finishing tasks and focusing.
  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – A chronic condition including difficulties keeping attention, finishing tasks and focusing accompanied by the need for constant motion or impulsiveness.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) – A progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
  • Asperger’s Syndrome – A developmental disorder affecting the ability to effectively socialize and communicate.
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder – A developmental disorder present from early childhood characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts.
  • Brain Infections – Infections in the brain or spinal cord tissues.
  • Brain Trauma – Traumatic closed-head injury.
  • Brain Tumor – Growth in brain tissue, benign or cancerous.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression or irritation of nerves in hands/fingers causing numbness, tingling or pain.
  • Convulsions – Sudden, involuntary, uncontrolled and irregular movement of a limb or entire body.
  • Dementia – Disorder of mentation processes resulting in memory and personality changes.
  • Depression – Mental health disorder characterized by feeling severe despondency or dejection.
  • Encephalitis – Inflammation of the brain.
  • Epilepsy – Sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness or convulsions.
  • Eye issues – Glaucoma, Lazy Eye, Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Retinal Disease, Strabismus or Blindness
  • Meningitis – Infections in the brain or spinal cord membranes.
  • Mental Health Disorders – Usually diagnosed from infancy through adolescence:
    • Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Learning Disabilities, etc.
  • Migraines – Headache of varying intensity, often accompanies by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Multiple Sclerosis – A progressive disease involving damage to the sheath of nerves.
  • Neuralgia – Nerve pain anywhere in the body; burning, tingling or sharp pains.
  • Parkinson’s Disease – Progressive disease of the nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors.

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