Let’s start at the beginning of the imbalance os the nervous system; the nervous system has the function of collecting information through sensory receptors that monitor the internal and external conditions of the organism to achieve an adequate, timely and effective interaction with the environment. These signals are transmitted to the central nervous system in order to integrate the information and manage the relevant responses. The nervous system is divided into two main parts, the central nervous system and the peripheral one. The central system is formed by the brain and the spinal cord, while the peripheral system is mainly formed by bundled nerves, in bundles or axons, which connect the central nervous system with other parts of the human body.
Once explained very briefly what the nervous system is, let’s talk about the homeostatic imbalance of the nervous system. Scientific evidence shows that some of them can be prevented or reduced just by maintaining a balanced diet and by eating certain foods, which we will describe later.
Here are some of the most common nervous system imbalances:
Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response to stress that occurs when our wellbeing is compromised. It often occurs inappropriately in response to daily events and a debilitating condition is generated.
Symptoms of anxiety disorders are often chronic and may include symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, tense muscles, sleep disturbances, and growing psychological concerns.
Depression
Depression is a low state of mind and an aversion to social activities that can affect behavior, feelings and feelings of well-being. Recent research links depression with different metabolic phenomena, such as gastrointestinal inflammation, insulin resistance and/or high oxidative stress.
Seasonal affective disorder
Seasonal affective disorder or asthenia is characterized by an increase in appetite and the need to sleep more hours than usual. Asthenia is caused by an alteration in the circadian rhythm due to reduction of daylight.
Insomnia
Insomnia is the most common disorder of the nervous system. It is characterized by the inability to sleep well. During the night, different recovery processes take place in the body. Without them, our body would not be able to repair all the damage that occurs throughout the day. Therefore, insomnia has associated risks such as cardiovascular diseases, anxiety and potentially cancer. It is also associated with increased mortality in adults.
Migraine
Migraine is one of the most frequent imbalances in Western societies, they are usually recurrent and their symptoms include headache, usually associated with nausea and extreme light sensitivity.
Scientists suggest that it is the result of a complex dysfunction of the central nervous system and recommend changes especially in the diet (usually reduction of cheeses and alcohol).
Good nutrients for unbalances of the nervous system
As we said, there is some scientific evidence that shows that some imbalances of the nervous system can be prevented or reduced just by maintaining a balanced diet and eating certain foods.
One of these nutrients is fatty acids, such as Omega-3, which helps maintain levels of concentration and intellectual and cognitive development of children and adults.
Bioelements such as magnesium, which helps the normal functioning of the nerves and promotes mental activity. It also helps to relax the nervous system since serotonin (responsible for raising the mood) depends on this mineral.
Biomolecules such as coenzyme Q10, which is necessary for the energy production process and has an important role in the reduction of oxidative damage.
Finally, plant compounds such as California poppy, which helps the induction of sleep thanks to its major active ingredients, alkaloids. Passionflower, which has a sedative action and helps to slightly reduce high blood pressure and heart rate, or valerian, which is used to help maintain balance in nervous and anxiety states, as well as sleep disorders.
Some vitamins, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and vitamin C, also help to improve these imbalances.
The nervous system is one of the pillars of homeostasis, controlling the regulation of signals and interrelating all organic systems. Many imbalance of the nervous system are manifested in other organ systems, therefore it is important to take care and pay attention to the signals that our body sends us.
