The human nervous system represents a vast network of receptors that continually sense and respond to both internal and external stimuli. Certain foods contain nutrients such as copper and vitamins B1, B6 and B12 that help this complex system function at an optimal level. Severe deficiencies in these nutrients can cause nerve damage and result in muscle weakness, loss of function, burning feet syndrome and damage to the optic nerve.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 or thiamine plays an essential role in the maintenance of nerve health. Chronic lack of vitamin B1 in the diet can lead to nerve dysfunction such as pins and needles in the toes, burning foot syndrome -- a painful condition wherein the feet burn constantly, especially at night -- and muscle wasting. Foods high in vitamin B1 include Brewer's yeast, beef liver, eggs, seafood, sunflower seeds and beans.
Vitamin B6
The nervous system requires vitamin B6 to produce serotonin and dopamine, two important neurotransmitters involved in nerve cell communication. According to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, research has studied the relationship between vitamin B6 and neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease; however, the results remain inconclusive. Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 include potatoes, bananas, fortified cereals and chick peas.
Vitamin B12
A vitamin B12 deficiency harms the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as numbness and tingling in the feet and hands. Clams are an excellent source of vitamin B12, as are fish, meat, eggs and dairy products. Foods derived from plants do not contain vitamin B12. Vegetarians can acquire vitamin B12 from fortified cereals and nutritional yeast, or they may need to supplement this nutrient.
Copper
If you become severely deficient in copper certain serious neurological conditions may occur, including copper deficiency myelopathy, a progressive loss of nerve function caused by degeneration of the spinal cord. Oysters and shellfish are the best sources of copper. Other good sources include prunes, dark leafy green vegetables such as kale and spinach, and nuts.
References
- Estrella Mountain Community College Online Biology Book: The Nervous System: M.J. Farabee; May 2010
- Neuropathy.org: Neuropathy and the Gastrointestinal System: Russell L. Chin, MD
- Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Thiamin; Larry E. Johnson, MD, PhD; August 2007
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Suplements: Vitamin B6; August 2007
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Suplements: Vitamin B12; May 2010
- U.S. National Library of Medicine: Copper in Diet; Linda Vorvick, MD et al.; July 2009
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