Proper Foods For Myelin Sheath

Many of your nerves are covered with a fatty myelin sheath to speed up the transmission of nerve impulses to and from your brain. Certain nutrients are essential for proper myelin sheath formation, and a healthy diet might also support your nerves' ability to maintain a healthy myelin sheath. If you suspect that you have a nervous system disorder, consult your doctor.

Fatty Fish

Fats are primary components of your myelin sheath, and fatty fish provide heart-healthy omega-3 fats called docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. These fats are good for your myelin sheath because they might protect against autoimmune disorders that might damage your myelin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, herring and sardines, also provide vitamin D and copper. Eat fatty fish twice per week to meet recommendations in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Lentils

Lentils can be healthy foods for your myelin sheath because they are good sources of copper, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Copper is necessary for the functioning of an enzyme called cytochrome C oxidase, which helps form and maintain myelin. An iron deficiency might harm your myelin, and lentils and other legumes, such as beans and peas, are good sources, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Lentils might lower your risk for chronic inflammation leading to myelin-damaging autoimmune diseases because of their dietary fiber.

Dairy Products

Fortified low-fat and fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese, are good sources of vitamin D. Inadequate vitamin D intake might raise your risk for autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, which destroys your myelin, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Dairy products are rich in vitamin B-12 and arginine, which is an amino acid and another nutrient that might reduce chronic inflammation and your risk for these diseases.

Fruits and Vegetables

To protect your myelin sheath and lower the risk of autoimmune diseases, eat a diet designed to reduce your levels of chronic inflammation. Individuals who eat more fruits and vegetables tend to have lower levels of inflammation, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This might be due in part to high amounts of dietary fiber and to vitamin C in choices such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli and tomatoes. Carotenoids in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and lycopene in tomatoes and watermelon, might also be protective.