The Nutrition And Vitamins For The Nervous System

Your nervous system is divided into two major components: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord, whereas the peripheral nervous system includes the nerve cells outside of the brain and spinal cord. Your nervous system is responsible for sending messages from one area of your body to another. The proper nutrition is vital for keeping your nervous system healthy.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide your body with glucose, a simple sugar that provides energy for your body. Glucose is especially important for your brain and nervous system, so it is imperative that you consume adequate amounts of dietary carbohydrates to provide your brain and nervous system with a steady supply of glucose.

The Food and Nutrition Board, a subgroup of the Institute of Medicine, recommends that carbohydrates comprise 45 to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake, more than any of the other macronutrients.

Thiamin

Thiamin, also referred to as vitamin B1, plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses by ensuring that nerve cells stay healthy and function properly. Thiamin also allows your body to metabolize carbohydrates, giving your nervous system access to glucose.

To ensure that the nervous system functions properly, adult men should consume 1.2 mg of thiamin per day, whereas adult women should consume 1.1 mg of thiamin daily. Sources of thiamin include whole grain foods, enriched grains, fortified cereals and pork.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme, which is a substance that helps enzymes produce chemical reactions. Vitamin B6 plays a role in the chemical reactions that produce serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, neurotransmitters that are vital to proper nervous system functioning. Vitamin B6 also helps your body break down glycogen, the storage form of glucose, which provides your brain and nervous system with energy when your carbohydrate intake is insufficient.

Adult women should consume between 1.3 and 1.5 mg of vitamin B6 every day. Adult men need 1.3 to 1.7 mg of vitamin B6 daily. A wide range of foods, including meat, fish, poultry, fruits, nuts, legumes, fortified cereals and a variety of vegetables, provide vitamin B6.

Vitamin B12

For nerve signals to travel quickly and efficiently, nerve cells must be covered with a fatty layer called the myelin sheath. Vitamin B12 keeps your nerves healthy by supporting the structure of the myelin sheath. Vitamin B12 also plays a role in regenerating nerve cells and the growth of new cells.

Both adult men and women should consume 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 every day. The only foods that provide natural vitamin B12 are meat, fish, poultry and dairy products. Fortified cereals and enriched soy milk also provide vitamin B12.