After prolonged periods of heightened physical, mental or emotional stress, the nervous system can be pushed to the point of exhaustion. During this difficult time, it is important to feed your nervous system with foods that are both dense in nutrients and high in phytochemicals that will feed the body and support stress levels. Consult with your doctor and a clinical nutritionist to decide which foods are right for you and your health needs.
Oats
Oats, from the plant Avena sativa, are wonderfully nutritious with their content of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Often eaten in the form of breakfast cereal or in preparing baked goods, oats are a popular food all around the world. According to Susanna Lyle, PhD., author of "Eat Smart, Stay Well," the oat bran is a source of a plant alkaloid called gramine -- a mild relaxant for the nervous system. The presence of this chemical, and other chemicals like it, gives validity to the traditional folk use of oats as a natural remedy for nervous exhaustion, stress, fatigue, low libido and insomnia. Eat oats regularly in the diet as a tonic for the nervous system and to build back nutrition and stamina.
Passionfruit
Eating passionfruit, also known as Passiflora, provides a rich source of carotenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, vitamins and minerals for the nervous system. According to Gillian Painter, herbalist and author of "Materia Medica for the Southern Hemisphere," the fruit, leaves and flowers of the passionfruit plant all contain active alkaloids that affect human health. These alkaloids, primarily harmol, harmine and passiflorine, relax muscles, sedate the nervous system, reduce high blood pressure, reduce anxiety and slow the breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain. Taking passionflower or passionfruit extract, or including fresh passionfruit in the diet, helps to ensure good sleep and protects the mind from stress. Check with your doctor before purchasing passionfruit or passionflower products, to make sure it is OK for you to take.
Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast supports the nervous system and the adrenal glands during times of stress and convalescence. According to Phyllis Balch and Dr James Balch, authors of "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," nutritional yeast is made up of 52 percent protein, provides vitamin B-complex for energy and adrenal health and contains 14 different minerals. While live baker's yeast should always be avoided, nutritional yeasts such as savory, brewer's or torula yeast do not contain live yeast organisms and are considered safe and beneficial for human consumption. Eat nutritional yeast to nourish your adrenal glands with vitamin B-complex, enhance your immune system and provide extra whole protein to the diet. Nutritional yeast is not for everyone, however, and you should check with a doctor and a clinical nutritionist before purchasing yeast products for health reasons.
Spirulina
Take spirulina to support and protect the entire body, and prevent the negative physiological effects of nervous exhaustion such as poor immune function. Spirulina, the blue-green algae that was used as a source of food by the ancient Aztecs, is popular today as a food and supplement for reducing stress, improving the immune system, providing nutrients and protecting against free radicals. According to Drug Information Online, spirulina supplementation provides 22 essential amino acids, vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids and trace minerals, and this nutrient contains a special medicinal protein called C-phycocyanin. Consume spirulina in smoothies, yogurt or in the form of a supplement to stimulate the immune system, kill pathogens, fight cancer, reduce high blood sugars, reduce allergies and detoxify the body. Spirulina may interfere with some prescribed medications, so check with your doctor before purchasing spirulina products.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a plant native to India, where it has been used for hundreds of years as a medicinal herbal treatment for fatigue, poor libido and nervous exhaustion. According to Kerry Bones, herbalist and author of "Clinical Applications for Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs," ashwagandha tea is an adaptogenic remedy that helps the body deal with stress. Ashwagandha root contains alkaloids, lactones, saponins and withanolides that are responsible for its tonic, sedative, antioxidant and immunity-enhancing properties. Both the roots and berries of the plant also benefit the function and weight of the adrenal glands, and fight free radicals. Consult with your doctor before taking ashwagandha, however, as it may interfere with some medications.
References
- "Eat Smart, Stay Well"; Susanna Lyle; 2010
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; J. Balch, P. Balch; 2002
- "Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs"; Kerry Bones; 1996
- "Drug Information Online": Spirulina
- "Materia Medica of the Southern Hemisphere"; Gillian Painter; 1998
