The central nervous system, or CNS, which encompasses your brain and spinal cord, acts as the epicenter of information processing and distribution. The CNS controls your movement, thoughts, feelings, appetite, sleep and sensory processes. Without a fully functional CNS you cannot conduct normal daily activities. Essentially, any food you eat impacts your CNS because the areas of your brain controlling your body must respond to the nutrients from food. A nutritious well-balanced diet is best for helping to sustain a healthy CNS.
Food For Brain Energy
The brain has three main components, the cerebrum, cerebellum and medulla oblongata, and within these regions are sub regions that control different functions. Glucose is the main energy source for your body and particularly important for replenishing and maintaining energy for your brain. Carbohydrate-containing foods are your primary source of glucose, but for a healthy CNS, choose nutritious carbohydrates. Whole grains including wheat bread or pasta, oatmeal, bran cereal, brown rice, rye and quinoa are glucose-supplying carbohydrates that fuel your brain.
Food For Mood
Nerve signals that communicate by electrical transmission to the cells in your brain do so with the help of chemicals called neurotransmitters. These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine and epinephrine, and they help to regulate your mood. Nutrients in fresh produce and whole grains help your body convert chemicals in your brain into these important neurotransmitters. Foods like black beans, broccoli, leafy greens and apples contain fiber, which helps in the gradual release of glucose to your brain so neurotransmitters properly form. This ultimately gives you energy while also stabilizing your mood.
Food For Thought
Memory and thought are produced and controlled by your brain. A strong memory forms with the help of foods containing the essential B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. An array of foods contain the eight different B vitamins and include whole grains, nuts, asparagus, spinach, raspberries, eggs, poultry and pork. Omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for cognitive functions like concentration, thinking and decision-making. Fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and herring are plentiful sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Considerations
The CNS is negatively impacted by your other body systems when disease is present. For instance, obesity can inhibit the way your brain communicates to your organs to release hormones for blood sugar management, according to a 2005 review in "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology." Overeating or poor dietary habits like excessive intake of fatty fried foods, sugary or sweetened junk foods and high sodium foods impact your brain functions. Conversely, malnourishment of essential vitamins you get from healthy foods also increases your risk of a poorly nourished CNS.
References
- Maricopa Country Community College; The Nervous System; May 2010
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Serotonin and Central Nervous System Fatigue; Nutritional Considerations; J. Mark Davis, et al.; August 2000
- "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology"; Fast Food, Central Nervous System Insulin Resistance and Obesity; Elvira Isganaitis, et al.; 2005
- Cleveland Clinic; Food and Mood; January 2010
- "Lancet Neurology"; Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, and the Nervous System; E. Reynolds; November 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Harvard School of Public Health: Carbohydrates: Good Carbs Guide the Way
