NUTRITION FOR YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM

Your nervous system reflects the state of your whole self. Caring for your physical, mental, and emotional health is extremely important for nervous system regulation. Creating small, consistent practices that nourish all parts of you will reduce pain, improve mental outlook and allow for more emotional resilience. Gentle movement, good rest, mindful pauses, and emotional connection can all help regulate your nervous system and strengthen your resilience, especially during the colder, slower months of winter. In this month’s Salt Blog, we discuss how physical, mental and emotional health affects the nervous system – READ MORE HERE

Foods and Nutrition That Strengthen the Nervous System

Just as movement and mindfulness nourish the nervous system, so does the food we eat. Every cell, nerve, and neurotransmitter in your body relies on nutrients to function properly. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can help calm inflammation, improve communication between the brain and body, and support overall mood and energy.

Include the following foods to soothe your nerves:


1. Healthy Fats for Brain and Nerve Function

Healthy fats are essential for protecting nerve cells and improving brain communication:

 - Avocados, olive oil, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish (like salmon, sardines, or trout).

These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support nerve cell membranes and help reduce inflammation that can overstimulate the nervous system.



2. B Vitamins for Energy and Calm

The B-vitamin family, especially B1 (thiamine), B6, B12, and folate, plays a key role in maintaining nerve health and energy production:

 - Leafy greens, eggs, whole grains, beans, lentils, and lean meats.

These vitamins help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and mental clarity.



3. Magnesium for Relaxation and Nerve Repair

Magnesium helps calm the nervous system, reduce muscle tension, and support deep sleep:

 - Dark leafy greens, almonds, pumpkin seeds, black beans, and dark chocolate.

This mineral helps regulate nerve impulses and can ease symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia.



4. Antioxidants for Protection and Repair

Oxidative stress can damage nerve tissue over time, but antioxidants help repair and protect:

 - Berries, citrus fruits, colorful vegetables, green tea, and turmeric.

These foods reduce inflammation and help restore balance in the body’s stress response.



5. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Dehydration can make the nervous system more reactive and reduce focus or energy:

 - Plenty of water, herbal teas, coconut water, or mineral-rich broths.

Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are essential for healthy nerve communication. Ionic trace minerals can support nerves as well as other systems in the body.


6. Gut Health and the “Second Brain”

A healthy gut microbiome supports the production of neurotransmitters and influences mood and stress levels:

 - Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and prebiotic foods like garlic, onions, and bananas.

When the gut is balanced, signals between the digestive system and the brain stay strong, helping the body regulate stress more effectively.

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Food is more than fuel. It’s also information for your nervous system. By eating a variety of whole, nourishing foods, you’re helping your brain and body communicate clearly, stay resilient under stress, and return to calm more easily. Small daily and consistent choices, like staying hydrated, eating colorful produce, and including healthy fats and lean proteins, can make a big difference in how balanced and grounded you feel.

This season, let’s redefine self-care as real health care. Giving your body and mind the
space to restore, reset, and thrive... physically, mentally, emotionally and nutritionally.
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