As one may have seen in nervous system diagrams and botanical research papers, the nervous system is the impulse center of one’s body. In that sense, one can describe this system as the actual soul of the body, the element that helps humans think and feel things. Such a critical part of the body needs maintenance, whether that is through nourishing food or exercise. Here are some key details to keep one’s nervous system healthy:

Best foods for a healthy nervous system
Here are some great foods that help nurture one’s nervous system optimally:

Bananas
Most fruits are considered good natural sources of nutrition, and bananas are no different. Bananas are loaded with potassium, which helps maintain optimal hydration levels in one’s body. Proper hydration is key to keeping one’s nervous system healthy and well-balanced at all times. Additionally, bananas are also known as great stress-busters. This fruit contains large proportions of serotonin and melatonin. Both of these elements reduce stress levels in peoples’ bodies.

Brown rice
Healthcare professionals and nutritionists advise people to consume whole grain-based foods to keep their nervous systems functioning properly. Whole grain-heavy foods such as brown rice are rich in carbohydrates, a nutrient that provides the body with glucose to keep energy levels consistently sustained. Foods like brown rice are adept at protecting one’s nervous system from excessive inflammation, which is a major contributor to several neurological health issues like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Dark chocolate
Unlike regular chocolate, the dark variety is excellent for one’s nervous system. Dark chocolate is known to soothe one’s nervous system and provide much-needed calm in peoples’ lives. A major component of dark chocolate is cacao. This component’s chemical makeup helps lower stress levels and cortisol proportion in the body. Both these actions provide massive relief to one’s nervous system. This is why, when buying dark chocolate, one must check its ingredients to see whether its cacao levels are adequately high.

Spinach
Leafy greens are also highly beneficial for one’s nervous system. One can pick any leafy green vegetable, but spinach offers a well-rounded solution that is nourishing to every aspect of one’s body. Spinach is a great source of minerals and vitamins. Some of its constituent nutrients are vitamin C, folate, and magnesium, which greatly benefit one’s nervous system.

Magnesium facilitates different biochemical reactions within one’s body. It has been scientifically proven to heal anxiety disorders and migraines effectively. Folate, on the other hand, facilitates the development of the neural tube. Apart from preventing congenital disabilities of the brain and spine in children, it also eliminates the risk of developing spina bifida, a birth defect in the spinal cord. Finally, vitamin C helps decrease inflammation levels to help the nervous system.

Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and other berries are rich in nutrients. These nutritional values make them great foods for a range of health benefits. The natural properties of berries also boost one’s brain health and nervous system. They are packed with minerals and vitamins that help sustain the functionality of one’s nervous system. Apart from these, berries are rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants too.

Effective nervous system exercises
Certain exercises can soothe one’s nerves and keep the nervous system on track. Some of those include:

4-7-8 breathing
Breathing exercises are useful to keep one’s mind calm and focused all the time. The 4-7-8 breathing technique is an effective and proven way to achieve this objective consistently. This is a slow-breathing exercise that involves rhythmic inhalations and exhalations to keep anxiety, cravings, and triggers under control. Additionally, one can manage their sleep patterns using this nervous system exercise.

To do this exercise, one needs to empty their lungs and breathe in through their nose for about 4 seconds. This breath must reach deep down to their belly. After that, one needs to hold their breath for 7 seconds, followed by a slow exhalation through pursed lips for about 8 seconds. While exhaling, one should make a ‘whoosh’ sound through their pursed lips. One can repeat this procedure several times.

Conscious humming
This exercise uses vibrations and one’s voice texture to reduce anxiety and stress. To do this exercise, one must find a comfortable spot and position (sitting or lying down). This is followed by taking a few deep breaths while closing the eyes. After this, one must put their fingers in their ears and start humming spontaneously or using a favorite tune. One’s focus must be on their humming. If the focus flags, one must bring it back to their humming. This procedure lasts for about 15 minutes. This exercise has great meditative qualities and helps to relax one’s mind.

Several factors, such as daily nutrition, wellness activities, nervous system exercises, and lifestyle choices, influence the overall functioning of our organs. Researchers have created comprehensive nervous system flow charts and diagrams that outline the functions of each component. These references are easily accessible online.