Nervous System: How it Works and Disorders

The nervous system is the most complex in the body. It contains over 100 billion neurons with a majority being located in the brain. We are electrical beings, and a communication system of nerve cells interconnects every part of our body. Nerve cells communicate through a combination of electrical impulses and chemical messengers. Our nervous systems is what ‘wires us together”.

The brain is the control center of the body and is protected by our skull. It is remarkable that our brain accounts for approximately 2% of our body weight, yet uses about 20% of the body’s energy. The brain has an extremely high metabolism. The phrase “You are what you eat” couldn’t be more true where our brains are concerned.

Research continues to show important connections between nutritional intake and brain health. A diet high in highly processed, nutrient-poor foods does not provide the same nutritional support as a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods. I don’t know why people are not more conscious of what they are eating. I wouldn’t buy an expensive car and put inexpensive oil in it. So why do Americans eat so much junk food, or should I say food lacking in nutritional value? A sound mind and a healthy body are gifts, and it is our job to take care of them. So please eat good food!

Understanding Our Nervous System – A Very Basic Overview

The nervous system consists of our brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The nervous system regulates everything that is happening, both consciously and subconsciously, throughout the body. The conscious part of our nervous system is what we process through our senses. It is also how we analyze and remember information, as well as how we move our muscles to regulate our walking or riding a bike.

The autonomic nervous system regulates many involuntary functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and aspects of breathing. The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The sympathetic nervous system (the nervous system affected by my RSD) is the fight-or-flight part of the autonomic nervous system. This nervous system revs us up, and the parasympathetic nervous system relaxes us and rebuilds the body. If you live with chronic pain, you may also want to read Chronic Pain and the Nervous System to learn more about the connection between pain, stress, and nervous system function.

How the Nervous System Works

Nerves communicate through electrical impulses and chemical messengers. When a neuron or nerve cell gets stimulated, it fires an electrical impulse that moves down the length of its cell, and when it gets to the far end, the electrical impulse causes the nerve to release neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) into the gap between itself and the next nerve cell. This gap is referred to as the synapse. I could definitely attest to this – when I was at my worst with my RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy), I could tell my sympathetic nervous system was revving up, and my parasympathetic nervous system would try to do things. I could almost feel my body lacking in communication and fighting with itself.

The discovery of neurotransmitters greatly increased our understanding of problems that affect the nervous system. Sleep, mood, appetite, and behavior are influenced by the different types of neurotransmitters released by our brain and nerve cells. Neurotransmitters are involved in many functions that can be affected by conditions such as depression, addiction, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. 

Major Neurotransmitters

• Serotonin is mostly known for being associated with mood/depression. It is involved in hunger, sleep, pain perception, seizures, and peristalsis. It is also a function of the limbic system and the brain.
• Acetylcholine plays an important role in memory, learning, muscle movement, and autonomic nervous system function. It is the primary neurotransmitter of the conscious part of our nervous system. It has a high level of interaction with the autonomic nervous system.
• Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are involved in the body’s stress response. Norepinephrine also acts as an important neurotransmitter in the sympathetic nervous system, helping regulate alertness, attention, heart rate, and other functions.
• Dopamine plays an important role in movement, motivation, reward, learning, and other functions. Parkinson’s disease involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in certain areas of the brain.
• GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It helps reduce nerve-cell activity and plays an important role in maintaining balance within the nervous system.

There are many other neurotransmitters, but these seem to be the most well-known.

Common Nervous System Disorders

Below is a list of some of them.

• Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities.
• Bell’s palsy typically develops rapidly, causing weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles on one side of the face.
• Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. There are different types of seizures, and they can affect people in different ways.
• Multiple sclerosis, also known as MS, is a chronic condition that affects the central nervous system. It damages myelin, the protective covering around nerve fibers, which can interfere with communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
• Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder involving the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. Symptoms can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and problems with balance. Many individuals with this condition have found Rock Steady Boxing beneficial.
• Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in the nervous system and reactivate later in life. It can cause a painful, blistering rash that usually develops on one side of the body or face.
• Sciatica is really a term used to describe pain felt along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the leg. Usually, the person feels weakness, numbness, tingling, and pain. People usually have these symptoms on one side of their body.

You can see why maintaining a healthy nervous system is important. You can learn more about neurodegenerative disease and ways to support brain and nervous system health as you age.

Basic Care of the Nervous System

The nervous system is highly dependent on good nutrition. Nutrient deficiencies and poor dietary patterns can affect energy, concentration, mood, and overall brain function. The brain also contains a significant amount of fat, which is why healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, are important for brain health. Focus on healthy fats and avoid hydrogenated fats and trans fatty acids found in processed and deep-fried foods.

What Else the Brain Needs

Besides fat, the brain needs amino acids from protein. Neurotransmitters are composed of amino acids. The brain also needs B Vitamins (which is the first supplement I started taking when I was diagnosed with RSD). B vitamins play important roles in nervous-system function and the production of several neurotransmitters.

The brain relies heavily on glucose for energy, making steady blood sugar important for brain function. When blood sugar drops too low, symptoms can include confusion, irritability, shakiness, and fatigue. Rather than relying heavily on refined sugar and highly processed carbohydrates, choose nutrient-rich carbohydrate sources such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Combining carbohydrates with protein, healthy fats, and fiber can also help support steadier blood sugar.

Toxicity Concerns

Toxins, such as petrochemical solvents, are also extremely damaging to the brain. Since the nervous system is mostly composed of fats and oils, substances like gasoline and stain removers can easily penetrate the skin and damage nerves or interfere with normal nervous system function, particularly with significant or repeated exposure.

Heavy metals are another concern. Some metals are good for the body in appropriate amounts, like iron, manganese, and zinc. Others, like mercury and lead, are toxic to the body.

What You Can Do to Have a Healthy Nervous System

Limit or avoid unnecessary exposure to the following when possible.

• Excessive alcohol
• Chemical solvents
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Excessive caffeine
• Refined sugar and highly processed foods
• Hydrogenated oils and trans fats

Three Ways to Support Your Nervous System

• Manage your stress and avoid that burned-out feeling. If you have trouble managing your stress, do whatever works for you to help you relax. Some examples include deep breathing, exercise, spending time outdoors, getting a massage, using aromatherapy, taking time for yourself, and developing healthy sleep habits. If you need help with managing your stress, explore our Nervous System Reset Program.
• Get enough quality sleep. Sleep gives the brain and nervous system time to recover and plays an important role in memory, mood, concentration, pain perception, and the body’s response to stress. If you aren’t sleeping well, look at your daily habits, stress levels, evening routine, and sleep environment.
• Support your brain as you age. Healthy aging includes taking care of your brain. Regular movement, nutritious foods, adequate sleep, stress management, social connection, and mentally stimulating activities all contribute to brain health as we get older. Include plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables for their antioxidant nutrients.

They say attitude is everything. Whether you say you can or whether you say you can’t get up that hill, you are definitely right. The healthier our habits are, the better support we can offer our nervous system.

Nutritional Support for the Nervous System

Supplements can provide additional nutritional support when they are appropriate for your individual needs. Some nutrients commonly associated with nervous-system health include B vitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids from protein.

Herbs and adaptogens may also be used as part of a natural approach to supporting the body’s response to stress. What you need depends on your diet, health, medications, lifestyle, and individual needs, so more isn’t always better.

If you’d like help identifying areas where your body may need additional support, take my Brilliant Body Health Assessment. You can also view my Nervous System Support Products from Nature’s Sunshine.

References: Rudy Kachmann, MD, Steven Horne, Joanne Mied, and my life experiences.