HOW DIET CAN BALANCE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

A quick rundown of some of the science linking diet and nervous system balance.

Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
1 MINUTE READ
JUL 26, 2024
Diet & The Nervous System
Diet plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the nervous system. The nutrients in food are essential for the proper function of the nervous system. For example, omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development and function of the brain, and vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of myelin, the insulation that surrounds nerve cells.
Certain foods can also have a positive or negative effect on the nervous system. For example, inflammatory foods like sugar and refined carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. Inflammation from diet can lead to problems like cognitive decline and mood imbalances.
The Gut Microbiome
The gut microbiome, the community of microbes that live in the gastrointestinal tract, also plays a role in nervous system health. Some of these microbes produce short-chain fatty acids that can have a positive effect on the brain. They also help to break down food, which allows the body to absorb more nutrients. The foods provided to your gut microbiome determine which species will increase or decrease in population.
Diet and Mood Regulation: Serotonin Production
On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods and foods that are rich in antioxidants can help to protect the nervous system from damage. And finally, 96% of our serotonin, a primary mood-stabilizing hormone, is created in the gut. By avoiding inflammatory foods when possible we ensure that the production of serotonin is not disrupted, and as a result, a more balanced state overall.
A healthy diet is a key ingredient for the proper function of the nervous system. The nutrients in food are essential for the development and function of the digestive tract, and in turn, the nervous system.
On average, NEUROFIT members who prioritize a high-quality diet report 30% more balanced check-ins and 10% higher HRV.
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About The Author
Co-CEO, NEUROFIT
Andrew is Co-CEO at NEUROFIT, and a Caltech graduate with 10 years of tech + product experience touching millions of lives at NASA, Snapchat, Headspace, Yale's Center For Emotional Intelligence, and his own wellness startups.
After facing two decades of chronic stress, burnout and C-PSTD, he launched NEUROFIT to provide an effective, data-driven, and accessible solution to these challenges.
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