The nervous system is how we perceive and interact with the world around us. It controls our senses, movements, and essential bodily functions by sending messages from the brain to the rest of the body. Sometimes, constant stress and physical trauma can lead to serious issues in the nervous system. In this article, we explore some foods and exercises that can treat your nervous system problems. Check them out!!
What Is Nervous Weakness?
Nervous weakness or neuropathy is a medical term used to collectively define various nervous disorders that cause the nerves in some parts of your body to become weak or immobile. For some individuals, this condition is a temporary affair, while for others, it might be a permanent health issue.
What Causes Nervous Weakness?
The most common causes of nervous weakness are:
Inflamed nerves Compressed nerves Nerve damage Degenerated nerves Development of malignant tumors on nerve cells Disruption of nerve impulses by toxins Unhealthy diet and lifestyle Stress
The causes of nervous weakness can also vary depending on the type of disease and other factors. They include:
Nerve infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or other parasites. Medications or drugs that damage the nerves or alter their function over time. Deficiency of nutrients. Congenital defects or genetic abnormalities that alter the function of the nerves.
The symptoms of nervous weakness vary widely depending on the type and location of the affected nerve. Some common symptoms are listed below.
Signs And Symptoms Of Nervous Weakness
Prickling or tickling sensation Aches or pains Anxiety and depression Weak immunity Fatigue Diminished sense of smell, vision, taste, touch, or hearing Cognitive problems Muscle weakness and wasting Tremors
Weak or damaged nerves can also give rise to different medical conditions, and some of the most common ones are discussed below.
List Of Nervous System Diseases
There are a number of diseases that can cause your nerves to weaken. They include:
Sciatica: Sciatica is often a result of nerve root compression (1). Multiple Sclerosis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the insulating sheath (myelin sheath) of the nerves (2). Bell’s Palsy: Also referred to as facial palsy, this disease results in inflamed nerves on one side of the face, thereby causing muscle weakness in the affected area (3). Diabetic Neuropathy: This condition is a result of long and untreated cases of diabetes mellitus (4). Stroke: When a part of the brain tissues develops a blood clot due to an interrupted blood supply, it leads to a stroke (5). Parkinson’s Disease: This is a neurodegenerative disorder that leads to a gradual loss of certain types of nerve cells in the brain (6).
Nervous weakness might lead to a host of medical conditions. Hence, it is best to treat it immediately. Given below are natural remedies, foods, and exercises that can help you deal with nervous weakness.
Natural Therapies For Nervous Weakness
1. Ayurvedic Oil Massage
Ayurvedic massages are a well-known treatment for various ailments, including nervous weakness. This traditional treatment may help in rejuvenating your body and mind and ensures that your nervous system is healthy and active (7). You Will Need Almond or sesame oil What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this daily.
2. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt baths are most commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation of the muscles (8). The magnesium in Epsom salt plays an important role in nerve transmission and neuromuscular coordination (9). You Will Need
1 cup of Epsom salt Water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this at least three times a week.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha has a range of benefits. It relieves stress and anxiety – two of the many symptoms of nervous weakness (10), (11). You Will Need Ashwagandha supplements What You Have To Do Take ashwagandha supplements in the dosage recommended by your doctor. How Often You Should Do This As recommended by the doctor.
4. Water Therapy
Water therapy is extensively used for relieving pain and inflammation and is an excellent treatment for nervous weakness. Alternating cold and hot water help reduce the pain and inflammation that occur due to weak or damaged nerves (12). You Will Need Cold and warm water What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this daily.
5. Sunlight
Exposing yourself to the early morning sun rays is another way to treat nervous weakness. Nervous weakness is often associated with vitamin D deficiency, and the sun rays help your body produce more vitamin D (13). Caution Avoid going out in the sun in the afternoon for long hours, as this may have adverse effects on your health (14).
Best Foods For Nervous Weakness
1. Vitamins
Consuming foods rich in vitamins B and D is another way to maintain the healthy functioning of your nervous system. Both the vitamins have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation within your body (15), (16). Vitamin D is also beneficial for bone health as it promotes the absorption of calcium by your body. You can consume foods like fish, bread, whole grains, vegetables, brown rice, cheese, and egg yolk to combat any deficiencies in these vitamins naturally. You can also opt for additional supplements of these vitamins, but after consulting your physician.
2. Magnesium
Magnesium is another important nutrient for a healthy nervous system (17). It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve nerve inflammation. It also promotes the production of serotonin to relax your nervous system.Consuming magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolates, green and leafy veggies, bananas, and apricots is a great way to counter any deficiencies of this mineral naturally.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are a boon for your nervous system (18), (19). Due to their anti-inflammatory properties, omega-3s can aid the treatment of various nervous system diseases by speeding up the recovery of weak and damaged nerves. Consuming seafood like mackerel, oysters, sardines, salmon, and tuna is a great way to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids naturally. Opt for wild-caught fish, and be wary of the fact that seafood may contain heavy metals. You can also consider taking additional supplements after consulting your physician.
4. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea acts as a sedative, reduces anxiety, and calms down your nerves (20). It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in the treatment of damaged or injured nerves. You Will Need
1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile herb 1 cup of water Honey to taste
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Drink chamomile tea 3 to 4 times daily.
5. Green Tea
Among the many benefits of green tea, one is its ability to promote a healthy nervous system. This is mainly due to the presence of compounds like L-theanine, which is known to have unique brain-boosting properties (21). These properties of green tea also help in managing depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders (22). You Will Need
1 green tea bag 1 cup of hot water Honey
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this three times daily.
Best Exercises To Help Nervous Weakness
1. Yoga
a. Sarva Hita Asana
This yoga asana has a calming effect on your nerves and helps in harmonizing your breath. 5 times
b. Shashankasana
Shashankasana improves blood circulation to your head and promotes the functioning of your brain and eyes. 3 to 4 times
c. Khatu Pranam
This asana strengthens your spine and muscles and improves blood circulation to your head. This, in turn, assures the healthy functioning of your nervous system. 4 to 6 times
2. Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot on moist earth or a sandy beach can help in healing your nervous system. It is believed that the electrons from the earth’s surface improve your health by reducing your stress levels and inflammation in your body (23). Duration 30 minutes
3. Deep Breathing
You can also practice deep breathing to relieve stress and relax. It helps manage anxiety and stress-related disorders and improves your body’s natural healing abilities. Duration 5 to 10 minutes Repetitions 2 to 3 In addition to the remedies, diets, and exercises, here are some tips to help you deal with weak nerves.
Preventive Tips
Quit smoking and using tobacco products. Make sure to get plenty of rest. Treat and manage other medical conditions (if any). Drink a lot of fluids and water. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs. Increase your attention span and ability to focus by learning new skills. Try and avoid the use of non-prescription medications.
Can B12 repair nerve damage? According to a study, Vitamin B12 can repair nerve damage (24). Vitamin B12 can be found in large amounts in eggs, poultry, dairy products, and meats, but not in plant products. Is garlic good for nerves? According to animal studies, the antioxidants in garlic are responsible for its neuroprotective properties and may help lower the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (25). However, further human studies are required to establish this claim.
