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Foods Good for Nerves and Veins

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on November 18, 2010

Diet for nerves & veins

Diet for cardiovascular health, gastro-intestinal health, and even specific diets for weight loss or weight gain are easily available. Research and study materials deal with diets for various parts of the body as well as specific medical conditions. Similarly, you cannot ignore the importance of a diet for healthy nervous system. The nervous system along with its circuitry of nerves, veins, blood vessels, and heart valves enables the body to function optimally.

The nervous system interacts with the immune system, digestive system, and endocrine gland functions. Before we spell out a diet for nerves, it is important to understand that for the nervous system to operate in a healthy manner, diet, exercise, and relaxation must all go hand in hand.


If you are suffering from nervous disorders, diet alone will not help. Work on improving stress resistance and sleep patterns. Work on lifestyle changes that can reduce the amount of stress and anxiety.


Challenge your body and mind to both exercise and recreation. Finally, understand you body signals that advice you to pause and take a breather.

Diet for nerves. A diet for nerves is largely based on nutrients that can repair and regenerate nerve cells.


The delicate and sensitive nerves in our body are wrapped in protective myelin sheaths. Food sources that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can rebuild and protect this outer covering. Seafood such as wild caught salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain rich traces of an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA or docosahexaenoic acid; this acid strengthens this protective structure.


Seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin seeds and nuts such as walnuts and almonds also contain omega-3 fatty acids. Monosaturated oils such as canola oil and extra virgin olive oil should also be included in a diet for nerves.

The nerve endings contain special molecular cells called neurotransmitters. These ultrasensitive cells carry messages back and forth between various organs and the brain. Neurotransmitters control brain activity and let the body understand and perform a host of functions such as hunger, thirst, and mood stabilization. The building blocks of these neurotransmitters are amino acids or their derivatives. It is therefore important that our diet contain a healthy intake of proteins and amino acids. Lean cuts of meat such as beef, lamb, pork, poultry such as chicken and turkey, and eggs are all rich sources of protein. Diary products such as milk, butter, cheese, and yogurt are also excellent sources of protein. For those individuals on a vegan diet or if you suffer from lactose intolerance, make sure that your diet for veins and nerves contains plenty of fresh vegetables and soy-based products such as soy milk and tofu.

The nervous system uses blood vessels to carry oxygen to the brain and all other organs of the body. Diet for blood vessels must include vitamin B complex comprising vitamin B6 and B12. Folic acid helps in the regeneration of blood vessels and is equally important for the health of the nervous system. Leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and fruit juices provide essential nutrients and should form a staple diet for blood vessels. Folates from vegetables like lettuce, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, beetroots, and lentils are essential for nerve function. Including these vegetables in your everyday diet may also reduce the risk of nervous disorders such as early dementia, Alzheimer’s diseases, and other nervous system related conditions. Folates also support red blood cell production.

Recent studies suggest that it is important to include magnesium in your diet for valves. Deficiency in magnesium is linked to heart valve malfunction such as MVP or mitral valve prolapse. You can include magnesium in your diet by consuming dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, Swiss chards, and mustard greens. The magnesium in these leaves is what gives it the dark green color. Various fresh and dried beans, peas, nuts, and seeds also contain healthy traces of magnesium. Include whole grain products such as brown rice, wheat pasta, multigrain bread, and ancient grains like quinoa to get your fill of magnesium. Even fish like halibut and yellow fin tuna contain rich traces of magnesium.


Foods Good for Nerves: Nerve damage that results from injury or illness can be repaired through consumption of foods that are beneficial for the immune system. Such foods include those that contain vitamins A, B, C and D, minerals and some antioxidants. The daily intake of such foods helps to strengthen the immune system and in addition to repairing nerve damage, also promotes good nerve health. Food such as salmon and other oily fish contain vitamin A and omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for the repair of nerve damage. Vitamin A is also beneficial for the thymus gland which is an important part of the immune system.  Vitamin B encourages proper functioning of the white blood cells and protects the body against invasion from foreign agents. Foods which contain vitamin B such as whole grain cereal and soybeans help to heal nerve damage. Vitamin C is essential for good immunity and is contained in most vegetables and fruits. Green tea is also a good source of the vitamin. Vitamin E is helpful in producing antibodies, which adhere to certain microorganisms and prevent them from causing infection in the body. It is found in foods such as vegetable soils, nuts and seeds. Unprocessed sea salt helps to stimulate damaged cells and promotes nerve function.

There are also many beneficial foods that promote health of the veins. The diet must be high in fiber and low in salt content. Excessive intake of salt can result in fluid retention and swelling, which can exert pressure on the veins. A diet that lacks fiber is likely to cause constipation, which again strains the veins. Foods such as whole grains, berries, dark fruits, leafy green vegetables, garlic and onion must be incorporated into the diet. Supplements of zinc, vitamin C and E may also be taken to enhance vein health.

In addition to a healthy diet, there are some lifestyle changes that help to reduce the risk of vein damage. Maintaining ideal body weight will ensure that excessive pressure is not exerted on the veins and walls of blood vessels. Regular exercise helps to improve the strength of the veins and blood circulation. Cardiovascular exercises such as running, walking and cycling are very effective in this regard. One should also not remain in a fixed position for a prolonged period of time. Regular breaks are necessary and the body position should be changed from time to time to prevent overexertion on the veins.

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