nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord, and the
peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes the cranial and spinal
nerves. Our nervous system is similar to the electricity network of our
homes, our nerve fl uid acting like the electric current. When the nerve
endings get worn down and the protective covering is no longer in place,
these naked nerve endings spark and leap like live wires, and we feel as
frazzled as they look. In fact, excessive electrical charge does build up in
the body during the course of each day if we live predominantly on
concrete and are constantly exposed to synthetic materials such as nylon
carpets, manmade fabrics, and so on. The cure for this problem is to
ground and earth ourselves, just as all electrical systems need to be
grounded. The remedy of walking barefoot when feeling hypernervous,
unable to sleep, unstable, or burned-out really does work, and many a
patient has found relief and benefi t from a barefooted night foray into the
back garden!
nutrition
Nerve foods that actually repair and feed the nervous system are
nonactive yeast fl akes, spirulina, and whole grains, particularly organic
oats and wheat germ, which are very rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are
vital because the immune system “eats up” the acetylcholine receptors that
are neurotransmitters, and B vitamins are able to remake them. Spirulina
and nonactive yeast fl akes enter the bloodstream very quickly, need little
to no digestion, and quickly make these vital components. Soy foods
naturally contain lecithin, which is an excellent nerve-building food.
Celery, zucchini, avocados, lettuce, carrots, and pumpkin are supreme
nerve foods and can be juiced, steamed, or used raw in salads. Almonds
and sesame seeds are rich in calcium and will feed the nervous system.
Kitchen herbs and spices such as mint, rose petals, marjoram, rosemary,
basil, and aniseed will also help.
Daily nerve food suggestions include 1^1 ⁄ 2 quarts of carrot juice; avocado
and romaine lettuce soup; and 2 cups of soaked oats with 12 almonds, 1
table spoon sesame seeds, and^1 ⁄ 2 tablespoon wheat germ with added
cinnamon powder, honey, bee pollen grains, and lemon juice to fl avor.
Vitamins and minerals and other components connected to the well-
being of the nervous system are essential fatty acids, calcium, potassium,
phosphorus, sodium, all B vitamins, vitamin D, magnesium, and chloride.
Foods rich in phosphorus are vital as a partner to calcium for bone and
tooth formation; they are cabbage, bilberries, and pumpkin seeds. Avoid
tea and alcohol as they stop thiamin (a B vitamin) assimilation, which is
vital for the nervous system. Drink plenty of water as it helps the body in
body systems 179