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Brain and Nervous System
General Health Information
The brain and nervous system act as the body's "electrical system" communicating millions of messages every second. The brain is the command center and coordinates incoming and outgoing messages from all over the body. A healthy brain and nervous system enable us to cope well and respond appropriately to the countless stimuli we encounter daily. Our nervous system can become overloaded and begin to malfunction if we do not maintain it properly as well as "filter" excessive stimuli or stress.
An important factor to a healthy nervous system is the proper balance of the brain's neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit information from one nerve cell to another) such as dopamine, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), and serotonin. A healthy nervous system allows us to handle life's ups-and-downs smoothly, and to feel more emotionally balanced. Exercise, stress-management techniques, proper nutrition and diet can help to better balance the brain's intricate chemistry.
Several key nutrients are necessary to supply the chemicals responsible for the formation of the brain's neurotransmitters, thus helping to balance brain chemistry. When taken on a daily basis, supplementation with certain amino acids, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and herbs helps us feel more mentally balanced and provides us with an overall sense of well-being.
Wellness Plan for Support of
Brain and Nervous Systems
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Well balanced diet |
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Regular exercise |
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Stress management |
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Pharmacist's Supplement Recommendations:
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Vitamins and Minerals - B-complex, folic acid, inositol, copper, manganese, potassium, zinc, selenium, boron, calcium and magnesium |
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Antioxidants - coenzyme Q10, vitamins C & E, n-acetylcarnitine, melatonin, Pycogenol, grape seed extract, and NADH |
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Essential Fatty Acids - DHA and omega-3 |
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Amino Acids - GABA, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamine, glycine, taurine, phenylalanine, 5-HTP, and tyrosine |
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Herbs and Phytonutrients - gingko biloba, rosemary, sage, horsebalm, brazil nut, fenugreek, stinging nettle, gota kola, ginseng, ashwagandha, phosphatidylserine, DMAE, and huperzine | |
Click Here for Pharmacist's Recommendations
Wellness Centers Related to the Brain and Nervous System
Anxiety
Depression
Digestive
Endocrine and Glandular
Energy and Vitality
Heart and Circulation
Healthy Living
Hypertension
Insomnia
Mental Health
Pain and Headache
Peripheral Neuropathy
Stress Control
Additional Information on Brain and Nervous System
Overview of the Brain - An excellent summary of the brain's anatomy by the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada
The Fundamentals of Mental Health and Mental Illness - A report on Mental Health by the U.S. Surgeon General
Forgetfulness: It's Not Always What You Think - published by the National Institute on Aging
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