ÿþ<html> <title>Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods - Article on The Nervous System</title> <meta name="description" content="The nerve impulses in our body travel a super-highway of nerve cells, called neurons..."> <meta name="keywords" content="nervous, system, nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, autonomic, somatic, involuntary, voluntary, sympathetic, parasympathetic, nerves, neurons, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, sensory, sensory input"> <STYLE> A:visited {text-decoration:none} A:active {text-decoration:none} </head> <center> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> </td></tr> <tr> <font face="Arial" size=4 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="index.php"><font color=white>Home</a> | <a href="stores.html"><font color=white>Locate A Store</a> | <a href="wellbeing.html"><font color=white>Wellbeing Information</a> | <a href="recipes.html"><font color=white>Recipes</a> </table> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> <a href="artsindex.html"><font face="Times New Roman" size=4" color=red> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <img src="nerves.jpg" align=right hspace=12 vspace=12 border=1><br> <br> <b>An Overview of the Nervous System</b><br> Technically speaking, you have two nervous systems; your <i>central nervous system (CNS)</i> and your <i>peripheral nervous system (PNS)</i> which work together to control, consciously and unconsciously, almost every function in your body.<br> Your CNS consists of your brain and spinal cord which read and decode incoming sensory information and send out directions to the rest of your body based on what the incoming messages have implied. And where do the messages come from? <i>Sensory organs</i> such as your eyes, skin and even your internal organs all serve to send messages to your CNS about current conditions in and around your body. <br> <br> <br> <br> <img src="nervsys.jpg" align=right hspace=12 vspace=12 border=1><br> <br> <br> <br><br> <b>The Four "Super Minerals" Essential to Nervous System Health</b><br> There are many more than four minerals that have to be present in our body before everything can work together synergistically, but the four most important are calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium. <br> Over time, different factors (such as age, injury or illness) can adjust the levels of minerals in our body so that this synergistic relationship begins to break down. You've heard the term "recommended daily allowance"? This recommendation springs from the fact that your body needs the right amount of the right substances at all times to function in a healthy, effective fashion. For instance, calcium and magnesium are typically taken together as they need to interact with each other to carry out their individual functions. <br> When these balances are affected, which can be referred to as being "deficient" in one substance or another, you might begin to have problems with normal bodily functions such as memory, mood, skin condition, eyesight, growth and development, exhaustion, high cholesterol, heart rhythm abnormalities, and so on. <br> It's important to remember that all vitamins and minerals work <i>in tandem</i> with each other; it's not a case of "inventory" (or the amounts you're getting), it's more a case of "management" (do I have the right levels of everything?). An excellent multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, with the possible addition of individual vitamins and minerals as needed, is the right way to ensure your body is getting everything it needs to function properly every day.<br> <center> <tr> <font face="Times New Roman" size=4 color=white> </td></tr> </center> <b>Calcium</b><br> <br> <br> This mineral assists the body with calcium uptake and is important in the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses. Magnesium calms the brain which is possibly why women crave chocolate during PMS; chocolate contains the magnesium that has a positive effect on the brain. But you'd have to eat pounds of chocolate to get a medicinal dose (not that the prospect of indulging in chocolates sounds painful.) However, if you'd rather not suffer the consequences of all those calories, the use of magnesium oil is more effective to raise mood levels, and certainly not as fattening! <br> Have a look at the symptoms that can occur if a deficiency in magnesium occurs: irritability, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, clouded thinking, disorientation, dizziness, sensitivity to noise, depressed state, insomnia, aggressive behaviour, and muscle twitching and weakness. <br> The two most basic requirements for the normal operation of our brain are a sufficient energy supply and an optimal presence of biochemicals involved in transmitting messages. Magnesium is crucial in both the production of energy and neurotransmitters, and the integrity of the blood brain barrier. <font size=1>2</font><br> <b>Potassium</b><br> <br> Necessary for nerve and muscle function, sodium also plays a role in memory function. Sodium deficiencies in today's day and age are rare and are generally seen among individuals who take diuretic drugs. <br> <b>Potassium, Sodium and the Journey of a Nerve Impulse</b><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br><br> <br> <br> <b>References:</b><br> 1. Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology, 7th Edition, Elaine N. Marieb<br> 2. International Medical Veritas Association <br> <br> <br> <font face="Times New Roman" size=3><i><b>Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 10 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist.</b></font></i> <center>The suggestions by Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods and the contents of this article<br>are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a <br>replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns.<br>Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein.</center><br> </table> <table width=800> <td width=800> </td></tr> <tr> <center><font face="Arial" size=2 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="stores.html"><b><font color="#E0E0E0">Locate A Store</b></a><font size=2> </table> </body>