Nervous System
Your body's internet. The nervous system transmits signals at up to 120 meters per second, coordinating every thought, movement, and sensation. The central nervous system (brain + spinal cord) processes information while the peripheral nervous system connects to every organ. The autonomic division runs unconscious functions.
Nervous System Divisions
Central (CNS)
Brain + spinal cord. Processing center. Protected by skull and vertebrae. Blood-brain barrier.
Peripheral (PNS)
All nerves outside CNS. Connects brain to body. Sensory and motor nerves.
Parasympathetic
"Rest and digest." Slows heart, promotes digestion, conserves energy. Vagus nerve dominant.
Sympathetic
"Fight or flight." Increases heart rate, releases adrenaline, mobilizes energy. Stress response.
What Nerves Need
For Signal Transmission
- Sodium/Potassium: Action potential depends on ion gradients.
- Calcium: Triggers neurotransmitter release at synapse.
- Magnesium: Modulates NMDA receptors. Calming effect.
- DHA (omega-3): Neuronal membrane fluidity.
For Myelin & Structure
- B12: Essential for myelin synthesis. Deficiency = neuropathy.
- B1 (Thiamine): Nerve energy metabolism. Deficiency = damage.
- B6: Neurotransmitter synthesis. Too much OR too little harmful.
- Cholesterol: Major myelin component. Brain is 25% cholesterol.
Common Nervous System Issues
Peripheral Neuropathy
Numbness, tingling, pain in extremities. Diabetes, B12 deficiency, toxins common causes.
Autonomic Dysfunction
Dysautonomia, POTS. Faulty automatic regulation. Often post-viral.
Sympathetic Dominance
Chronic stress = stuck in fight/flight. Anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues.
Demyelination
Multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré. Myelin damaged = slow/disrupted signals.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Depression, anxiety, Parkinson's, ADHD. Chemical messenger imbalances.
Neuroinflammation
Brain fog, cognitive decline. Microglia activation. Often from systemic inflammation.