THE World Health Organization estimated in 2006 that neurological disorders affect as many as one billion people worldwide. Just imagine, in a world of 7.5 billion children and adults, one billion are suffering from nerve-related illnesses that can affect emotions, learning, perception, and all other bodily functions.

Nervous system diseases can affect anyone, regardless of age or status, because the nervous system is always in use and very often abused.

Sadly, the early signs of a weak nervous system — such as crawling or tingling sensations, eyes jumping, lips twitching, fear, anxiety, sleeping disorders, depression or mood swings — are often ignored. These symptoms are like the nail that drops to the bottom of the water and rots with time. Eventually, if left untreated, you become a nervous wreck or you suffer a nervous or mental breakdown.

CAUSES OF A WEAK NERVOUS SYSTEM

In the past, nerve-related illnesses as well as other diseases were thought to be a sign of the Creator’s wrath against his people. People smitten with varying degrees of mental challenges were deemed to have too little God and too much devil in them. New moons and Easter time, around the vernal equinox, seemed to affect lunatics, and witches still believe that demons habitually enter our world at those times.

Physical damage to the nervous system can result from accidents – such as simple or great falls from trees or buildings. Many people complain of old injuries or symptoms, such as chest burns, cramping in the abdomen, irregular bowels, general feelings of nervousness, lapses of memory, or false or obscure perception of time, that led to nerve-related illnesses later in life.

Electromagnetic waves from cell sites, cellphones, radio waves, microwaves, have captured the heart of our generation and are leaving their negative effects on our brains and nervous systems. Unfortunately, some of the brain waves that determine mood and alertness resemble the mobile radiation in frequency.

Continuous use of cellphones will affect normal brain functions, including sleep patterns in a few people. Disturbances of the sleep cycle, delta waves, will cause us to experience fewer dreams and visions, which is bad news for people who have always depended on dreams and visions for direction.

Stressful situations, either from prolonged illnesses or a negative psychosocial (mind and body) environment, will wear on the nerves, causing us to become nervous wrecks. This is because our brains and nervous systems are forced to handle disturbing thoughts, memories, speeches, and movements that may deplete our energy levels.

Unhealthy diets, little or no natural water, lack of physical activity, insufficient fresh air, lack of sunshine, and poor genetic make-up will diminish the strength of each nerve cell.

We are intricately a part of nature and need these natural elements to encourage healthy, productive lives.

HEALING THE NERVES

It is well known that having pets such as birds, dogs, cats, fish, goats can be excellent therapy for people who have suffered a spinal cord injury or a stroke; however, reconstruction of the nerves, brain and body can be made easier with the right herbs, healthy food, pure water, fresh air, exercise, and good meditation.

Here are a few other useful recommendations that will help you protect and strengthen your nervous system:

1. Pray often and spend time in a clean environment.

2. Avoid the causes of a weak nervous sytem listed above. Take deep breaths daily.

3. Listen to calm, uplifting and relaxing music.

4. Eat before 4:00 pm or, at the latest, before sunset. Eat simple, calming foods such as mashed potatoes, porridge, cooked or raw green vegetables, both from land and sea, concentrating on foods rich in vitamin B.

Herbs such as soursop leaf, naseberry leaf, vervain with our local combinations of roots tonic have been used by Maroon healers to correct nerve-related disorders.

5. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sugar or sugary products, salty or fried foods, foods laden with aspartame, nitrates, monosodium glutamate (MSG), fast foods, white flour, white rice, preserved meats, and cola beverages.

6. Remember to seek a competent health care professional who will assist in providing both medical and psychological treatment.

Very often, repairing illnesses associated with the nervous system is a very slow process. But a stitch in time always saves nine.

Maureen Minto is the chief naturopathic consultant at the Healthy Living Herbal Clinic and president of the Caribbean Natural Remedies Association. Contact her at 940-1197 or e-mail healthylivingjamaica@gmail.com