Myelin - a messaging system within your body

You instantly pull your hand when you touch something hot; it is an effect of the myelin sheath.

Have you heard about the myelin sheath? Let us know about it.

The myelin sheath is an insulating layer that encircles the brain and spinal nerves. It is made of proteins and fats.

It helps nerve messages move efficiently and quickly. The myelin sheath damages and slows the signals from different organs of your body to the spinal cord or the brain.

Around 100 billion functioning nerve cells make each of your body parts move.

Knowing about the myelin sheath

The myelin layer helps the nerve impulses move at 268 mph, 3 times quicker than the fastest freeway in the United States of America.

Your nervous system has two parts:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) - controlled by the brain and the spinal cord

• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) - controlled by the CNS

Each nerve in the brain has a head and an axon, the tail. The myelin sheath covers the brain and the spinal nerves spirally. It is similar to a fastener; the flat top is the head, and the thread along its length is the myelin sheath.

The myelin sheath originates from Schwann cells (part of the PNS) and oligodendroglial cells (part of the CNS).

It has:

• 78% of lipids

• 18% of proteins

• 3% of water

• 1% of molecules

Myelination

Electric wires have a plastic layer around them as insulation. Similarly, nerve axons have a myelin layer, an insulation that helps transmit the signals rapidly. This process is known as myelination.

Some facts on myelination

• The myelin sheath relays signals between nerve cells, retaining the electric signal strength while moving.

• The myelin layer has spaces, filled with sodium ions to conduct electrical signals inside the brain.

• As the myelination process is disturbed, motor and sensory functions are disrupted, too. This means the individual will fail to move freely.

Myelin layer benefits

The myelin layer performs multiple functions in the brain to maintain your well-being. These functions include:

• Memory refill: The myelin layer stores memories and finds it back when you need.

• Learning: Learning becomes quick when the knowledge travels like a jet through your brain.

• Motor skills: Myelin sheath is like a data-booster - better reflexes and smoother movements.

• Cognitive function: The myelin layer works like an antivirus, ensuring improved brain and cognitive functions.

• Neurons: Myelin raises the speed of the nerve impulses. It gallops over the sodium ions like a horse.

• Neurodegenerative diseases: The Myelin layer locks your memories like a photo, so you preserve them in your brain’s album.

• Fluid levels: The myelin layer moisturizes your brain like a moisture-lock serum.

Myelin layer damage symptoms

Maintaining posture and managing bowel and bladder functions becomes challenging, it indicates slow or disrupted nerve signals within the brain result in myelin layer damage.

Reasons for myelin sheath damage

Several factors influence myelin layer damage, some of them are:

Lifestyle factors:

• Nutrient deficiencies: Demyelination happens during protein, vitamin, and fat deficiencies.

• Smoking: Smoking tobacco containing nitric oxide and cyanide causes axon degradation and demyelination.

• Insufficient sleep: Sleep deficiency breaks the renewal and maintenance of the myelin sheath.

• Toxins: Processed food may have microparticles that may lead to the wearing away of the myelin sheath.

Biological factor

• Autoimmune disorders: The immune system attacks its own cells, tissues, and the myelin layer.

• Aging: As age progresses, protein plaque deposits in the brain. It damages the myelin layer.

Environmental factors

• Inflammation: Inflammation obstructs immune responses. The immune system identifies the myelin sheath as an external body and damages it.

• Excessive alcohol consumption: Chronic alcohol consumption intervenes with the renewal of the myelin layer and damages it gradually.

• Pollution: Air pollution with metal and lead causes neurological dysfunction and behavioral anomalies by degrading the myelin layer.

Edibles that support myelin repair

Multiple options in our daily meals help repair the myelin layer. Some of them are:

• Healthy fats with omega-3: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, nuts, seeds, and avocados.

• Vitamin B group: Breakfast cereals, eggs, and dairy products.

• Vitamin C: Potatoes, oranges, lemons, and bell peppers.

• Vitamin D: Morning sun has vitamin D, or take vitamin D supplements.

• Protein: Milk, legumes, quinoa, and pulses.

• Choline: Cream, meat, fish, and eggs.

How does proper sleep regenerate myelin?

Sleep reactivates cells, organs, and tissues of the body. Thus, an 8-hour sleep is necessary to boost the body cells. Sleep revamps brain cells and the myelin sheath.

Do’s

• Have a sound sleep at night without disturbance.

• Melatonin production increases at night, inducing sleep.

• Circadian rhythm restores normal body functions.

Don’ts
Stay away from sleep disruptors like blue screens, caffeine, or high sugar intake.

4 brain-booster habits

• Physical activities improve the myelin layer by speeding up the signals between the brain's nerve cells.

• Learning skills can stimulate cognitive development, such as learning a foreign language.

• Reducing processed foods or takeaways lowers external pollutants, reducing inflammation.

• Stress management can enrich the nerve impulses and the myelin sheath.

Advanced techniques for myelin layer regeneration

Numerous therapies aim to improve our brain health. A few of them include:

• Stem cell therapy: It is a regenerative method for rebuilding damaged cells and tissues with body stem cells. It may help to reframe the damaged myelin layer around nerve cells.

• Dietary supplements: Supplements that help to maintain the myelin layer are:

• Lion’s mane mushroom

• Vitamin B

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D

• Omega-3

• Uridine (nucleotide)

• Inositol (sugar alcohol)

• Neurography:** Laser therapies or medications help redevelop the myelin sheath.

Maintaining your myelin sheath

Our body has the natural power to construct, maintain, and prevent the cells or tissues from damage. If we follow the body’s signs, then the myelin layer will stay healthy.

Follow the checklist:

• Including healthy fats and B vitamins in meals

• Good sleep

• Regular brain challenges

• Exercising daily

• Eating homemade foods

What is your myelin mantra?

Myelin protects our brain cells. It helps to relay information from the organs to the brain and vice versa. Avoiding unhealthy habits and maintaining a healthy routine will restore the myelin sheath. This will help to preserve your joyful memories. Myelin powers your brain and strengthens your actions. Which positive habit will you start to support your brain health?