Routine visits to the chiropractor help you feel and live better. Mainly that’s because chiropractors focus on two main groups in your body: the skeletal and the nervous system. These systems impact your daily life in more ways than you can imagine.If you’ve had regular visits to your chiropractor for some time now, but you want to do your part in order to keep on top of your health and well-being, then there’s some good news! These six vitamins and minerals will enhance the skeletal and nervous systems so the work of your chiropractor is even more effective.

Vitamins for Your Nervous System

Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and every nerve ending throughout your body, so it’s obviously incredibly important for you to live your best. This system dictates heartbeat, movement, memory, cognitive functions, and breathing. In order to keep all of these functions in tip-top condition, be sure to get plenty of the following vitamins and minerals. 

1. Potassium.

Never underestimate the importance of Potassium for your body’s nervous system. Since this mineral regulates nerve impulses it is essential for your nervous system’s maintenance. More specifically, Potassium manages the electrochemical impulses which the nerve cells use to signal throughout the rest of the cell. As a result Potassium directly contributes to the regulation of nerve control which can also prevent uncontrolled nerve signaling. This sort of uncontrolled nerve response can lead to diseases like epilepsy. In order to keep your Potassium levels adequate, consider eating foods like bananas, prune juice, and oranges in order to supplement as needed. 

2. Vitamin B12.

This essential vitamin helps regulate your body’s metabolism by breaking complex carbs into glucose which can then fuel your brain. B12 also helps to regulate myelin, an insulator that allows nerve transmission. A deficiency in B12 can cause a breakdown of this insulator which in turn can lead to diseases like Alzheimer’s. Deficiencies are actually quite common. Most people need B12 shots to get their nutrient levels back to normal. Talk to your doctor; see if you need to purchase B12 shots or if you can get by with just eating lots of shellfish, poultry, beef, and eggs.

3. Calcium.

The function of this mineral is to help cells signal an action potential, or cellular response, as well as to help cells return to their resting state after the signal has been passed. Calcium also helps the nervous system develop by guiding the migration of nerve cells. Keeping your Calcium levels high is important, so be sure to eat dairy products, beans, and even kale to get what your body needs. For an added bonus, Calcium also contributes to strong and healthy bones. 

Nutrients for Your Skeletal System

It’s important to keep your bones as strong as possible to avoid risks like osteoporosis that may affect you later in your life. Maintaining a healthy bone structure can be even easier by supplementing a visit to the chiropractor with essential nutrients.

4. Vitamin D.

By promoting Calcium absorption, bone maintenance, and bone growth, Vitamin D is essential to your skeletal structure. Of course, it’s a multifaceted vitamin and has been linked with functioning as a modulator for the development of your brain as well as stimulating the growth and survival of neurons. With this doubled-effectiveness for both your nervous and skeletal systems, you’ll want to make sure to eat enough fatty fish like salmon as well as food fortified with this essential nutrient. 

5. Phosphorous. The important thing to remember about Phosphorous is that its levels in your body need to be balanced for it to most effectively support your skeletal structure. If you consume too much of this nutrient, your body may have difficulty absorbing Calcium– which can lead to a decrease in your bone density. The appropriate amount of Phosphorous to consume on a daily basis is just over 1,000 milligrams, so look for it in foods like milk, protein-rich foods, grains, and soda. 

6. Vitamin K. Similar to vitamin D, vitamin K helps balance your Calcium levels. Additionally, vitamin K can benefit people with osteoporosis as well as reduce their risk of fractures while overall strengthening their bones. Green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli have this vitamin in abundance, so be sure to eat appropriate amounts in order to balance your body’s vitamin levels. By keeping your body supplemented with essential vitamins and minerals, you can do your part to help keep your body on a healthy track even when you’re not visiting your chiropractor. Taking the few extra steps to ensure that you’re in your best health can make all the difference down the road.

Jessica A. is a proponent of complementary and alternative medicine. She believes a lot can be accomplished with the diet. She also endorses techniques like chiropractic care, acupuncture and meditation.