The human body is an incredible and unfathomably complex piece of biomachinery. Although researchers know far more about it than they did just 50 years ago, they're discovering new things every day. Among these advances has been regeneration. Medical science has known for some time that the body is in a constant state of repair. However, researchers are just now discovering how capable of this the body truly is, and how critical nutrition is to the process. Here are six aspects of your body that can be regenerated using old-fashioned nutrition.
Nerves
There are many natural, easily available substances that have been verified to be effective in encouraging nerve regeneration. This is great news for multiple sclerosis patients and other degenerative neurological disorders. For example, in 2010, a study from the Rejuvenation Research medical journal showed that mixing green tea, carnosine and blueberries promoted neuritogenesis, the regeneration of nerve tissues. The combination also improved the ability of stem cells to initiate repair in test neurodegenerative test animals. Other natural chemicals that support this include:
- Turmeric
- Lion's Mane mushroom
- Huperzine-A
- Ginseng
- Resveratrol from wine or grapes
- L-Theanine found in tea
- Natto
- Sage
- Ashwagandha
The Liver
Licorice contains a substance known as glycyrrhizin, which studies have found to be helpful in promoting the regeneration of liver tissue. Other substances known to be helpful for liver regeneration include:
Cartilage and Connective Tissues
Cartilage and connective tissues are vulnerable to damage from overuse and injury. When this happens, it can result in chronic pain and limited mobility. Taking things like turmeric and red wine can help them regenerate and keep them functioning optimally.
Beta Cells
Sadly, mainstream medicine has not yet embraced the use of natural substances to treat and reverse diabetes. Billions of dollars are spent each year on stem cell technology, cellular transplants and developing pharmaceutical drugs. However, few people realize that their pantries and gardens likely already hold the solution to type-1 diabetes. Several compounds are now known to regenerate the beta cells that produce insulin and can be found foods like:
- Cumin
- Honey
- Vitamin D
- Avocado seed extract
Hormones
Hormones play a variety of essential roles in the body, not the least of which are healthy growth, reproduction and mood. When they become damaged, they can change into a form that increases cancer risk. Many substances, such as vitamin C, prevent this by basically resurrecting these damaged hormones and returning them to their normal state. Pomegranate also possesses this ability.
Heart Cells
For some time, scientists believed that the tissue of the heart could not be repaired or regenerated. However, new research shows that the opposite is true. A class of compounds called neocardiogenics has been discovered that regenerates heart tissue. Other substances that do this are:
- Antioxidants
- Resveratrol from red wine
- Geum japonicum