Vitamin B-12, cobalamin, enhances your immune
system, aids in the healing process, relaxes tense muscles and helps
your body produce a myelin sheath, a white substance that coats your
nerve endings and protects them from toxic damage, according to Michael
Zimmermann, M.D., author of “Burgerstein's Handbook of Nutrition:
Micronutrients in the Prevention and Therapy of Disease.” Zimmermann
adds that vitamin B-12 repairs nerve and muscle damage, supports healthy
nerves, aids in cellular reproduction, lessens the effects of dystonia
and improves your ability to walk, write, swallow and speak. Foods rich
in vitamin B-12 include sardines, lamb, turkey, corned beef, eggs,
rabbit, ready-to-eat cereals, ground beef and hard cheese.
Vitamin D aids in nerve communication, boosts
immune system function, relaxes tense muscles and carries blood and
oxygen to your nerves and muscles, according to Judith Brown, Ph.D.,
author of “Every Woman's Guide to Nutrition.” Brown adds that vitamin D
alleviates muscle spasms, eases muscle pain and discomfort, repairs
nerve and muscle damage, aids in cellular reproduction, reduces
inflammation, improves muscle tone, speech and body posture and
decreases the severity of dystonia symptoms. Foods rich in vitamin D
include catfish, cod liver oil, mollusks, shrimp, margarine, soy milk,
fortified milk, egg, Swiss cheese and liver.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that strengthens
your immune system and protects your body from viral infections, toxins,
pollutants and diseases that can trigger dystonia, according to Steve
Blake, Sc.D., author of “Vitamins and Minerals Demystified.” Blake adds
that vitamin E repairs nerve and muscle damage, decreases inflammation,
transports oxygen to your nerves and muscles and reduces dystonia
symptoms such as slurred speech and muscle spasms. Foods rich in vitamin
E include pine nuts, almonds, pickled green olives, spinach, sunflower
seeds, broccoli and tomatoes.
Magnesium is a mineral that promotes muscle
relaxation, improves nervous system function, eases dystonia symptoms,
supports healthy nerves and muscles, regulates muscle contractions,
enhances muscle tone, repairs nerve and muscle damage, reduces muscle
spasms and aids in the healing process, according to Joyce Johnson,
Ph.D., R.N., author of “Fluids and Electrolytes Demystified.” Foods rich
in magnesium include wheat bran, oat bran, pumpkin seeds, dark
chocolate, sesame seeds, flax seeds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds,
molasses and edamame.
