Avoiding Inflammatories

Avoiding inflammation after a brain injury is important because inflammation can worsen the damage already caused to the brain. When the brain is injured, the immune system sends cells to the site of injury to begin the healing process. However, these cells can also release inflammatory molecules that can damage healthy brain tissue and lead to further neurological problems.

Furthermore, inflammation can impair the brain's ability to repair and regenerate itself. This can make it more difficult for the brain to recover from the initial injury, and may result in long-term cognitive and neurological deficits.

Therefore, avoiding things that cause inflammation, such as smoking, alcohol, and unhealthy diet, can help support the brain's healing process and improve outcomes after a brain injury.

Things to avoid:

• Smoking nicotine and marijuana: Smoke can cause oxidative stress in the brain, which can lead to inflammation and damage to brain cells.

• Alcohol

• Chronic stress: Chronic stress can trigger a range of physiological responses in the body, including inflammation in the brain. See our mental health page on managing stress

• Sleep deprivation: Lack of sleep can trigger inflammation in the brain, which can lead to cognitive impairment, mood disorders, and other health problems. See our sleep page on how to manage sleep

• Unhealthy diet (high in processed foods and sugar): A diet high in processed foods and sugar can lead to chronic inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain. This inflammation can contribute to the development of a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions. See our page on brain healthy diets

• Exposure to environmental toxins (such as air pollution, heavy metals, “dirty” laundry detergent/cleaning products): Exposure to environmental toxins can trigger inflammation in the brain, which can contribute to the development of a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions.