Life Style
Proper nutrition, supplements, sleep, movement and hydration are essential for brain healing after an injury. Inflammatory foods and substances like processed foods, high sugar, alcohol, and tobacco should be avoided to reduce inflammation and improve healing.
gut-brain axis
The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in brain healing because it is the pathway through which the gut microbiome communicates with the brain. Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome can impact brain function and behavior and that gut dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiome) can contribute to various neurological disorders.
Improving the gut-brain axis through proper nutrition, such as consuming anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, can promote healing and recovery after a brain injury. This is because a healthy gut microbiome can reduce inflammation throughout the body, including in the brain, and support the production of important neurotransmitters essential for brain function. Additionally, specific gut-healing protocols, such as elimination diets and probiotic supplementation, can help to restore the gut microbiome and promote overall health and well-being. To learn more, click here.
Sleep
Sleep is crucial not only for rest and rejuvenation but also for brain recovery and repair. During sleep, the brain removes waste, builds new connections between neurons, and repairs damaged tissue, which is critical for optimal cognitive function. Adequate sleep is particularly important for individuals with brain injuries or neurological conditions. In addition, sleep is also essential for maintaining overall health and reducing the risk of chronic conditions. For more information, click here.
Movement
After a brain injury, it is essential to rest and allow the brain to heal. However, it is also important to engage in light movement to promote blood flow and oxygen to the brain, which can aid in the healing process. Research has shown that even simple movements such as walking or light yoga can be beneficial for brain recovery after an injury. To learn more, click here.
Avoid inflammatories
It is essential to avoid things that cause inflammation in the brain after a brain injury because inflammation can exacerbate the damage and slow down the healing process. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to further damage and impair the brain's ability to heal. To learn more, click here.
Hydration is critical for brain health and is especially important before and after a brain injury. Proper hydration helps the brain flush out toxins and metabolic waste products, and dehydration can exacerbate the damage caused by a brain injury and increase the risk of long-term cognitive deficits. When the body is dehydrated, the blood volume decreases, reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the brain, leading to reduced brain function, impaired cognitive performance, and increased risk of secondary injuries. Therefore, it's important to maintain proper hydration levels to support the healing process and reduce the risk of long-term complications. Learn how to properly hydrate here.
Hydration
second impact syndrome (SIS)
Avoiding a second brain injury while recovering from a first one is crucial, as this can lead to a condition known as "second impact syndrome" or a termination injury. Second impact syndrome occurs when the brain sustains a second injury before fully recovering from the first and can result in severe brain swelling, rapid deterioration, and even death.
When the brain is injured, it undergoes a series of physiological changes as it tries to repair and recover. These changes can make the brain more vulnerable to additional injury, as it is already weakened and fragile. A second impact can disrupt these recovery processes, leading to additional damage and potentially life-threatening complications.
Several high-profile cases of SIS have been in recent years, particularly in sports-related injuries. One such case involved a high school football player named Damon Janes, who suffered a head injury during a game in 2013 and later died from SIS after returning to the field and experiencing a second blow to the head.
Another notable case involved a professional ice hockey player named Don Sanderson, who died from SIS in 2009 after hitting his head on the ice during a fight and then being involved in a second fight just weeks later.
These tragic examples highlight the importance of allowing the brain sufficient time to heal after a TBI and avoiding activities that could lead to a second injury before the brain fully recovers.