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. 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. To learn more, click here.
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. Learn how to properly hydrate here.