Nutritional Program to Treat Concussions

Some symptoms of mTBI include dizziness, nausea, and headaches, followed by slow cognition – difficulty processing thought, losing one’s train of thought, difficulty with verbal expression, and more. This “mental fog” is common with mTBI. Chiropractic care has been proven to have positive results when it comes to treating concussions.

After someone has suffered a mTBI, the brain releases chemicals to help repair the damaged neurons and reduce the risk of neurodegeneration. One of these chemicals is brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). One method for increasing BDNF levels is intense exercise; however, that is not something recommended during recovery from a concussion. Another method for boosting BDNF is through a specific nutrition and supplement program recommended by Premier Pain Management. Research has proven the value of increasing the intake of these various nutritional elements and the resulting increase in energy production in the brain, improvement in strength and flexibility of neuron cell membranes, and the suppression of production of pro-inflammatory chemicals, all which helps with healing and reduced inflammation. An average of 70% of the time, administering glutathione (an antioxidant normally found in our cells) reduces brain tissue damage, so supplements high in antioxidants are also helpful.

The doctors at Premier Pain Management will guide you in a nutritional program to follow as part of their multi-modal treatment approach for concussions, a combination of manual therapies, exercise training, diet and nutritional counseling, physical therapy modality applications, and more.

 

Nutritional Prgram to Treat Concussions 

• Protein-rich foods
• Whey protein shake, or pea and rice protein shake, with added branch chain amino acids
• Creatine monohydrate – 10 grams
• Vitamin D – 5000 IU
• Fish Oil – 4000mg/day 1 st three weeks, 2000-4000mg/day three months
• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
• Vitamin C
• Selenium
• Niacinamide (B3)
• N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) – 750-1000mg
• Broccoli extract
• Magnesium
• Curcumin (turmeric)
• Green tea extract