Each year according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), an estimated 1.7 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) annually (2011). Of the these 1.7 million, 52,000 die, 275,000 are hospitalized and 1.364 million are treated and released from an emergency department (CDCP, 2011). TBI Survivors and their family members are often given out patient recommendations upon release that include out patient services such as physical, speech and occupational therapy along with a recommended physician that will prescribe specific medications. TBI Survivors and their families however, are often not provided a guide of some sort for adequate nutrition that could be essential to the recovery process of the TBI Survivor.
Nutrition and proper supplementation may be key to optimal
recovery after enduring a Traumatic Brain Injury. According to Joe and Terry
Graedon authors of The People’s Pharmacy: Quick and Handy Home Remedies, Doctors have very little to offer for preventing
ordinary cognitive decline, but exercise, social interaction, and diet can be
very helpful (2011). So what should one eat to keep the brain sharp? According
to Joe and Terry Graedon, James Josephs from Tufts University who is a leading
neuroscientist and expert on the effects of berries and brain function, found
that blueberries produced cognitive benefits in the tests that he ran (2011).
Eating fish or taking fish oil has also proven to improve cognitive function.
Healthy eating will certainly produce positive results in the recovery process.
Proper supplementation is equally important to proper
nutrition as not all foods that are consumed by individuals on a day to day
basis contain the full amount of nutrients needed for the body to fully
function at its optimal capacity to combat any disease or injury that may have
onset. The body simply heals better when it is fueled properly. Omega 3- Fatty
Acids have been recommended to help after a TBI as Omega 3- Fatty acids are
attributed for being essential for brain growth and development (Nnama, 2010).
Other supplements such as N-acetylcysteine and Creatine have also been
recommended. In the article Supplements for a Brain Injury, Helen Nnama found that a study from British Journal
of Pharmacology published in July 2000 noted that N-acetylcysteine protects
brain cells from excessive damage and death (2010). Nnama also points out in
another study she found in the “Annals of Neurology” that Creatine supports the functions of the powerhouse of
the brain tissue from traumatic brain damage (2010).
Other supplements have also been found to be helpful to
those that have endured a TBI in addition to the ones mentioned, however, each
TBI is unique and so the exact supplements needed per individual fully depends
on the individual and the nature of the TBI. It is for this reason that it is
strongly recommended that if you have endured a TBI that you consult your
doctor and inform your doctor of the decision to try supplements to further
your recovery. Your doctor may be able to recommend the supplements that you
need or may be able to refer you to a Nutritionist or local Naturopathy that
can further assist in finding the proper supplementation for your specific
case.
Although little information is provided on proper nutrition
and supplementation after a TBI, there is information out there, you just have
to be willing to look for it . Just like in the overall recovery process,
always aim to reach another level of recovery and never give up.
This article was written by Jessica Felix Jager, MSW/Program
Director of the TBI Hope Department in Living Waters Ministry. TBI Hope has
been designed to reach TBI Survivors and their families to provide them with
resources, support services, counseling and TBI Hope Retreats. For more
information on TBI Hope check out the website at: www.tbihope.com or you can reach Jessica
directly at Jessica.felixjager@gmail.com
http://nutraspace.com:2223/a/index.php/easyblog/entry/brain-injury-nutrition-and-wellness
References:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (2011). How
many people have TBI?
Retrieved September 20, 2011 from
Graedon, J. & Graedon, T. (2011). The people’s
pharmacy: Quick and easy home remedies.
Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Books.
Nnama, H.
(2010). Supplements for a brain injury. Retrieved October 3, 2011,
from
This article was posted yesterday October 3, 2011 on Nutra Space via TBI Hope author Jessica Felix Jager, MSW. To learn more about Nutra Space and how it could connect you to more nutritional informatio that may assist you in your recovery and further education check out:
http://nutraspace.com:2223/a/index.php/easyblog/entry/brain-injury-nutrition-and-wellness
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