Nutrition After a Concussion

Imagine your brain as the control center of a busy city. When a concussion occurs, it’s like a sudden power outage that disrupts the entire system. Just as a city needs essential resources to restore its functions, your brain requires specific nutrients to heal and recover. Proper nutrition can play an important role in supporting your brain’s recovery process, helping it regain its strength and functionality.

Why Nutrition Matters After a Concussion

When your brain experiences an injury like a concussion, it kicks off an inflammatory response. Certain nutrients can help calm inflammation and give your nervous system the tools it needs to get back on track.

It is not about finding a perfect superfood or a secret ingredient. The key is consistency and giving your body the support it needs while it works hard behind the scenes.

What to Eat After a Concussion

Omega-3 fatty acids: You can find these in fatty fish, like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds. These healthy fats help support brain cell structure and may reduce inflammation.

Antioxidant-rich foods: Think colorful fruits and veggies like berries, spinach, kale, and broccoli. Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress, which means they protect your cells from damage.

Protein: Lean meats (e.g., chicken and turkey), fish and seafood, eggs, beans, nuts, and seeds are all great choices.

Hydration: Staying hydrated can help with headaches, energy levels, and focus, among many other benefits. Aim to drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily and increase your intake if you’re physically active.

Foods to Limit After a Concussion

While your brain is in recovery mode, it is a good idea to go easy on processed foods and added sugars as they can increase inflammation. Limiting excessive caffeine and alcohol use is also important as they can lead to dehydration, headaches, and sleep disturbance.

Nourishment is Treatment

In conclusion, your brain is the control center of your body, orchestrating many activities to ensure everything runs smoothly. By providing it with essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and proper hydration, you can help your brain repair itself and regain its optimal performance. Proper nutrition is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to concussion recovery, and at the Concussion Clinic at Horizon Neuropsychological Services, we ensure you have the resources you need as your brain heals. To schedule an appointment, click here.