Nutrition and Recommended Supplement Support for Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

By Kimberly K Shara opt.C.opt.I.C.S. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates the “Father of Medicine”

For years, concussion treatment has revolved around rest and restriction. Yet the brain is a living, regenerating organ - one that depends on targeted nutrients to repair itself. It's time we start asking different questions: What if recovery isn't passive? What if the right nutritional support could change the trajectory of healing?

Proper nutrition, vitamin, mineral and herbal supplementation have a unique place in the treatment of concussions and TBIs. Yet, at the time of this writing, the FDA has no specific food recommendation for the healing and repairing of brain tissue following a brain injury. They also have no specific drug recommendations either. It is suggested that a Mediterranean Diet may be helpful but it discourages the use of herbal and other supplemental agents, claiming many of these may “adversely affect cognition.”

Below are general dietary suggestions I recommend for concussion and TBI support. It should be noted that these should be looked at as a starting point for brain injury treatments.

1. Protein

Adequate, healthy protein such as fish, eggs, whey protein, grass fed beef, free range chicken, legumes, certain nuts and seeds. Whey protein is the easiest protein to assimilate and digest, while eggs are the most complete protein.

Food for thought—Protein is the building block, the foundation for all tissue repair. “It's the quality of the protein, not the quantity that's important.” – Dr. Royal Lee, Founder of Standard Process Supplements

2. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Foods that contain a healthy blend of the Omegas (EFAs) such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), butter, ghee, and healthy oils like Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado and Flax Seed Oil. EFAs support the body's healthy inflammatory response and aid in the repair of delicate brain tissue.

There has been a lot of talk about excessive Linoleic Acid (LA) in various seed oils along with the potential damage to our cells and mitochondrial membranes. The oils I recommend contain a low percent of linoleic acid and are a healthy source of the Omegas. Eliminating processed foods will decrease your intake of dangerously high amounts of LA. I encourage a blend of the EFAs to provide the body what it needs on a daily basis.

Did you know the EFAs are essential because our bodies can't make them? EFAs provide vital nutrients that support and maintain healthy brain and nerve function, as well as cellular and hormonal function. They also help protect each cell from toxic invaders such as bacteria, viruses or harmful chemicals.

3. Carbohydrates

Eat healthy carbohydrates, such as those found in vegetables, fruits & grains. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal daily functions of our body. The berries, especially blueberries, are good for brain injury support. I also encourage a nice variety of vegetables, especially beets, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes and other cruciferous veggies. Fresh is best!

White flour products, sugar laden, fried, chemically enhanced and over processed, fake foods are not on this list! Hippocrates stated it best, ”Foods must come in the condition in which they are found in nature or at least in the conditions as close as possible to that found in nature.”

4. Water

Our bodies are 60-80% water. Water is essential for life! Water hydrates the brain, which increases our attention and focus. It enhances the growth of new cells because they need water to survive. Plus, water continually flushes toxins from our bodies, creating a healthy environment for normal daily living. I prefer Evian or Mt. Valley Water.

Current research suggests that the amount of water you need to drink each day should equal half your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 lbs, you need 80 oz (10 cups) of water daily.

5. Fermented Foods

Foods such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, kefir, buttermilk and apple cider vinegar provide a natural source of prebiotics, probiotics and vitamins. My dad, Dr. Thomas B. Wright, recommended 2 tbsp of sauerkraut per day or 3 oz of sauerkraut juice, claiming it was one of the best ways to protect and nourish gut health. Fermentation helps maintain a healthy gut and a healthy, diverse microbiome. This supports the healthy mind-gut connection.

Fun Food Fact—In earlier times, foods were preserved for long periods through lacto-fermentation. According to Sally Fallon, author of “Nourishing Traditions”, lactic acid is a natural preservative that inhibits putrefying bacteria.

Whole Food, Nutrient Dense Supplementation

Vitamins, minerals and herbal supplementation get a little trickier because each situation is unique. In my practice, I have found whole food, nutrient dense products to be the most effective supplements to help patients in their healing process.

Standard Process (SP) Whey Pro Complete: Incorporating a nutrient dense protein supplement provides all the essential amino acids necessary for natural tissue repair. This whey protein powder can be added to a shake or sprinkled on food, making it easy to incorporate into diets.
Standard Process Cod Liver Oil: I recommend this to support daily Omega-3 consumption. It contains the omega-3 fatty acid, DHA (300 mg), which is important for normal brain structure. It is also a good source of Vitamins A and D.
Standard Process Olprima™ DHA: I like this for the acute phase of TBI. Olprima™ DHA is an excellent source of the Omega-3 DHA. It has 620 mg DHA plus it's easily digested and absorbed.
Mediherb Turmeric Forte: One of my favorite herbs is Turmeric. Turmeric is an overall anti-inflammatory herb. The unique formulation with Fenugreek enhances the absorption and improves its bioavailability.
Neurotrophin PMG®: A specific Protomorphogen for nerve tissue repair. PMGs (protomorphogens) help support the functionality of the tissue. They provide a “template” for stimulation of natural tissue repair. It is an important component in the healing process of TBI/Concussion injuries.
Standard Process AF Betafood®: This is my go-to for headaches, migraines and digestive issues. I always recommend this supplement for TBI and Concussion injuries. It helps reduce headache intensity. AF Betafood® is also a good source of Vitamin A, B6, EFAs, and Iodine. Iodine is one of the first nutrients in the development of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) in utero. CSF nourishes our brain and removes waste products from our entire central nervous system.
SP Cataplex® B Core and EZ Mag™: These are whole-food supplements that contain all the synergistic factors, or nutrients, that help them do their job naturally and more efficiently. It's so important to get a good Vitamin B and Magnesium supplement to aid in the support and natural repair of nerve tissue.

These are a few of my recommendations. There are many more, but we can't address everything at once. The body, especially after a head injury, needs rest and time. These steps are simply meant to help that process unfold a bit more smoothly.

Clinical Case Study

This perspective is best understood through the story of a young woman who came to my office following a traumatic auto accident.

A young 32-year-old mother was referred to our office following a head-on collision in which she sustained a significant head injury (TBI). The accident occurred three months prior to seeing me. Her major complaint was constant headaches, including migraines. It had become extremely difficult for her to focus or concentrate for extended periods of time. Her menstrual cycle had stopped, though she was not pregnant. Ultimately, she was unable to do her work due to these issues.

I began treatment with SOT® Chiropractic Methods, Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Therapy (CMRT) and Cranial Manipulation. I also recommended Standard Process AF Betafood®. She found it was very effective in controlling her headaches and migraines. We later added Standard Process Symplex® F, a PMG supplement for women, Hypothalamus PMG® and Black Currant Seed Oil.

Her normal cycle was restored approximately 5 months following the start of treatment. Her migraines diminished soon after that. The headaches return from time to time, but she can control them with AF Betafood®. She committed to a clean diet following her first treatment. The combination of our treatment, healthy dietary choices and supplements allowed her to regain a normal, productive, happy life!

“Investment in your health today brings peace to your tomorrows.” – Dr. Kim Shara DC DICS

About the Author: Dr. Kimberly K Shara DC DICS has been in Chiropractic Practice since 1982. Dr. Shara is a Diplomat of the International Craniopathic Society. She practices Sacro Occipital Technique® (SOT), CMRT and Cranial Technique with an emphasis on whole food based nutrition. Her passion is simply helping people live their best lives!

For information regarding the supplements visit www.sharvalleynutrition.com For information regarding the Chiropractic approach visit www.sharachiropractic.com

References:

Clinical Reference Guide 2001
Fallon, Sally. ”Nourishing Traditions” Washington DC 2001
Scott, Rob ND. “Clinical Strategies Addressing Neuroinflammation, Adrenal, & Metabolic Health" 2005
Shara, Kim D.C. “Good Things Come to Those Who Cook” Lenexa KS 2023

These statements and recommendations have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to treat, diagnose or replace MD prescribed medications or treatment plans.