Concussions are a form of brain injury occurring in the setting of head trauma. This form of injury is not associated with any structural damage to the brain and the individual will typically regain normal health with a bit of rest and supportive management. However, research has shown that nutritional supplements greatly aid in the healing process. We will explore some if the minerals and Vitamins for concussion recovery in this article.
The use of supplements for the management of concussion has been informed by the results from extensive scientific research. In one of the studies it has been shown that one of the consequences of this kind of injury is the production of a substance referred to as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This factor is useful as it helps in healing and mediates the regeneration of neural pathways. Many of the supplements administered increase the amount of the factor in the brain.
Patients who have sustained concussion injuries should be put on a high protein diet. The daily intake should be at one kilo of protein for a kilo of body weight. Steak and eggs are the most ideal form of protein supplementation but their use in managing this problem is limited. They are likely to worsen the vomiting associated with the condition and hence the need to use other alternatives. Pea and whey protein are some of these alternatives.
Vitamin D has been shown to be highly effective. Its main benefit is to increase the levels of BDNF. The levels of the substance significantly higher during the warm months of summer and spring as compared to the colder months of autumn and winter. The recommended daily intake for the vitamin is 5000 IU per day.
Omega 3 fats are known to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They have been used successfully in treating a number of patients with concussion injuries. Their main role is to reinforce the cell membranes of neurons. The fats are effective in reducing the production of prostaglandins and other mediators of inflammation. Some of the sources of omega 3 fats include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and salmon among others.
Glutathione is another element said to benefit up to 70% of persons who receive it. Although an oral formulations exists, it is rapidly degraded by the hydrochloric acid in the stomach which results in loss of potency. The intravenous form is thus preferred. Vitamin B3, selenium and vitamin C are considered building blocks of glutathione and can be provided in the diet. The recommended daily dose is 2000 to 4000 mg per day.
Magnesium is yet another important element that is prescribed. It prevents a condition termed post concussion syndrome. Some of the other benefits of this element include reduction in inflammation and an increase in glutathione levels. The recommended daily intake for this element is about 600mg.
There are numerous nutritional supplements that may be considered for this group of patients. Many others continue to be discovered with ongoing research. The general advice is that the elements should be combined whenever possible so as to increase the chances of success. One must bear in mind that this are not the primary treatments for the condition but rather supportive therapy.
The use of supplements for the management of concussion has been informed by the results from extensive scientific research. In one of the studies it has been shown that one of the consequences of this kind of injury is the production of a substance referred to as brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This factor is useful as it helps in healing and mediates the regeneration of neural pathways. Many of the supplements administered increase the amount of the factor in the brain.
Patients who have sustained concussion injuries should be put on a high protein diet. The daily intake should be at one kilo of protein for a kilo of body weight. Steak and eggs are the most ideal form of protein supplementation but their use in managing this problem is limited. They are likely to worsen the vomiting associated with the condition and hence the need to use other alternatives. Pea and whey protein are some of these alternatives.
Vitamin D has been shown to be highly effective. Its main benefit is to increase the levels of BDNF. The levels of the substance significantly higher during the warm months of summer and spring as compared to the colder months of autumn and winter. The recommended daily intake for the vitamin is 5000 IU per day.
Omega 3 fats are known to have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They have been used successfully in treating a number of patients with concussion injuries. Their main role is to reinforce the cell membranes of neurons. The fats are effective in reducing the production of prostaglandins and other mediators of inflammation. Some of the sources of omega 3 fats include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds and salmon among others.
Glutathione is another element said to benefit up to 70% of persons who receive it. Although an oral formulations exists, it is rapidly degraded by the hydrochloric acid in the stomach which results in loss of potency. The intravenous form is thus preferred. Vitamin B3, selenium and vitamin C are considered building blocks of glutathione and can be provided in the diet. The recommended daily dose is 2000 to 4000 mg per day.
Magnesium is yet another important element that is prescribed. It prevents a condition termed post concussion syndrome. Some of the other benefits of this element include reduction in inflammation and an increase in glutathione levels. The recommended daily intake for this element is about 600mg.
There are numerous nutritional supplements that may be considered for this group of patients. Many others continue to be discovered with ongoing research. The general advice is that the elements should be combined whenever possible so as to increase the chances of success. One must bear in mind that this are not the primary treatments for the condition but rather supportive therapy.
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