A concussion is a form of traumatic brain injury. Common causes include car crashes, falls from heights, assault and sporting related activities. Most persons that sustain this form of injury end up losing consciousness transiently. Long-term effects may include poor concentration, loss of balance and inco-ordination as well as memory lapses. Treatment is primarily conservative and recovery takes months or even years. There a number of nutrients and vitamins for concussion recovery that one may consider if they suffer the injury.
Proteins are important structural and functional components of our cells. They are damaged both directly and indirectly when the brain is injured. For this reason, any discussion involving the repair of injured tissues cannot be complete without considering the role of these macromolecules. Supplementation of proteins should be started within 24 hours of sustaining the injury. The recommended dose is one kilogram for a kilogram of body weight.
Vitamin D is well known for its role in building bone strength and preventing rickets especially in children. In the setting of traumatic brain injury, it has been shown to raise the levels of A substance known as brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF. This factor is important in the brain as it helps with the survival of neurons that may have been damaged by the injury. It is also important in long term memory which is an important property bearing in mind that memory is one of the areas that are affected.
Brain injury is a source of stress in cells. It often results in an increase in energy production through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. One of the consequences of this process is generation of harmful free radicals. Under normal circumstances these radicals can be mopped from the system by the scavenging system of the body. During stressful conditions, the mopping mechanism is overwhelmed. Vitamins C and E are usually supplemented to aid in this process.
Glutathione is naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body. This supplement has been the subject of various trials involving animal models. The findings indicate that when administered within hours of a diagnosis of traumatic brain damage, glutathione significantly improves survival. The major challenge that exists is that a similar injection for use in humans is not available and oral formulations are not potent. Stimulating the glutathione pathway by use of vitamin C remains the main source.
Magnesium is an element that is important in neurological function. It has been shown to be beneficial in preventing delayed injuries which often lead to what is termed post concussion syndrome. It is important to take magnesium supplements because their levels have been shown to drop by up to 50 percent following brain cell injury and only return to normal after a couple of days.
The pattern of change in serum levels of zinc closely resembles that seen with magnesium levels. The cause of this decrease is increased losses by the kidneys. Zinc administration has been shown to result in an improvement in both cognitive and behavioural symptoms in patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. It should be supplemented at a rate of 40mg per day.
The importance of proper nutrition in the management of various types of traumatic brain injury cannot be overemphasized. The benefits of nutrition therapy are better realized when the diagnosis is made promptly. The mechanism of this therapy revolves around halting more damage and promoting the healing process. Various combinations of these supplements may be used depending on the underlying diagnosis.
Proteins are important structural and functional components of our cells. They are damaged both directly and indirectly when the brain is injured. For this reason, any discussion involving the repair of injured tissues cannot be complete without considering the role of these macromolecules. Supplementation of proteins should be started within 24 hours of sustaining the injury. The recommended dose is one kilogram for a kilogram of body weight.
Vitamin D is well known for its role in building bone strength and preventing rickets especially in children. In the setting of traumatic brain injury, it has been shown to raise the levels of A substance known as brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF. This factor is important in the brain as it helps with the survival of neurons that may have been damaged by the injury. It is also important in long term memory which is an important property bearing in mind that memory is one of the areas that are affected.
Brain injury is a source of stress in cells. It often results in an increase in energy production through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation. One of the consequences of this process is generation of harmful free radicals. Under normal circumstances these radicals can be mopped from the system by the scavenging system of the body. During stressful conditions, the mopping mechanism is overwhelmed. Vitamins C and E are usually supplemented to aid in this process.
Glutathione is naturally occurring antioxidant in the human body. This supplement has been the subject of various trials involving animal models. The findings indicate that when administered within hours of a diagnosis of traumatic brain damage, glutathione significantly improves survival. The major challenge that exists is that a similar injection for use in humans is not available and oral formulations are not potent. Stimulating the glutathione pathway by use of vitamin C remains the main source.
Magnesium is an element that is important in neurological function. It has been shown to be beneficial in preventing delayed injuries which often lead to what is termed post concussion syndrome. It is important to take magnesium supplements because their levels have been shown to drop by up to 50 percent following brain cell injury and only return to normal after a couple of days.
The pattern of change in serum levels of zinc closely resembles that seen with magnesium levels. The cause of this decrease is increased losses by the kidneys. Zinc administration has been shown to result in an improvement in both cognitive and behavioural symptoms in patients diagnosed with traumatic brain injury. It should be supplemented at a rate of 40mg per day.
The importance of proper nutrition in the management of various types of traumatic brain injury cannot be overemphasized. The benefits of nutrition therapy are better realized when the diagnosis is made promptly. The mechanism of this therapy revolves around halting more damage and promoting the healing process. Various combinations of these supplements may be used depending on the underlying diagnosis.
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