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Foods to Help Heal the Brain After Concussion

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion, you probably want to know what diet to follow to recover as quickly as possible. To rehabilitate faster after a concussion, add to the diet these foods that heal the brain:

  • Foods Included Vitamin C;
  • Fatty Fish;
  • Berries;
  • Nuts and seeds;
  • Herbs and spices.

In fact, during a concussion, the brain presses against the inside of the skull. Because of this, an injury and something like a bruise is obtained. Therefore, some nerve tissue can be damaged and even torn. As a result, the balance of chemicals in the brain of a person with concussion changes, which impairs cell function. It can even lead to inflammation of the brain tissue and disrupt blood flow. That is why concussion patients experience headaches, dizziness, and memory problems. Also, during a concussion, the body loses magnesium and zinc. They are essential for the full functioning of the brain, especially during the recovery period after an injury.

Therefore, it is extremely essential for a person with a concussion to consume recovery foods high in magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, and certain fats. All this helps relieve inflammation and quickly restore the brain after an injury.

 

Foods Included Vitamin C

Foods included vitamin C

The human brain contains large amounts of vitamin C. During a brain concussion, certain cells are damaged. One of the best solutions to restore them is to take vitamin C. Due to injuries, a person can lose a significant dose of vitamin C and urgently need to replenish it.

To date, scientists have not proven the absolute effectiveness of vitamin C in treating traumatic brain injury. Therefore, do not try to use dietary supplements that contain vitamin C. Taking too many tablets containing this type of vitamin can cause allergies and other more severe side effects. Instead, pay attention to food, mainly fruits and berries containing vitamin C.

 

Examples of Foods Highest in Vitamin C

We have prepared a small list of foods containing vitamin C that help with concussions. You should not consume too many of these foods per day. However, small portions of these fruits and vegetables will help your brain recover faster. What to consume:

  • Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and their juices
  • Strawberries;
  • Kiwi;
  • Bulgarian pepper;
  • Tomatoes;
  • Broccoli;
  • Cauliflower;
  • Spinach.

 

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish

Omega-3 fats are beneficial and necessary for every person. Substances in foods high in omega-3 help alleviate the condition and accelerate brain recovery after a concussion. They are also ways to improve a person’s cognitive functions that can be affected after a concussion and help neurons recover.

However, these fatty acids are not produced by the human body on their own. Therefore, it is necessary to add foods containing Omega-3 to the diet to compensate for the loss of these fatty acids. Most sources of omega-3s can be found in fatty fish.

 

Fatty Fish Examples

Use this short list of fatty fish to prepare yourself, or a loved one a nutritious post-concussion meal:

  • Salmon;
  • Mackerel;
  • Albacore tuna;
  • Sardine.

 

Berries

Berries

Berries should also be included in the brain repair foods that help cope with a concussion. Berries are high in antioxidants, which protect the brain from damage and reduce inflammation. Some berries improve cognitive functions, improve thought processes and positively affect memory. You can eat the berries on their own or add them to yogurt or porridge. It is not only useful but also very tasty. Let’s take a closer look at which berries are good for a concussion.

 

Berries Examples

We have selected a few examples of berries that are good brain injury food for recovering after a concussion. Here are some of the best options:

  • Strawberry;
  • Blueberry.

The listed berries, especially blueberries, have the best effect on the brain. It helps to increase the production of BDNF, an essential protein for fully human life. This protein plays a critical role in triggering neurogenesis. This process deals with the creation of new brain cells.

 

Nuts and Seeds

Some seeds and nuts contain omega-3 fatty acids. For example, one serving of walnuts contains about 2,500 mg of omega-3s. Walnut peel contains essential antioxidants. Because of this, nuts and seeds are part of an anti-inflammatory diet for concussions. If for some reason, meat is contraindicated for you, you can switch to including beans in your diet. It is an excellent alternative to meat dishes. Also, it must be said that legumes are rich in zinc, which helps patients speed up recovery after a head injury.

Nuts such as pecans also contain essential fats, which help recover from a head injury and improve a person’s cognitive function in general.

Nuts and seeds

As for pumpkin seeds, they are an excellent snack option for a healthy person and a patient who needs to recover from a concussion. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, copper, iron, magnesium, and other essential micronutrients. All of these can reduce feelings of anxiety, improve long-term memory, help lower cholesterol, and fight hypertension.

This product is also high in omega-3s, but pumpkin seeds also have omega-6s. Excessive consumption of pumpkin seeds can, on the contrary, lead to an increase in inflammation. Therefore, pumpkin seeds should be used with extreme caution.

You can toast the seeds or add them to salad or yogurt.

 

Nuts and Seeds Examples

Here are the best seed and nut options to include in a brain recovery diet after a concussion:

  • Walnuts;
  • Flax seeds;
  • Pumpkin seeds;
  • Beans.

 

Herbs and Spices

Herbs and spices

Another good way to deal with a concussion as quickly as possible is to add herbs and spices to your meals. They contain certain substances that reduce inflammation. In addition to helping you with a concussion, some herbs and spices are beneficial in treating and preventing many other diseases. These herbs and spices can be added to dishes while being cooked. Now it’s worth discovering which herbs and spices will be useful in recovering from a concussion.

 

Herbs and Species Examples 

We have prepared a short list of spices and herbs to add to the concussion recovery diet. Among them:

  • Ginger;
  • Turmeric;
  • Garlic;
  • Onion;
  • Rosemary;
  • Black pepper;
  • Cinnamon;
  • Cloves;
  • Black tea, green tea, and herbal tea.

 

Other Food

Other food

Several other brain repair foods that can help a patient recover faster from a concussion. We have highlighted a few products that do not belong to the classifications, but you should pay attention to them.

 

Food How it will help your brain recover
Olive oil One of the benefits of consuming olive oil after getting a concussion is the increased production of BDNF, which helps stimulate the growth of brain cells. You can use olive oil to replace other types of oils that you have used in cooking.
Dark chocolate This product is rich in flavonoids and magnesium. These substances are essential in the recovery of the brain after a concussion. When choosing chocolate, look for those that contain at least 70% cocoa.
Eggs This product is vital for concussion patients due to its high choline content. Choline is a nutrient that affects mood and memory. Frequent use of choline comes to improve the cognitive functions of patients. You can stuff eggs with avocado. The last also enhances brain function. Thus, you will get a delicious snack, and the brain will receive some important recovery nutrients.

Bottom Line 

Thus, we have told you what happens to the brain after a concussion and what foods to add to the brain recovery diet. You should not consume too much of this product, which contains essential trace elements for brain recovery. It can lead to negative consequences in the form of allergies or oversaturation of the brain with certain substances. It is better to add a small amount of these products to the daily diet, and you will soon notice a significant improvement in the patient’s condition.

 

FAQs 

  • Can foods help heal brain damage?

Yes, your food goes a long way in helping your brain recover from a concussion. Adding certain foods to your diet can help restore your brain as quickly as possible. Add oily fish, berries, spices, and nuts to your diet, and you’ll see significant symptom relief and improved cognitive performance in no time.

  • What helps the brain recover?

Besides the fact that you should make your diet balanced in restoring the brain after a concussion, rest, quality sleep, and lack of stress will help you. Also, follow the instructions given by your doctor. All these methods will help you recover as quickly as possible and improve your cognitive functions.

  • Can the damaged brain repair itself?

Yes, the brain can recover from injuries on its own. That is why some patients, even with a severe head injury, can heal and feel good after a while.

  • What are the signs of brain problems?

Brain damage symptoms:

  • Frequent headaches.
  • Dizziness;
  • Nausea or vomiting;
  • Severe mental and physical fatigue;
  • Paralysis;
  • Weakness;
  • Shiver;
  • Convulsions;
  • Increased sensitivity to light.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a blow to the head, you can talk about the presence of a traumatic brain injury.

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Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
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  1. August 30, 2023

    As an RN I was unaware of the effects of specific foods to aid in brain recovery. I sustained a concussion yesterday due to non-epileptic seizures and the ER didn’t diagnose me with anything and failed to evaluate me for a brain injury and barely did anything when I insisted they evaluate me further because I hit my head which I told EMS, the nurse, and the doctor. I follow up with my PCP tomorrow and my neurologist, but have had no other guidance on how to treat myself, even though I have every symptom almost of a concussion. So long story short, I appreciate this information greatly until I can be properly treated.

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