10 Best Remedies and Supplements for Concussion Treatment
Head injuries are dangerous, and concussions are a common consequence. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury, although the conditions are not severe for most people. Immediately after a concussion, it is vital to put yourself under observation for the 24 hours that follow. Typically, it requires an overnight hospital stay to confirm the symptoms aren't worsening.
After a mild concussion, medical experts usually recommend resting and concussion management. In addition, you may be prescribed medications for lingering symptoms. However, the problem is that these medications can leave you with unwanted side effects, like brain fog and fatigue. As an alternative, some patients look for natural remedies beyond allopathic treatment.
Fortunately, plenty of concussion supplements and holistic treatments can aid your recovery. Here are the ten best remedies and supplements for concussion treatment:
1. Acupuncture for concussion
Acupuncture is one of the best treatments for a concussion. This healing practice pricks the skin and tissues to stimulate blood flow and decrease pain. It targets specific areas in the body to unblock energy flow. As a result, your body will release natural chemicals that promote healing.
Acupuncture for concussions can reduce symptoms like dizziness or migraines as more blood flows to the brain. In addition, the treatment can balance the autonomic nervous system to decrease insomnia and irritability. Acupuncture also improves the brain's sensory mapping, which may have incurred damage due to your head injury.
2. Guided meditation for concussion
After a concussion, being mindful of your body will help you relax and recover. You can easily get overwhelmed and have anxiety due to the injury's effects. Practicing meditation will calm the autonomic nervous system and put you in a restful state.
You can use guided meditation to concentrate on your breath and let your worrisome thoughts go. You will produce lower brainwave patterns like alpha and theta, so you get a break from the constant stimuli of your day. A resting brain is better able to heal from a concussion.
3. Light exercises for concussion
Based on your condition after a medical examination, light exercises might benefit your concussion recovery. After some immediate rest, you may start with low-intensity movements that are easy on the head and body. Riding a stationary bike is a great place to start. Then, you can move up to other machines like an elliptical. You may even go for brisk walking if it doesn't bring on any symptoms.
Light aerobic activity increases neurotransmitters, so the brain transmits messages faster. As the blood flow increases, it also brings in more nutrients. Other benefits of light exercising include:
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factors: Promotes nerve cell survival in the spinal cord and brain.
- Synaptic Plasticity: Helps with memory and learning.
- Cortical Connectivity: Neuron is firing in the brain.
Overall, exercise increases the heart rate, improves your mood, and helps you breathe more fresh air. Light exercise can be advantageous for concussion recovery if you perform these routines in moderation. Listen to your body and increase intensity slowly.
4. Best foods for concussion
Food can benefit you greatly, especially post-concussion. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet consisting of:
- Protein: Chicken, turkey, seafood, black beans, eggs, nuts, lentils and chickpeas.
- Carbs: Whole grains like barley, brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, amaranth and millet.
- Veggies: Low glycemic options include cauliflower, broccoli, spinach and onions.
- Fruits: Berries, citrus, pears, watermelon, bananas, mango and pumpkin.
- Spices & Herbs: Garlic, rosemary, turmeric, sage, basil, ginger and ginseng.
Include other beneficial foods like bone broth, dark chocolate and herbal teas. However, stay away from alcohol, caffeine and artificial sweeteners. Also, make sure to drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
5. Supplements & vitamins for concussion recovery
After a concussion, you may take natural supplements as part of your concussion treatment. They will speed up your recovery and benefit your overall health. Supplements are nutrients taken in pills, powders, or liquids extracted from natural food sources. Popular supplements include minerals, amino acids, fibre, herbs, enzymes, and fatty acids.
Vitamins are one of the best concussion supplements. You may take vitamin C, which supports the immune system and builds connective tissue. Similarly, vitamin B12 boosts energy and memory, while vitamin D helps the immune system. Vitamin E is another helpful vitamin for concussion recovery, protecting you against cognitive impairment and vision.
6. Magnesium for concussion
Magnesium is an excellent supplement for concussion recovery. This mineral is known for providing benefits to brain health. It is in high-fibre foods like green vegetables. It helps regulate blood pressure and lowers inflammation while repairing and rebuilding neurons.
7. Creatine for concussion
Creatine is another helpful concussion supplement. It will help increase the body's energy and has neuroprotective effects on the brain. It helps with fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Plus, creatine will improve cognition and behaviour during your concussion recovery.
8. Resveratrol for concussion
This flavonoid has properties that can reduce brain inflammation. Resveratrol, like other flavonoids, also stimulates the production of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). This vital protein promotes the growth, maintenance and survival of nerve cells. It can be found in fruits, vegetables, some teas, or capsules.
9. Fish oil for concussion
Fish oil is full of omega-3s and also promotes BDNF. This fatty acid can decrease inflammation, protect the brain cells, and improve the communication of nerve cells. Also, O3FA is an excellent preventative supplement against concussions after a brain injury. They help to alleviate the long-term effects of concussions.
10. Curcumin for concussion
Curcumin is a phytochemical and an active ingredient in turmeric. It can reduce swelling of the brain after a concussion. It also stabilizes energy use in the brain, lessens membrane damage, and minimizes cognitive impairment. Plus, curcumin can help restore balance.
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