A concussion is a type if traumatic brain injury that is sustained following a blunt force to the head. It may be seen In persons that have fallen from heights, been involved in automobile accidents, been assaulted and collided with opponents during sporting activities. One of the commonest consequences of the injury is loss of consciousness. Others include headaches, memory lapses and loss of balance. Treatment is non surgical and the recovery period is often quite long. Several vitamins for concussion recovery exist in the market today.
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, like any other form of tissue injury, results in a considerable high level of metabolic stress. The increased demand for oxygen lead to an increase in cell respiration in a process referred to as oxidative phosphorylation. This stress lasts for about 24 hours but the consequences may last a lot longer. Production of oxygen derived radicals is one of these consequences. Vitamin C and E are important here as they act as antioxidants preventing damage to the cells.
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant found in the body naturally. Some animal studies have shown that an intravenous administration of glutathione following brain cell injury can significantly reduce post traumatic effects. It is expected that the effects are almost the same in humans. While oral intake of glutathione supplements are not readily absorbed, intake of foods that are rich in vitamin C improves the levels of the substance in the blood.
Magnesium is important in the normal functioning of the brain. Its absence is associated with a variety of neurological deficits. In this group of patients, it is important in the prevention of posttraumatic brain injuries and the post concussion syndrome. Unfortunately the levels of magnesium tend to reduce greatly after the injury and the levels will take a few days to return to normal.
Just as is the case with magnesium, the levels of zinc in serum also drop drastically following injury. The main cause for the decrease is increased filtration by the kidneys. It has been demonstrated through various studies that giving supplemental zinc in patients with brain injury results in a marked improvement in their symptoms.
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, like any other form of tissue injury, results in a considerable high level of metabolic stress. The increased demand for oxygen lead to an increase in cell respiration in a process referred to as oxidative phosphorylation. This stress lasts for about 24 hours but the consequences may last a lot longer. Production of oxygen derived radicals is one of these consequences. Vitamin C and E are important here as they act as antioxidants preventing damage to the cells.
Glutathione is a potent antioxidant found in the body naturally. Some animal studies have shown that an intravenous administration of glutathione following brain cell injury can significantly reduce post traumatic effects. It is expected that the effects are almost the same in humans. While oral intake of glutathione supplements are not readily absorbed, intake of foods that are rich in vitamin C improves the levels of the substance in the blood.
Magnesium is important in the normal functioning of the brain. Its absence is associated with a variety of neurological deficits. In this group of patients, it is important in the prevention of posttraumatic brain injuries and the post concussion syndrome. Unfortunately the levels of magnesium tend to reduce greatly after the injury and the levels will take a few days to return to normal.
Just as is the case with magnesium, the levels of zinc in serum also drop drastically following injury. The main cause for the decrease is increased filtration by the kidneys. It has been demonstrated through various studies that giving supplemental zinc in patients with brain injury results in a marked improvement in their symptoms.
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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