Your brain is arguably the most important organ in your body. It functions as the control centre of your body and allows you to move, feel, and think. If you have suffered from a brain injury, like a concussion, it’s important to eat a diet that is rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants to counter the effects of the concussion.
Eating a diet high in nutrients can greatly influence how well your brain will heal after the injury. Following a concussion, your nutrient levels of magnesium and zinc immediately drop. If you or someone you know experiences a concussion, eating a diet with high levels of magnesium and zinc in the days following the injury is important because those nutrients can improve cognition and reduce the inflammation to your brain.
To heal your brain following a concussion, here are four of the best foods you can eat.
Fatty Fish
Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in the production of brain and nerve cells and can’t be made by the body, so they can only be obtained through diet.
Because of their high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish have been known to improve cognition and recovery of neurons after a traumatic brain injury.
The best fatty fish to eat? Try eating salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, and sardines in the days following a brain injury.
Blueberries
Not only are they delicious, but blueberries also provide great health benefits for your brain. Blueberries contain a natural ingredient, flavonoid antioxidants, that can aid communication between brain cells and reduce inflammation.
Because blueberries have one of the highest antioxidant levels of all common fruits and vegetables, they are great for reducing inflammation and helping your brain heal after a concussion.
Broccoli
This green cruciferous vegetable is known to have natural ingredients with both brain-boosting and healing properties. Broccoli is high in sulforaphane, which is a chemical compound that reduces inflammation. This chemical can help improve cognitive functions after traumatic brain injuries by reducing swelling or oedema in the brain.
Broccoli is also known to have many antiamnesic properties, meaning it works towards preserving your memory.
Pumpkin Seeds
Last but not least, pumpkin seeds are a great food to snack on if you’re looking to maintain brain health and help improve brain function. Pumpkin seeds are rich in micronutrients like zinc, copper, iron and magnesium. These four micronutrients are all key brain health minerals and one serving of pumpkin seeds can provide 14-42% of the daily target for those nutrients.
The amount of magnesium in each serving of pumpkin seeds can benefit your brain by relieving feelings of stress and anxiety. The zinc in pumpkin seeds can regulate communication between brain cells and improve your long term memory. The iron can decrease headaches and fatigue, and copper is required for essential enzymes that supply the brain with energy.
All in all, pumpkin seeds are a great choice if you’re looking for a food with natural ingredients to boost your brain after your concussion. They are a versatile snack and easy to find in your grocery store. You can roast them, sprinkle them over a salad, or add them to your yogurt in the morning to kickstart your day.
The Bottom Line
Your diet plays an important role in brain health. There are many natural foods that can help boost your brain and give it the power it needs.
If you want your brain to heal quicker after a concussion, try incorporating a diet that is rich in fatty acids and anti-inflammatory properties. Remember that along with eating the right foods, you need to also eat enough calories after a concussion. Eating enough nutritional calories is important to help your brain function efficiently.
If you or someone you know experiences a concussion, remember to add these four foods to your diet. Your brain is a key organ in your body and it’s important to feed it right.