A brain injury activates the brain’s immune system to remove dead and damaged cells. However, the brain’s immune system does not have an automatic “off switch” like the body’s. This means the inflammatory response can continue long after the concussion, showing up as neurological and health issues years later.
An anti-inflammatory diet reduces inflammation and allows the brain to recover. Many people unknowingly regularly consume foods that activate an immune response. Removing these foods can dampen inflammation and allow the immune system to rest and reset.
For example, many people are intolerant of gluten and not aware of it. In fact, gluten sensitivity manifests neurologically in most people.
Dairy cross-reacts with gluten (the immune system mistakes dairy as gluten), so most people who react to gluten also react to dairy.
Because these foods are inflammatory for many people, I recommend you avoid them to maximize your chances of an optimal recovery from a brain injury.
It’s also vital to avoid sugar and minimize starchy carbs, which spike blood sugar. Sugar is extremely inflammatory to the brain and will sabotage your efforts at a good brain recovery.
Avoid sugars, processed foods, starchy foods, fast foods, and sodas. Focus on whole foods and lots of vegetables (at least 25-40 grams of fiber daily if you tolerate fiber). Avoid gluten and dairy and eat plenty of healthy proteins and fats.
An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on four key areas:
- Gut health: Gut inflammation, gut dysbiosis (imbalances in gut bacteria), and a leaky gut lining contribute to poor absorption of nutrients and systemic inflammation that feeds inflammation. In the diet, foods that irritate the gut linings are avoided, while foods that support gut health are included.
- Nutrient density: Nutrient-dense foods are central to the diet, giving the body the tools it needs to heal deficiencies and support immune system function.
- Blood sugar balance: High and low blood sugar can lead to systemic inflammation, immune flares, hormonal imbalances, and compromised brain function. Supporting balanced blood sugar is critical for recovery from any inflammatory condition.
- Immune system regulation: Inflammation, leaky gut, hormone imbalances, blood sugar imbalances, and micronutrient deficiencies all contribute to immune system dysregulation. The autoimmune diet helps to support healthy immune function by reducing bacterial overgrowth and inflammation in the gut, removing food-borne immune triggers from the diet, providing dense nutrition, and supporting blood sugar regulation.
To learn more about anti-inflammatory diet, download my free guide: Autoimmune Elimination-Provocation Diet Guide.
To learn more, download my free guide: Brain Injuries and Concussions: 7 Nutritional and Lifestyle Strategies for Recovery.
