Brain Injuries - Editor's Choice

Aside from team rivalries and all-out victories, brain injuries are one of the hottest topics in sports today. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, sports and recreational activities alone are responsible for nearly 21% of brain injuries. No matter how you have developed an injury, you can employ different methods to treat the condition, incorporating necessary medical attention as well as natural cures like omega-3 fats and turmeric.

What Is A Brain Injury?

Mayo Clinic explains a brain injury, or traumatic brain injury (TBI), as a condition that occurs when an external force causes brain dysfunction. The most common causes of TBI are a violent blow or a jolt to your head or body. An object permeating the surface of your skull can also cause significant brain injury.

The prevalence of symptoms associated with a brain injury varies depending on the severity of your condition. Some symptoms may also occur directly following the event or not manifest until days or weeks later. Nevertheless, common signs of a brain injury include loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and dizziness. Other symptoms include sensory issues such as blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, memory or concentration problems, and mood changes.

Natural Remedies for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

It is always necessary to consult a medical professional when you suspect a traumatic brain injury. However, natural remedies can sometimes help expedite recovery from a brain injury.

Herbal remedies that offer support for TBI include options such as omega-3 fats, turmeric, and ginkgo. Likewise, treatments such as acupuncture and massage have also shown to be beneficial for treating brain injuries.

Omega-3 Fats

When you consider the composition of your brain, it is 60% fat, constructed from omega-3 fats. A daily supplement of omega-3s inhibits cell death, helps promote the reconnection of damaged neurons in the brain, and activates specific genes that help you cope with brain damage. Dr. Mercola suggests two to three 500mg capsules of krill oil, a natural omega-3 fat, each day for the best benefits.

Turmeric

The Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism supports using turmeric as a natural treatment for brain injury. Turmeric contains an important compound known as curcumin, which is used for relieving inflammation in the system. It also helps promote the brain's functioning and promotes adequate blood flow throughout your body to ensure you get plenty of oxygen flow to your brain. For the best results, take a 500mg turmeric capsule up to four times daily.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko biloba is another treatment option purported by the Vermont Center. This treatment contains glycosylated flavonoids that help reduce inflammation in your brain following an injury. This treatment also promotes circulation to the brain and improves moods. Take 240mg to 480mg of the extract daily.

Acupuncture

The Brain Injury Recovery Network also suggests alternative therapies, like acupuncture, for effective treatment. With a focus on rebalancing your body, acupuncture may help treat your symptoms and damage to your brain.

Massage

While massage may not seem like a directly related treatment for TBI, it helps restore proper function throughout your body. It also helps improve circulation, the flow of lymph fluid, and the metabolism of wastes in your body, which all work to rejuvenate your brain.

Continue reading below to learn which remedies and supplements helped Earth Clinic readers with brain injuries. If you have something to add to the list, please let us know!