Brain trauma, the result of a brain injury, may affect the way you feel, act, maneuver and think. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, 1.7 million people experience traumatic brain injuries annually, which may stem from falling, car accidents or assaults. Your symptoms depend on the severity of the cause and which area of your brain is affected. A healthy diet may help manage these symptoms and promote your overall health.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are prime suppliers of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that promote positive brain function and cardiovascular health. According to a July 2008 article in "UCLA Magazine" featuring Fernando Gómez-Pinilla, UCLA professor of neurosurgery and physiological science, omega-3 fats have been shown to minimize memory deficits in animal models of dementia and brain trauma. Fish particularly rich in omega-3 fats include salmon, albacore tuna, herring, sardines, halibut, mackerel, flounder and lake trout.
Curry Dishes
Curries are traditional Indian dishes seasoned with potent spices, including curcurmin. According to the "UCLA Magazine" report, curcumin may also help counteract brain trauma. Popular curry dishes rich in curcumin include dal tarka -- spiced lentil curry, chicken curry, vegetable curry and channa masala -- curried chickpeas. Curry dishes are available at Indian restaurants and grocery stores. You may also prepare your own curry dishes using vegetables; a protein-source, such as tofu, fish or meat; and prepared curry powder blends, which typically contain curcurmin, or ground curcumin and other spices, such as pepper and garlic.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables provide rich amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help prevent bodily damage caused by toxins known as free radicals. According to research published in "Stroke" in 2001, the antioxidant vitamin C may play an important role in brain trauma treatment and recovery. For the study, researchers examined the vitamin C levels in the plasma of 13 patients with intracranial hemorrhage and 15 patients with head trauma. All participants exhibited lower vitamin C plasma levels than healthy patients. Fruits and vegetables may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits and help reduce pain and swelling associated with brain trauma. Varieties particularly rich in vitamin C and other protective nutrients include berries, cherries, citrus fruits, kiwi, cantaloupe, papaya, mango, leafy greens, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers and winter squash.
Protein-Rich Foods
Protein provides amino acids -- the building blocks of lean tissue that play an important role in brain function. According to a report released by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in December 2009, increased amino acid intake has improved and helped restore cognitive function in mice with brain injuries. To reap benefits of amino acids, incorporate high-quality, protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, seafood, low-fat dairy products and legumes, into your meals and snacks routinely. Since high-fat protein sources, such as organ meats and whole milk, contain high concentration of saturated fat, consume lean varieties most often.
References
- "UCLA Magazine"; Food as Brain Medicine; Stuart Wolpert, Mark Wheeler; July 2008
- "Stroke"; Plasma Vitamin C Levels are Decreased and Correlated With Brain Damage in Patients With Intracranial Hemorrhage or Head Trauma; Maria Cristina Polidori, M.D., et al.; 2001
- Penn Medicine News: With Amino Acid Diet, Improvement After Brain Injury
- Brain Injury Association of America: Living With Brain Injury
