After brain surgery, restoring brain function and facilitating healing are paramount. Depending on the type of brain surgery you had, you may want to take supplements to encourage improvements in brain function and boost cognitive performance. Before taking any supplements, check with your health care team to ensure they are safe for you to do so, as even natural products can cause adverse effects and interact with medications.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid, called ALA, is an antioxidant, which means it can help protect cells against damage caused by substances called free radicals. ALA can be found in every cell of the body and helps convert glucose into energy, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Alpha-lipoic acid is not the same as the omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linoleic acid, which is sometimes also called ALA. Alpha-lipoic acid has been shown to have a protective effect on brain tissue and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, according to the University of Maryland. More research needs to be done in humans, but this supplement shows promising beneficial effects in protecting brain function. Ask your doctor if this supplement is appropriate for you before consuming it.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are beneficial to both the body and brain. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these fatty acids are important for cognitive function, especially memory and performance. A deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids can lead to depression, mood swings or memory problems. These substances can also help reduce inflammation, which can be helpful after surgery. Fish oil supplements typically have 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA, two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids. Talk with your doctor about whether these supplements are safe to take after surgery, as they can increase your risk of bleeding.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and dementia, states the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. It is hypothesized that this is because it impacts methylation reactions and decreases synthesis of methionine. A deficiency of this vitamin can also lead to depression. Although this vitamin is typically found in animal products, it may be taken as a supplement as well. Ask your doctor if taking a vitamin B12 supplement is appropriate for your neurological situation before taking this.
Ginkgo Biloba
The leaves of the ginkgo biloba plant are often used as an herbal supplement to boost brain function. This supplement has traditionally been used to help treat circulation disorders and memory problems, and clinical studies have verified the benefits of this supplement for these uses. Chemicals called flavonoids and terpenoids act as antioxidants, and this supplement may be beneficial in treating dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The supplement also helps blood flow to the brain, which can aid in recovery. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that improvements in cognitive function and improvements in mood may occur with use of ginkgo biloba as well. This herb can cause internal bleeding in some individuals, so check with your doctor before consuming it to make sure it is safe for you.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Alpha-Lipoic Acid; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University; Vitamin B12; Dr. Victoria Drake; August 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Ginkgo Biloba; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; 2009
