Concussions, a type of traumatic brain injury, are a serious concern for athletes and a focus for sports medicine experts. Understanding the implications of concussions is critical not only for the immediate health of athletes but also for their long-term wellness.
Fortunately, there is some good news for those looking to reduce the risk of concussion: a number of nutritional supplements are being studied to determine if they can treat, or even prevent, traumatic brain injuries like concussions.
Dr. Trevor Turner, a board-certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, created the Genomic Athlete to help his patients optimize their cognitive, metabolic, and physical health. As part of this platform, Dr. Turner recommends the use of supplements that include nutrients and antioxidants that play an important role in supporting brain health.
Let's delve deeper into what exactly concussions are, the science behind these supplements, and how they work to bolster brain health:
Understanding Concussions
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury and disruption in brain function that occurs following a blow or jolt to the head. This head injury can have varied and significant effects, often disrupting the normal functioning of the brain. Common causes of concussions include sports injuries, car accidents, and falls.
Concussion symptoms can range from subtle to severe. Immediately after the injury, concussion patients might experience confusion, blurred vision, memory loss, dizziness, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Over time, the symptoms can evolve into persistent headaches, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behavior, indicative of cognitive impairment.
It's important to note that every concussion is unique to the individual, and the resulting symptoms can vary widely. Traumatic brain injury resulting from a concussion can have short-term and long-term impacts on cognitive function, making prevention and early intervention crucial. Strategies to protect the brain and promote recovery are essential components of care.
Current Treatments For Concussions
Current medical treatments for concussions revolve largely around rest and reducing symptoms. Immediately after a brain injury, patients are typically advised to rest physically and mentally. This allows the brain time to recuperate and can help prevent further damage. However, this approach has limitations, especially in the context of long-term brain injury recovery.
For dealing with persistent symptoms such as headache or sleep disturbances, medications may be prescribed. However, these treatments can only manage the symptoms; they fail to address the underlying issue of neural damage.
Rehabilitation therapies are also a part of the treatment protocol for patients suffering from the long-term effects of a concussion. These may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, or speech therapy. However, the extent to which they can repair damage to brain cells and improve cognitive function varies from person to person, and their effectiveness is not guaranteed.
The Role Of Supplements in Reducing Concussions Risks
In the realm of treating concussions, we are faced with a significant challenge: our current toolkit is largely reactive and symptom-focused, rather than proactive and prevention-focused. This is where the prospect of supplements for concussion treatment, designed to support brain health and potentially prevent damage from a concussion, comes into the picture.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, are essential for brain health. They aid in the construction of cell membranes in the brain and play a crucial role in nerve cells' functioning. Increased intake of omega-3s can enhance the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the survival of existing neurons, and encourages the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. Concussion treatment supplements often include omega-3 fatty acids for this reason.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in brain function and mood. Studies have found that magnesium can improve both pre-clinical and clinical traumatic brain injury outcomes. It plays a crucial role in supporting brain plasticity, which is essential for learning and memory.
Moreover, magnesium is key to maintaining the health of neurons, the primary cells in the brain. It supports the stability of neuronal membranes and aids in the transmission of messages between neurons. Also, by improving energy production and enhancing the self-repair capabilities of brain cells, magnesium can assist in mitigating the damaging effects of trauma to the brain.
It is also worth noting that an increased presence of magnesium in the brain and cerebrospinal fluid has been associated with a lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamine C, D & E
Vitamin D is a neurosteroid hormone that demonstrates neuroprotective qualities. It is crucial for calcium regulation and supports the survival of neurons. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Studies suggest that sufficient levels of vitamin D can potentially mitigate the effects of a traumatic brain injury, such as a concussion, by reducing inflammation and supporting the health of neurons.
Vitamin C and E are powerful antioxidants vital for the maintenance and repair of neurons. Vitamin C helps protect the brain from oxidative stress and free-radical damage, while vitamin E works to reduce inflammation and enhance recovery following a traumatic brain injury.
Creatine
Creatine, while best known for improving athletic performance, also has significant benefits for the brain. It helps with energy production, improves brain function, and protects against neurological diseases
How The Genomic Athlete Can Help
With the inclusion of Thorne supplements, The Genomic Athlete offers a comprehensive solution to reduce the risks associated with concussions. These supplements are tailored to meet the individual needs of each athlete, offering maximum brain protection and supporting optimal recovery.
For more information about nutritional supplements, including which you should be taking to optimize your athletic performance and brain health, contact The Genomic Athlete today. We can help you develop a personalized plan to reduce your risk of concussion and optimize your physical and mental performance.
Optimize your orthopedic, metabolic, and cognitive health with the help of Dr. Trevor Turner and The Genomic Athlete. Schedule your appointment online today and get ready to thrive!
