Traumatic brain injuries have gotten a whole lot more attention in the past few years and for very good reason. Acute trauma to the head can have lasting effects, and repeated injury has now been clearly proven to significantly increase risk of several severe degenerative diseases, including dementia. It is absolutely vital that we do everything we can to keep our brains healthy to minimize the possibility of developing these conditions.
Regardless of the condition, the number one consideration in naturopathic care is always prevention. Reducing the risk of injury to the brain is always the most important step one can take. From avoiding high risk activities to using the proper protective gear, there is no replacement for making good proactive decisions to keep your head from injury. But unfortunately, accidents happen, and in those cases, rapid treatment is vital. The most important thing to do following a head injury is to allow for brain rest. In today’s world, that means avoiding all screens, including cell phones. Brain rest is imperative to allow for healing to occur. Further forms of brain rest come in the form of meditation. Meditation is generally becoming more popular in the US, likely due to it being a powerful antidote to the fast-paced non-stop culture in which we currently live. Many people quickly dismiss meditation, believing that it’s just too difficult. But just as you need to learn how to play the piano or how to drive a car, meditation takes practice. Following a brain injury, supportive guided meditation is a fantastic tool that is accessible to anyone that dramatically helps to quiet the mind and allow for healing.
Additionally, there are numerous supportive natural treatments to consider which can help the brain after injury. Antioxidants, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids have all been shown to have some beneficial effect in the treatment of traumatic brain injury, and all are very safe in individuals of all ages, including children. Whether you are interested in preventative treatment for maintaining a healthy brain or you are in need of acute care, a naturopathic physician can support you in making the best choices to keep a sharp mind for many years to come.