Diet and nutrition for BI

Poor diet can affect mood, behaviour and brain function. Our brains need energy and nutrients for healthy brain chemistry, functioning of nerves, and correct neurotransmitter levels. That is why a healthy diet is so important for recovery after brain injury.

Fad diets come and go, but the essentials of a healthy diet remain:

• eat a variety of foods including vegetables, fruits and grains
• eat lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products
• drink enough water
• limit your intake of salt, sugar and alcohol
• eat unsaturated fats in moderation, strictly limit saturated and trans fats.

Studies suggest that choline, creatine, omega-3 fatty acids and zinc are helpful during the recovery process. A healthy diet will generally supply all key vitamins, minerals and fats needed – supplements typically are only a semi-effective way to make up for a poor diet.

Each vitamin is found in different foods and has a different purpose for our brains.

Vitamin B-1: Grain products, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds and organ meats. Helps metabolize glucose (blood sugar) – glucose is a primary energy source and promotes growth and muscle tone.

Vitamin B-12: Milk, meat and eggs. Protects our nerve cells by maintain a myelin sheath (outer coating) – B-12 deficiency can result in nerve damage and impaired brain function.

Folic Acid: liver, yeast, asparagus, fried beans, peas, wheat, broccoli, and some nuts. Prevents a buildup of blood, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke and can also lower levels of serotonin in the brain (neurotransmitter and functions the brain).

Vitamin B: enriched grains, meat, fish, wheat bran, asparagus, high quality milk and peanuts. Vitamin B deficiency can cause mental symptoms such as irritability, headaches, loss of memory, inability to sleep, and emotional instability. Also pellagra (causes psychosis, delirium, coma, diarrhea, dementia, dermatitis and death).

Vitamin A: meats, fish, eggs, carrots, yellow squash and spinach. Helps provide protection against infection, bone and teeth formation, smooth skin and promotes growth and repair of body tissue.

Vitamin E: plant oils, green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach) and some breakfast cereals. Supplies oxygen to the brain, slows down ageing process, nutrition for cells and prevents blood from clotting.

Vitamin B-6: chicken, fish, pork, whole- wheat products, brown rice and some fruit and vegetables. Helps with metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, supports nervous system and maintains healthy skin.

Iron: meat, poultry and fish. Iron helps the formation of hemoglobin (which carries oxygen to cells throughout our bodies).

Magnesium: Green leafy vegetables (e.g. spinach), whole grains, nuts, seeds and bananas. Assists with bone structure and aids in the transmission of nerve impulses.

Manganese: Whole grains and nut, also some fruits and vegetables. Helps metabolise carbohydrates and assists in the brain functioning.

Copper: organ meats, seafood, nuts, seeds, whole grain bread and cereals and chocolate. Deficiency can cause anemia and impairs brain function and immune system response.

Zinc: red meats, liver, eggs, dairy products, vegetables and some seafood’s. Maintains cell membranes and protects our cells from any damage.

Selenium: Seafood, liver and eggs also some grains and seeds. Provides synthesis for some hormones and protects cell membranes from damage.