Top 5 Ways to Prevent Neurodegenerative Diseases, Like Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Even though neurodegeneration (the slow breakdown of your brain) is a natural process of aging, people generally want to avoid or prolong it as long as possible. The most common neurodegenerative diseases that aging people experience are dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

According to the National Library of Medicine, approximately two out of three Americans experience some level of cognitive decline or impairment around the average age of 70. While this may be a scary statistic, it’s also one that can motivate you to incorporate healthy habits into your day-to-day life to limit the effects of these life-changing diseases.

That’s why we’re sharing five simple ways you proactively prevent and delay cognitive decline, and maintain your quality of life.

What Is Neurodegeneration & Why Does It Happen?

Your brain is made up of billions of neurons, and neurons are specialized cells that send and receive signals, helping your brain work properly. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as dementia, occur when those neurons start to die and/or stop working.

There are countless factors that contribute to cognitive decline and increase your risk of developing these diseases, many of them being repeated stressors over time. Examples include inflammation, long term stress and trauma. Neurodegenerative diseases can show up in many different ways, with symptoms including memory loss, anxiety, mood changes and more.

If you are diagnosed with one of these diseases, it can be hard to slow down the process, since the damage has already started to occur. So that means prevention is key. No matter what age you are now, the earlier you start prioritizing activities like we discuss below, the more it will help to prolong or even prevent these diseases from appearing.

How Can I Prevent Or Prolong Neurodegeneration?

Luckily, there are proven approaches you can take to prevent or delay the onset of neurological diseases. Let’s explore five simple ways you can proactively protect your brain and its health, for as long as possible.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise does amazing things for your nervous system and is the number one activity you can do to help prevent neurodegeneration.

Generally, we recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, that gets your heart rate up to approximately 70% of its maximum rate. This amount of exercise can decrease your risk of cognitive decline by 35% or more (which is impressive alone), plus benefit the rest of your body and mind too.

Exercise is beneficial because while you’re improving cardiac function, you’re also increasing blood flow to your brain. And increased blood flow means your brain is receiving more nutrients and oxygen, making your blood vessels more pliable. This leads to healthier neurons and a reduced risk of stroke and brain disease.

If you want to take it up a notch to benefit your brain and body even more, add resistive exercises to your routine. Ideally, you want to find something that you can do long term — whether that’s lifting weights, swimming, running, whatever! Find something you enjoy, because being consistent and making exercise part of your daily routine will produce optimal results.

Hit The Sauna

Did you know that using a sauna can give your brain almost the same results as exercise?

It creates similar short term stress on your body and elevates both your blood pressure and heart rate, just as it would when you’re exercising. The only difference is that your muscles aren’t contracting (therefore, strengthening) as they would while you exercised. While using a sauna can benefit everyone, it’s especially a great option for those who can’t exercise.

The amount of time you need to spend in a sauna to receive these benefits depends on the kind of sauna, as well as the type and temperature of heat you’re in. For example, spending 15-20 minutes in a sauna at a high temperature, could give comparable effects to spending 35-40 minutes in a sauna with a lower temperature.

Studies show that people who use a sauna four to seven times per week have a 66% decrease in Alzheimer’s compared to those people who do less — wow!

Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

There are several different stages of sleep, and they’re all important. Both deep sleep and REM sleep (rapid eye movement) are important for your brain function and health.

During deep sleep, your body flushes out and cleanses your brain of waste products using your lymphatic system. This process is very important for your brain health, and unfortunately doesn’t occur if you don’t get into a deep sleep.

During REM sleep, you process emotions, organize memories, and rehearse activities or new things that you learned that day. This process is important for cognition — if you’re unable to reach REM sleep, your memory and cognition may be negatively affected.

It’s been shown that people who have sleep disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea and those who report being sleepy during the day, are more prone to cognitive decline.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, we recommend you speak with a doctor for ways to improve your sleep hygiene. Book your free 15-minute phone consultation.

Try Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting is often connected to weight loss, but this practice has benefits for your brain as well. Even incorporating it as little as two times per week can be beneficial, and is incredibly simple to add to your regular routine.

Intermittent fasting is essentially restricting calories or any type of nutrients for a 16-18 hour window. This puts a low amount of stress on your body, which activates your immune system. When activated, your immune system naturally searches for damaged cells and clears them out before they cause problems. (This includes clearing out damaged or dying neurons in your brain that could contribute to neurodegeneration — and that’s why we recommend intermittent fasting to accelerate concussion healing as well.)

Take Healthy Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids are wonderful for your health and many of us don’t get enough in a typical nutritional diet. Two types of these fatty acids in your body are omega-3 and omega-6.

Omega-6 fatty acids:

Are found in fried foods
Cause inflammation in our bodies, which leads to nerve degeneration
Therefore are NOT recommended

While omega-3 fatty acids:

Are found in healthier foods, like fish, nuts, avocados
Are anti-inflammatory in nature

Omega 3s are essentially a brain ‘super-food’ since they’re the building blocks of neurons. Neurons are coated in omega-3 fatty acids, so having an abundance of them in your diet gives your body the ability to repair neurons and keep your brain healthy.

How Can I Improve My Brain Health?

We always recommend that the sooner you can implement as many of these easy brain practices into your daily life as possible, the better.

Because remember…

It’s never too late to start
Prioritize progress over perfection
Find exercise that you enjoy so that you’ll stick with it — consistency is key

If you’d like to learn more about proactive and preventative brain health exercises, contact us for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Our team of professionals would be happy to discuss if the care and treatments we provide are right for you.

How Neurofeedback Therapy Can Retrain Your Brain

As you might have guessed, the brain is the most complex organ in the body. It’s essential for basic human functions, and is also responsible for how you think, feel and behave.

Therefore, your brainwaves, which are the electrical activity in your brain, play a huge role in your mental health and behavior. There are five primary types of brainwaves, and each one serves a unique purpose necessary for proper brain function.

However, your brain lives in a delicate balance, so brainwave disruption can occur, sometimes leading to life-changing symptoms. Disruptions can be caused by a variety of factors, and the most common disruptions that require medical attention are when:

One type of brainwave becomes more dominant than others
You have too much or too little brainwave activity
The left and right sides of your brain aren’t communicating properly

All of these disruptions can have a significant effect on your mental health, but the good news is that neurofeedback therapy can help us determine which of your brainwaves has been disrupted and then correct it without the use of pharmaceuticals.

Let’s explore how this therapy works and the different ways it can improve your mental health.

So What Is Neurofeedback?

Also commonly known as electroencephalogram (EEG) or brainwave biofeedback, neurofeedback is a natural, non-invasive therapy that can provide lasting relief from a range of acute to complex disorders. It allows us to explore our patients’ brainwaves.

Using this technique, we work on retraining the brain so it functions in a healthy way and results in positive change. Rather than temporarily treating symptoms with medication, neurofeedback is a holistic process aimed at addressing the root cause over time.

This therapy can be used to treat a variety of disorders and injuries, as we’ve seen it benefit a range of individuals with varying degrees of:

ADHD
Autism
Depression
Anxiety
Stress
PTSD
Insomnia
Traumatic brain injuries
Panic attacks
Seizure disorders
Developmental delays
And more.

How Does Neurofeedback Work?

Perhaps you’ve heard the term “biofeedback” before, which is similar to neurofeedback. With biofeedback, we’re checking biophysical measurements, such as heart rate and breathing. While these functions are monitored, you’re given real-time feedback to see if and how you can alter them. For example, using a breathing technique may lower your heart rate (and you’ll be able to see the results right away).

Now neurofeedback actually works very similarly to biofeedback. During your treatment, you’ll wear a cap with sensors that allows us to monitor your brain’s real-time activity. We set you up in front of a screen so you can watch a show, play a game, or close your eyes and listen to sounds. During your treatment sessions, all you need to do is sit back and interact with the activity, as the “work” happening in your brain is subconscious.

As your brain engages with the activity, we’re able to watch your brainwaves adapt, and essentially “train” your brain with rewards or subtle changes. Over time, your brain will begin to recognize these changes, and adapt its behavior internally to seek reward. And the end result is your brainwaves spending more time in their ideal state, which means a healthier you.

But How Does My Brain Recognize A Reward?

During your neurofeedback session, you’ll be engaging with auditory and/or visual feedback while we monitor your brainwaves — for this example, let’s say you suffer from anxiety and we’ve set you up to watch a movie. If the software program notices your brain activity is in an anxious state, it will dim the screen so that it’s harder for you to see the picture. As we see your brain relax and enter a healthy state, the screen will become brighter, therefore subconsciously rewarding your brain on its adaptation.

Over time, these consistent rewards teach and condition your subconscious brain so that it wants to be in a relaxed and calm state. Neurofeedback actually bypasses your conscious mind and directly influences your core impulses and processes which produce your conscious experience of the world — without you even knowing it.

What Does A Neurofeedback Session Look Like?

Our sessions are simple, comfortable, pain-free and require no real “work” from you. During your treatment, you’ll wear a cap with sensors to measure your brainwaves throughout the session. Although wet caps requiring gel electrodes are traditionally used during neurofeedback therapy, we now have the option of using dry caps.

As we mentioned above, you’ll watch a show, play a game or listen to rewarding sounds while we monitor your brainwaves and give your brain feedback in real-time, using visual or audio cues.

How Many Neurofeedback Sessions Will I Need?

Since we’re slowly rewiring your brain, the number of sessions required is different for everyone. Therefore, we always start neurofeedback therapy with a brain mapping session called a QEEG test (quantitative electroencephalogram).

During this 10-minute test, you’ll pop on the sensored cap that monitors brainwaves. We record your brainwaves for 10 minutes with your eyes open, and 10 minutes with your eyes closed to determine which areas and wavelengths we need to treat. During your next visit, we’ll share your results and then begin treatment.

Each treatment session lasts 30-45 minutes, sometimes booked twice per week, where we will do one or multiple neurofeedback protocols. Generally, we complete 10 treatment sessions and then retest your brain with a new QEEG to monitor progress and modify our protocols.

Some patients and conditions respond well and achieve results in a short treatment window. Those with chronic, degenerative conditions or underlying medical issues may require up to 40 sessions to achieve optimal results.

How Do I Know If Neurofeedback Is Right For Me?

The goal of neurofeedback is to retrain your brain and we’ve seen it benefit a wide range of patients with various brain disorders and injuries.

Here at Lancaster Brain & Spine, we provide holistic care and assess the whole person, not just the issue you may come in with. So while neurofeedback is one tool that may help you, there may be other treatments and lifestyle changes we suggest you do in combination to achieve the best results.

If you suffer from anxiety, depression, a traumatic brain injury or are currently going through treatments but are not achieving the results you want, neurofeedback therapy could be the missing piece to help your brain return to a healthier state.

To learn if neurofeedback could help improve your mental health, contact our experts for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

What Is Dysautonomia? A Comprehensive Guide For Patients and Caregivers

As a chiropractic neurology clinic, you can imagine we encounter patients struggling with a variety of neurological disorders. One of the main conditions we see and treat is dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia is an umbrella term for a complex neurological disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system. It causes a range of symptoms and can present in a variety of ways that can be challenging to diagnose and manage.

This condition isn’t rare either. Dysautonomia International estimates that over 70 million people have some form of this condition. Despite its widespread population, it takes most patients years to receive a diagnosis simply because they’re unaware of what dysautonomia is.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we aim to increase awareness of complex conditions by educating our patients. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dysautonomia is, and cover the symptoms, causes and treatment options for this condition.

What Is Dysautonomia?

Our autonomic nervous system regulates many of the body’s automatic functions. This includes things like your heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and temperature control. Dysautonomia occurs when there is a dysfunction in this system, resulting in a range of symptoms that can affect many of your body’s functions.

Dysautonomia can be a primary condition, meaning that it’s a result of a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system itself. Or it can be a secondary condition, meaning it’s the result of an underlying condition, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Lyme disease or multiple sclerosis.

Symptoms Of Dysautonomia

How dysautonomia presents in the body can vary greatly from person to person. These symptoms can include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing
Fainting or near-fainting (known as syncope)
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (known as tachycardia or arrhythmia)
Palpitations
Shortness of breath
Chest pain or discomfort
Fatigue
Brain fog or cognitive difficulties
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Bladder dysfunction
Excessive sweating or lack of sweating
Temperature intolerance
Insomnia or disturbed sleep

If you’re experiencing any combination of these symptoms, please contact us for a free phone consultation.

The Different Types Of Dysautonomia

There are three main forms of dysautonomia that we diagnose patients with:

Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS)

Neurocardiogenic Syncope (NCS) or Vasovagal Syncope is the most common form of dysautonomia. It’s a typical cause of fainting that relates to a malfunction in the autonomic nervous system. In NCS, a sudden and brief drop in blood pressure and heart rate occurs, leading to a lack of blood flow to the brain and causing you to faint.

Emotional stress, pain or prolonged standing can often be triggers of NCS.

Symptoms of NCS include:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Nausea or sweating
A sudden feeling of warmth or coldness

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

A rapid increase in heart rate without a significant decrease in heart rate characterizes POTS. This sensation can occur when a person moves from lying down to standing up. The body is unable to adjust to the change in posture, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities and reducing blood flow to the brain.

Symptoms of POTS include:

Lightheadedness
Occasional fainting
Palpitations
Headaches
Brain fog
Fatigue
Headache
Exercise intolerance
Tremors
Nausea

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that usually occurs in older adults. A build-up of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain leads to the death of nerve cells and causes MSA.

MSA is a rare and often difficult-to-diagnose condition. Early recognition and management of symptoms is important for improving quality of life.

Symptoms of MSA include:

Problems with movement or balance
Blood pressure changes
Bladder control issues

Causes Of Dysautonomia

The causes of dysautonomia can vary, depending on what type you might have.

Primary dysautonomia can be genetic or idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. While secondary dysautonomia can be the result of various underlying conditions, including:

Diabetes
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Lyme disease
Sjogren’s syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Autoimmune disorders
Spinal cord injuries
Traumatic brain injuries

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosing dysautonomia can be challenging. As you’ve seen, the symptoms are often vague and overlap with many other possible conditions.

That’s why, at Lancaster Brain & Spine, we examine “the whole you,” not just the symptoms you come in with. We’ll look at your past history and your body’s various systems while asking extensive questions and performing a thorough examination.

Our specialist diagnostic testing includes tilt-table tests, heart rate variability, videonystagmography and autonomic function that we have in-house at our Lancaster, PA clinic. These extensive testing facilities are why so many surrounding clinics send their neurological patients our way.

The treatment for dysautonomia depends on the underlying cause and the specific symptoms presented. In some cases, lifestyle changes can have a very beneficial impact, such as:

Increasing salt and fluid intake
Wearing compression socks
Regular exercise
Staying hydrated
Avoiding triggers

At our Lancaster-based clinic, we administer treatment and monitor you throughout the process. We also perform therapies in stages, from lying down to tilted or standing, to ensure consistent, but not overwhelming, growth. We track the variability of regulating blood pressure, heart rate and breathing and aim to improve your symptoms with the least discomfort possible.

That’s why we offer intensive weeks. We can improve neurological problems with consistent treatment spread out over a few days due to the brain’s neuroplasticity. Wondering if an intensive week could work for you? Book a free 15-minute telephone consult to discuss this treatment option with our staff.

Living With Dysautonomia

Living with this condition can be challenging. But it is possible to manage symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. The best way to do this? Work with knowledgeable professionals who can create a custom dysautonomia treatment plan for you. Depending on your circumstances, this plan may include medical intervention or lifestyle modifications. Whatever the recommended treatment, it’s a plan to help you get back to living your best life.

Want A Second Opinion?

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with dysautonomia, we recommend you seek a professional opinion.

Request a free telephone consultation with us by completing our quick contact form. One of our lovely staff will arrange a call between you and one of our experts, where we can discuss your symptoms and the next best steps.

At Lancaster Brain & Spine, we specialize in invisible pain, so you’re in safe hands.

Book your free 15-minute telephone consult with us here.

A Guide To Diagnosing Peripheral Neuropathy: 10 Ways To Self-Assess At Home

We all know that regular health assessments are crucial for maintaining good health. Not only can they help us detect problems early on, but they also provide valuable insight into your overall well-being.

While your primary care physician may perform health assessments during your annual check-up, you can also take responsibility for your health by conducting tests and screenings at home. By regularly performing self-assessments, you can identify warning signs or symptoms of various conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy.

We’re here to help you understand what peripheral neuropathy is, so you’re better equipped to detect the early warning signs at home.

First Things First — What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy is damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing them to work improperly. This nerve damage or irritation can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, weakness and pain.

It’s most commonly felt in the hands and feet, and can appear as a change in sensation, perception or strength, often described as “weakness” or “atrophy.”

Some signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:

Gradual onset of numbness, prickling or tingling in your feet or hands, which can spread upward into your legs and arms
Sharp, jabbing, throbbing or burning pain
Extreme sensitivity to touch or muscle weakness
Pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain, such as putting weight on your feet or when they’re under a blanket
Lack of coordination and falling
Feeling as if you’re wearing gloves or socks when you’re not

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

There are various conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy. For example, many people with diabetes will develop some type of neuropathy. Many inherited disorders, tumors, autoimmune diseases and infections can also be a cause.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition, but often there is a lack of information about recognizing signs and symptoms. This is a problem, because the sooner you can catch or identify nerve damage, the better chance you have at restoring it to its original state.

Now a physician can diagnose peripheral neuropathy, but knowing when to seek further help leaves many people feeling unsure. Self-assessment allows you to check if you should seek a professional opinion. Below you’ll find a self-assessment diagnostic that you can use in the comfort of your home.

10 Ways To Self-Assess For Peripheral Neuropathy At Home

To complete this self-assessment, find a quiet place, a pen and a piece of paper. Either physically complete the tests or answer the questions, and then note your score. You can also ask a loved one to help you perform the tests, or self-assess your loved one.

If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

1. Can you reach into your purse or wallet, and correctly identify the type of coin?

2. If you put your hand under running water, can you tell if it’s warm or cold, simply by touch? Does it feel the same on both hands?

3. Is there a visible color difference between your hands or feet? One might look bluer or redder, while the other is a normal skin tone.

4. Can you tell the difference between the sharp and dull ends of an object, say a pen, while your eyes are closed? Is this sensation the same for every finger and toe?

5. When you’re barefoot, can you tell the type of floor you’re touching? Can you tell if it’s a fluffy carpet or rough hardwood? Can you feel the seams in the wood?

If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, add 1 point.

6. Do you have hypersensitivity or difficulty with certain footwear feeling constrictive or unsupportive?

7. Do you feel like you constantly need to wear gloves or mittens outside to maintain a constant temperature sensation in your hands?

8. Do you have discoloration from one finger to the next? Does one nail look less healthy than another on either your hands or feet?

9. Do you often trip or stumble?

10. Do you often burn or cut yourself in the kitchen?

What’s your final score? If you or your loved one scored at least 1 point, that could indicate a potential peripheral neuropathy, and you should seek a professional medical opinion.

Want our opinion? Request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form. If we think it’s necessary, we’ll invite you in for further testing.

What Does Getting A Diagnosis Look Like?

Understanding your condition depends on your individual circumstances, but it usually starts with seeking a medical opinion and undergoing diagnostic tests, which may include:

Bedside examination — an in-person examination helps diagnose the structure and functional capacity.

Bloodwork — this is a common first step, and involves drawing blood and testing it for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Diagnostic testing — there is equipment called an EMG (Electromyography), which can determine the specific nerve location and extent of the damage.

Nerve biopsy — this is a more invasive procedure, but along with genetic testing, it can help determine why you have peripheral neuropathy and what can be done to improve it.

Non-Invasive Treatment Options

Peripheral neuropathy can be treated using various methods, with many options for non-invasive or non-surgical treatment options. Laser therapy, for example, has been widely proven to help heal symptoms related to peripheral neuropathy.

Want Our Professional Medical Opinion?

If you think you might have peripheral neuropathy, request a complimentary telephone consultation by completing our quick 5-question contact form here.

Concussion: 9 Natural Ways To Boost Your Recovery At Home

Suffering from a concussion can be a disorienting, frightening and stressful experience. However, the good news is that many minor concussions can be treated at home with the right care and attention. At Lancaster Brain & Spine, our main goal is to support you or your loved one through the healing process, so you can return to normal life as soon as possible.

Below, we have compiled nine natural ways to treat a concussion at home, because not every concussion requires treatment. However, it is crucial to note that these methods should always be used in conjunction with professional advice and to avoid self-diagnosing. To ensure you don’t have underlying trauma that’s critical or life-threatening, we always recommend getting an expert opinion.

If you suspect you or a loved one might have a concussion, know that any head trauma should always be taken seriously. If you’re looking for answers, we offer 15-minute telephone consultations, and you can book a call with us here.

How Do I Treat A Concussion? The Road To Recovery

We understand this can be a difficult time, but rest assured that with the right care and attention, you or your loved one can likely make a full recovery. Between 80-90% of people who suffer from concussions are better within 30 days. The remaining people tend to struggle, and that’s where we come in. If you’re suffering from a complex neurological disorder, you might qualify for our intensive treatment.

Here are nine ways to effectively manage your concussion from the comfort of your home and speed up your recovery time (instead of prolonging or exacerbating your symptoms).

1. Limit Your Screen Time

Exposure to screens, such as computers, cell phones and televisions, can worsen your symptoms following a concussion. Research has shown that limiting screen time in the first 48 hours after sustaining a concussion can significantly reduce your recovery time by up to 50%. By easing the strain on your eyes, you can help your brain recover quicker.

2. Allow Your Body And Mind To Recharge

Rest is crucial for concussion recovery, both physically and mentally. During your recovery, gradually increase your activity level, such as taking short walks, engaging in light household tasks and simple socializing. This movement and social interaction can help your brain process and recalibrate, leading to better healing.

However, excessive rest, known as “cocooning,” where you spend long periods of time in a dark room, should be avoided. You might need a little more sleep than usual, which is totally normal, but we recommend not resting in the dark for more than 48 hours.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Good quality sleep is crucial after a concussion, because this down time allows your brain to heal and recover. Sleep plays an important role in the healing process, as it provides your brain with the opportunity to rest and restore functions. During sleep, the brain can process information, consolidate memories and repair damaged tissue. Adequate sleep can also help reduce symptoms associated with concussions, boost the immune system and improve your mood.

We recommend getting between 7-10 hours of sleep a night.

4. Drink Plenty of Fluids

We all know how important water is for our body’s function, but dehydration can actually exacerbate concussion symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, and confusion, which are commonly associated with this injury. Drinking plenty of fluids can help alleviate these symptoms and encourage your body to heal faster. As proper hydration maintains brain function, it is vital to drink plenty of fluids after a concussion to support healing and reduce inflammation.

5. Intermittent Fasting

You may have heard about this diet method for improved health and nutrition, but intermittent fasting is also a powerful tool for boosting the body’s healing process. By restricting your eating period to an 8-hour window each day, you stimulate the immune system and activate your body’s natural mechanisms for clearing out damaged cells. This is achieved by causing slight stress on your body, which in turn promotes the production of microglial cells. These cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged tissue and supporting your brain’s healing process.

Before incorporating intermittent fasting into your routine, it’s important to consult with a medical professional to ensure that it’s a safe and appropriate approach for you.

6. Nourish Your Brain For Optimal Healing

After a concussion, it’s crucial to prioritize nourishing your body and brain to support the healing process. Unfortunately, many popular foods can actually hinder the healing process and prolong your recovery. Sugar and processed foods are two examples, as they increase inflammation, disrupt blood sugar levels, and impair brain function.

Sugar and processed foods can also reduce the effectiveness of your immune system and slow down the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This can increase the risk of further injury and prolong your recovery process — which nobody wants. In contrast, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods can provide your body with the essential nutrients and energy it needs to heal and recover.

7. Take Inflammation-Fighting Supplements

When it comes to natural concussion recovery, it’s important to address the underlying inflammation that can prolong symptoms. Adding anti-inflammatory supplements and foods to your diet can help support the healing process and reduce inflammation in your brain.

One supplement we recommend taking is fish oil, which is high in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, and is essential for brain health and repair. Another effective anti-inflammatory, turmeric, has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote healing throughout the body.

8. Avoid Overstimulation

It’s important to avoid too much stimulation during your recovery, such as large crowds in busy environments, as noise and visual motion can cause sensory overload and further strain your brain. By avoiding sensory overload, you will feel more grounded and your brain will feel relaxed (instead of stressed).

9. Protect Your Senses

After a concussion, your body remains sensitive to both light and sound. This can make everyday activities, such as using a computer or being in bright environments, extremely uncomfortable. To help alleviate these symptoms, it’s important to take steps to protect your senses.

We recommend wearing sunglasses or rose-tinted glasses when going outside in bright environments. For those using a computer or other screens, blue light-blocking glasses can be especially helpful in reducing the glare and strain on your eyes. Additionally, wearing earplugs can help reduce the impact of loud sounds and relieve auditory sensitivity.

How Long Will My Concussion Last? Recovery Time Frame

Most minor concussions clear up within 7-10 days. However, if you have a history of multiple concussions or other risk factors that make you more susceptible, your symptoms may last longer or become more severe.

If you experience persistent symptoms for more than 10 days, we recommend you seek the advice of a medical professional. We are here to support you and offer a free telephone consultation with one of our experts to answer any questions you may have. When you come in for a consultation, we use advanced diagnostic equipment, such as videonystagmography and balance testing, to help determine the root cause more quickly.

If this blog post raises any questions or concerns about your condition or a loved one’s, please contact us. We are experts in diagnosing and treating concussions, and offer complimentary 15-minute phone consultations to talk through any issues you may have, and see how we can help you.