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Healthy Diet Following Brain Injury

A healthy diet is essential for recovery after a brain injury. Changes in taste and smell can reduce appetite and make it more difficult to eat certain foods. Despite these challenges, maintaining a balanced diet is crucial to support healing. Consuming foods rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients helps the brain repair itself and form new connections. After a brain injury, the brain requires additional energy to heal and adapt.

Best Foods for Brain Injury Recovery:

• Dark Chocolate: Rich in magnesium and antioxidants; eat in moderation, choosing chocolate with at least 70% cocoa.
• Fatty Fish: High in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain cell repair and neuroplasticity. Examples include salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
• Flaxseed Oil: Alternative source of omega-3; add to salads and smoothies for brain health.
• Dark Leafy Greens: Kale and spinach are nutrient-dense and high in B-vitamins, promoting brain cell communication and repair.
• Walnuts & Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in omega-3; walnuts also contain antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
• Berries: High in antioxidants, particularly blueberries, which improve memory, learning, and neurogenesis.
• Eggs & Avocados: Eggs provide choline for memory, while avocados support rapid brain information processing.
• Meat: Excellent source of protein and zinc, crucial for brain function and immune system support.
• Legumes & Seeds: Alternatives to meat, such as chickpeas, lentils, squash, and sunflower seeds, offer protein, zinc, and heart health benefits.
• Turmeric: Contains curcumin, which stimulates BDNF production, promoting brain repair and regeneration.