Recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be a long, challenging journey. In this post, I share the supplements and therapies that have been essential in my recovery, including Lion’s Mane, Ashwagandha, BioSuperfood Micro Algae, Asea Redox, and innovative treatments like Photobiomodulation and Molecular Hydrogen Therapy. These options help reduce inflammation, support brain healing, and improve cognitive function. Discover how these natural aids and therapies can support your TBI recovery process.
Disclaimer: The content shared on this blog is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered medical advice. I am not a healthcare professional, and the information provided is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions related to your health, treatments, or therapy. Results and experiences may vary from person to person, and I cannot guarantee specific outcomes.
After a series of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatments resulted in a traumatic brain injury (TBI), I embarked on a long and challenging journey to recover. It’s been a little over 16 months of navigating a maze of medical opinions, tests, and treatments. Along the way, I've learned that TBI recovery requires a multi-faceted approach, and that includes not just medical care and therapies but also nutritional support to promote brain healing and cognitive recovery.
In addition to physical therapy, neuro-optometry, and mental health counseling, I’ve also been researching and experimenting with various supplements and therapies that might help heal my brain. Here are some of the supplements and healing therapies I’ve used or come across during my recovery, including suggestions shared by others on Reddit’s TBI and TMS therapy threads. These have been incredibly helpful for addressing specific symptoms like cognitive impairment, fatigue, and mood swings.
1. OM Lion's Mane: Supports Brain Regeneration and Cognitive Function 🍄✨
Lion’s Mane mushroom has been one of the most talked-about supplements in TBI recovery circles. Known for its neuroprotective properties, it supports brain regeneration and enhances cognitive function. Lion’s Mane promotes the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a protein that helps repair and regenerate damaged brain cells. This supplement is especially helpful for addressing the brain fog, memory loss, and cognitive impairment that often accompany a TBI.
How it helps:
Stimulates nerve growth factor production for brain cell regeneration.
Improves cognitive function, focus, and mental clarity.
May help reduce long-term cognitive decline associated with brain injuries.
2. Body Bio PC: Enhances Cellular Function and Protects Brain Cells 🧠💡
Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is an essential component of all cell membranes, including those in the brain. Supplementing with Body Bio PC has been shown to help protect and repair brain cells, support cognitive function, and improve memory. This supplement is particularly beneficial for those recovering from a TBI, as it helps restore damaged brain cells and improve overall brain health.
How it helps:
Supports cell membrane repair and brain cell regeneration.
Enhances focus, cognitive performance, and memory.
Protects the brain from oxidative stress, which is critical in TBI recovery.
3. Da Vinci Citicoline: Aids Memory Retention and Cognitive Enhancement 🧠⚡
Citicoline (also known as CDP-choline) is a compound that helps in the production of phosphatidylcholine, which is crucial for brain cell membranes. It has been found to improve cognitive performance, memory retention, and overall brain function. For TBI patients, Citicoline is helpful in aiding brain cell communication and enhancing the repair process.
How it helps:
Improves memory retention and cognitive performance.
Supports the communication between brain cells, aiding recovery after injury.
Enhances overall mental clarity and focus.
4. Pure Ashwagandha: Reduces Stress and Promotes Mental Clarity 🌿💪
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. Since stress can be a major barrier to recovery after a TBI, this supplement is valuable in managing stress levels and supporting brain health. Ashwagandha may also help with cognitive function, focus, and overall mental clarity, especially in the face of stress and anxiety, which are common post-TBI.
How it helps:
Reduces stress and anxiety, preventing further strain on the brain.
Supports memory and mental clarity.
Aids in mood regulation, which is essential for TBI recovery.
5. BioSuperfood Micro Algae: A Superfood for Healing 🌱💚
This is one I learned about from a fellow TBI survivor on Reddit’s TBI thread. BioSuperfood Micro Algae combines several types of algae to provide a potent source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. The algae in this supplement have been shown to support the brain’s healing processes by reducing inflammation and supporting the regeneration of brain cells. It's an excellent addition for anyone looking for a natural, nutrient-dense boost in their recovery.
How it helps:
Reduces inflammation in the brain, which is critical in TBI recovery.
Supports cellular regeneration and tissue repair.
Provides a wide array of nutrients that help replenish deficiencies caused by brain injury.
6. Asea Redox: Cellular Communication and Healing ⚡🌿
Asea Redox is a redox signaling molecule supplement that helps support cellular communication within the body. It promotes the healing process by enhancing the function of cells, tissues, and organs, including the brain. According to anecdotal reports on Reddit, Asea Redox has helped many with brain injuries by reducing inflammation, improving cognitive function, and speeding up recovery. This supplement is said to help the cells "speak" to each other more effectively, which is crucial after an injury to help the brain heal.
How it helps:
Supports cellular communication and regeneration, which can aid in brain healing.
Reduces inflammation, which is a major factor in TBI recovery.
Promotes overall healing throughout the body, including the brain.
7. Photobiomodulation (PBM) – Light Therapy for the Brain 💡🔴
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of light therapy that uses low-level laser or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular function. PBM has been gaining attention for its potential to heal brain injuries by enhancing cellular energy production (ATP) and reducing inflammation. For individuals recovering from TBI, PBM has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce symptoms of brain fog, and accelerate healing of damaged tissue.
How it helps:
Stimulates brain cells to increase ATP production and repair damaged cells.
Reduces inflammation, which helps alleviate common TBI symptoms.
Improves cognitive function, mood, and overall brain health.
8. Molecular Hydrogen / Brown Gas Therapy: Oxygenating the Brain for Healing 💨⚛️
Molecular hydrogen (or Brown Gas) therapy is an emerging treatment for various conditions, including brain injuries. It involves inhaling a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, which is believed to help reduce oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and accelerate healing at the cellular level. Some TBI survivors have reported significant improvements in cognitive function, memory, and energy after using Brown Gas therapy.
How it helps:
Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which accelerates healing.
Improves cellular energy production (ATP), which is vital for brain function and recovery.
Enhances cognitive function and reduces TBI symptoms like brain fog and fatigue.
9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for Brain Health and Mood Regulation 🐟🥑
Omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, are essential for maintaining healthy brain function. These fatty acids reduce inflammation and promote the repair of damaged brain tissue, making them an important part of any TBI recovery plan. They also help regulate mood and enhance cognitive function, which is crucial for individuals with cognitive impairment after a brain injury.
How it helps:
Reduces inflammation and supports brain cell regeneration.
Enhances memory, mood regulation, and cognitive function.
Improves blood flow to the brain, promoting healing.
10. Vitamin D & B: Vital for Neurotransmitter Function and Memory ☀️🌿
Both Vitamin D and B vitamins are essential for brain health, especially after an injury. Vitamin D helps with neurotransmitter function and reduces inflammation, while B vitamins are crucial for producing and maintaining healthy nerve cells. Supplementing with these vitamins can help repair and regenerate brain cells, improve mood, and enhance memory.
How it helps:
Vitamin D promotes neurotransmitter function and cognitive health.
B vitamins support brain cell repair and memory.
Improves mood and reduces the symptoms of depression, which is common post-TBI.
My Personal TBI Healing Journey
Since my brain injury, I’ve struggled with a range of symptoms, including severe headaches, cognitive impairment, light sensitivity, and fatigue. It’s been a difficult road to recovery, but I’ve found that incorporating supplements and alternative healing therapies has made a significant difference in managing my symptoms and accelerating healing.
The supplements listed here have been helpful in reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and supporting cognitive clarity. The therapies like BioSuperfood Micro Algae, Asea Redox, and Photobiomodulation have also been promising for their potential to repair damaged brain tissue and support overall healing, though I have not tried them yet, they were a recommendation by a fellow TBI-survivor on a Reddit thread.
As always, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before trying new supplements or therapies, especially when dealing with something as serious as a TBI. Each person’s brain injury and recovery process is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. However, these supplements and therapies offer a powerful arsenal for those of us navigating the challenges of TBI recovery.
The key takeaway is that healing after a TBI requires patience, perseverance, and a multi-pronged approach. Supplements like those mentioned above, along with alternative therapies, are just part of the puzzle. Together, they can help support your journey toward recovery—one small step at a time.
Stay strong, and keep advocating for your health. You're not alone in this journey. 💪🌱
All my light. All my love.
Namaste.
Jordan
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Disclaimer: This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or therapies.
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