The topic of concussions has taken center stage of late, most prominently with the release of the movie “Concussion” in December 2015. Concussion is derived from the Latin concutere (“to shake violently”) or concussus (“action of striking together”). Even with the heavy coverage of the college and pro-athlete concussion rates, there’s one group of athletes not getting much attention – women.
Data reveals that women suffer from a higher rate of concussions and tend to fare worse when it comes to long term effects. In fact, women playing high school sports experience concussions at twice the rate of their male counterparts.
Why women are more susceptible to concussion than men
Furthermore, women have a tougher recovery from concussions. An MRI study suggests that working memory doesn’t bounce back as quickly in women as it does in men. In addition to suffering with more concussion symptomatology, females have a higher rate of concussion compared to males when playing the following sports:
Fortunately, the healing process can be benefited by the use of a nutritional regimen. The first priority nutritionally is to help heal the current injury; in this case, the part of the brain injured by the concussion. Speeding the healing process reduces the intensity and duration of pain, thereby lessening the amount of substance P released within the thalamus of the brain. Substance P acts as a neurotransmitter and plays a key role in the regulation of inflammation. Lowering the level of substance P decreases the activation of the brain’s immune cells, which are the source of inflammatory cytokines.
Reviewed studies reveal that speedy intake of the following macro- and micronutrients should be common practice “almost immediately.” These nutrients should be taken right after a concussion and for two weeks following.
Nutritional Support Immediately After Injury
Protein: Helps heal the injury. Take 1g/kg of body weight, starting within a day of the injury.
Creatine: Helps give the brain an intense and immediate hit of energy needed to help cells heal right after an injury.
Reduce inflammatory damage to the brain by consuming: a) DHA: an omega-3 fish oil which is an essential brain lipid, critical for maximal brain health and protection; b) grape seed extract, bromelain, quercetin, ginger; and c) polyphenols – turmeric, resveratrol.
Antioxidants: Alphalipoic acid protects both the fatty and water-soluble part of the cells.
Choline: Critical for brain development.
Vitamin D: Has many known benefits, but is now considered neuroprotective as well.
Zinc: A mineral for central nervous system (CNS) health, including the brain.
Magnesium: One of the best weapons against delayed brain injury, magnesium is a vital mineral that plays a role in a number of biological processes. It is involved in more than 300 metabolic reactions, reduces inflammation, and elevates glutathione (a major antioxidant) in cells. Low levels of magnesium in the brain have been shown to greatly increase the vulnerability of the brain to injury.
A Game-Changing Nutrient
As published in Sports Illustrated on April 17, 2014, studies have shown that administering glutathione after a concussion reduces brain-tissue damage by an average of 70 percent. To nutritionally support the glutathione pathway, additional nutrients are required: vitamin C, selenium, niacinamide, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and broccoli extract.
If symptoms persist beyond a reasonable amount of healing time, then it is likely the thalamus of the brain is struggling. This means the ratio of substance P to Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is excessive. To decrease substance P, continue using DHA, bromelain, quercetin, ginger, vitamin D, alphalipoic acid and magnesium, which aids brain function. To build up BDNF, use zinc, turmeric and resveratrol, as well as L-carnitine. Using these nutritional supplements after a concussion will enhance the healing process.