Foods That Help Fight Brain Injuries

Foods High In Vitamins C & E

Vitamin E has shown promise in protecting brain neurons from free radicals that can reduce function. It's also been shown to have a positive effect on memory performance in seniors, which is another indicator of its ability to maintain proper neuron health. A major study published in 2010 proved that patients with a brain injury who took high doses of vitamin C over the course of a week experienced a dramatic reduction in perilesional brain edema or swelling. Patients who didn't take the vitamin showed signs of increased swelling.

Recent research also indicates that vitamin C combined with vitamin E may be even more beneficial. A second study found that patients taking vitamin E after a brain injury had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate and improved brain functioning scores when they were initially discharged, and at two and six-month check-ups. While taking vitamin E supplements is the best way to get a high dose of vitamin E to reduce brain inflammation, there are also many foods high in vitamin E that should be incorporated into a diet. Good sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, avocados, broccoli, squash, fruit, and dark leafy greens.

Whole Grain Foods

A healthy diet is more important after a traumatic brain injury than any other time. There is plenty of evidence that shows that a diet rich in whole grains can benefit brain health. Enriched, refined, and bleached flour simply passes through the intestines and into the bloodstream very quickly, spiking blood sugar and increasing blood pressure. Intact grains contain glucose as well as other nutritious parts of the grain like protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

The brain relies on glucose to function properly, which is found in grains and other fiber-rich complex starches like vegetables, fruit, and beans. Intact grains do not impact blood sugar and blood pressure like refined and bleached flour. Whole grain foods such as oatmeal, couscous, wild rice, air-popped popcorn, and quinoa can all form the basis of a brain-healthy diet.