Concussion Resource Guide

Manuka Mana arose out of a mission to heal Josiah’s brain from concussions he’d had as a teenager. We have gathered an arsenal of tools, tricks, and resources that helped us along the way. Below is our concussion resource guide, including a comprehensive list of our favorite resources.

Disclaimer: This concussion resource guide is not meant to replace personalized medical advice. The ideas discussed in this email may not be right for you.

"Go To" Supplements For Brain Health Post-Concussion. The following supplements help with focus, clarity, and sharpness.

• Magnesium L-threonate: Why it helps - Low magnesium levels in the brain post-concussion are associated with an increase of calcium in neurons. Excess calcium in neurons is a big contributor to the neuronal damage that occurs after a concussion. Supplementing with magnesium supports blood flow to the brain, minimizes the calcification of neurons, and reduces cell death. This form of magnesium crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other magnesium forms.

• Lions Mane THINK Tincture:  Why it helps — the most studied natural compound is the Lions Mane mushroom extract which can heal and repair the myelin sheath around the neural connectors in your brain. Specifically, Lions Mane promotes the release of BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) to speed up brain cell regeneration and rebuild neuronal connections. If taking post-concussion for healing, we recommend taking it twice a day (1mL in AM, 1mL in PM).

• CBD Tincture: Why it helps — CBD reduces inflammation in the brain, boosts cerebral blood flow, enhances neurogenesis (aka the growth of new neurons), and protects the brain from oxidation. Additionally, CBD supports quality sleep, which plays a big role in recovery from a concussion.
  
  
• Creatine Monohydrate: Why it helps – After a concussion, neurons work overtime to repair, restore balance, and return to normal function. This depletes ATP (energy) stores, leaving less energy available for daily functions. Research shows that creatine supplementation may improve blood flow to the brain and increase ATP required for healing. We recommend taking 5g daily.
  
  
• Fish Oil: There are 3 primary types of omega-3 fatty acids : ALA, DHA, and EPA.  Fish oil is a rich source of DHA, which serves as an important structural component of the brain. After a concussion, there is a decreased amount of DHA in the brain. Studies have shown that supplementing with fish oil before or after a head injury helps minimize neuronal damage and reduce injury-induced cognitive dysfunction. Fish oil also serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory and lowers apoptosis (aka the death of brain cells) post-concussion. Our favorite fish oil is Green Pastures fermented cod liver oil.  

Other Resources

• Our favorite book: The Concussion Repair Manual by Dr. Dan Engle 

• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Research has found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post-concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury. How? HBOT can induce neuroplasticity to improve brain cell function. Check out Halo Hyperbarics in Bend to try for yourself! Mention Manuka Mana to receive 15% off your treatment.
  
  
• Meditation: Meditation is a powerful tool to quiet the mind and allow a break from the many sensory inputs we all face every day. Numerous studies have shown how meditation can literally change the brain from changing the brain’s volume to decreasing activity in the parts of the brain responsible for stress. Remarkably, even just 5 minutes of meditation has been proven to boost brain health by lowering stress levels.
  
  
• Exercise: Exercise increases the heart rate, which pumps more oxygen to the brain and supports healing post-concussion. Hormones released during exercise promote the growth of new neurons and neuronal connections, which are often damaged during a concussion. Furthermore, exercise has a profound effect on mental health. A study found that 150 minutes of physical activity a week significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. This could be due to the release of endorphins, rise of body temperature, and reduction of inflammation spurred by exercise.
  
  What Josiah says: “After my head injury I found myself slipping into depressive/anxiety states more often than usual and found exercise a quick way to snap me into a better state. Something as simple as a rebounder trampoline for a few minutes or jump rope can help to change your state.

We know firsthand how scary it is to experience a brain injury. Through Manuka Mana, we hope to spark conversation about brain trauma, provide helpful information, and most importantly, offer solutions. We hope our concussion resource guide can empower you.

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