Podcast Episode 141: Brain Health, Concussions & Omega-3s – Dr. Michael Lewis

What is never really talked about is, how do we make the brain safer from the inside out? There is only one way to do that – and that is with nutrition.”

Your Brain Needs Omega-3s

Your brain needs omega-3s throughout your life. DHA is the most abundant omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, but you must replenish the supply. EPA and DHA are the most important omega-3s in your diet – and you can get them from a variety of sources, including seafood, fortified foods and dietary supplements. Eating at least two servings of fatty fish per week or taking a daily omega-3 dietary supplement can literally provide “food for thought.”

Most people are typically very deficient in Omega-3s.”

More than 4.8 million people in the U.S. visit the emergency room every year to be evaluated for concussions and brain injury. The two biggest groups at risk are the youth and elderly, but everyone is at risk.

Tune in to this episode to hear an in-depth discussion about:

• What is a concussion and what causes it?
• How did omega-3 essential fatty acids in fish oil first become effective in treating concussions and more serious brain injuries?
• How much fish oil should a concussion victim take after experiencing head trauma?
• Why are omega-3 essential fatty acids important for brain health?
• How can listeners make sure they are getting enough omega-3s?
• Besides head trauma victims, who can benefit from taking omega-3 supplements?
• What is the role of CBD in the treatment of head trauma?

We need inflammation because it starts the repair process, but we need to resolve the inflammation and that’s where Omega-3s come in.”

Dr. Michael D. Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, FACN

Dr. Michael D. Lewis is the Founder of the Brain Health Education and Research Institute and the author of the book When Brains Collide. Dr. Lewis is an expert on nutritional and holistic interventions for brain health, particularly the use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention, management, and rehabilitation of concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI). He founded the Brain Health Education and Research Institute in late 2011 upon retiring as a Colonel after a distinguished thirty-one-year career in the US Army. His pioneering work in the military and since has helped thousands of people around the world and is regularly featured in the media, including CNN’s Sanjay Gupta, MD, show and numerous radio shows and podcasts. A graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine, Dr. Lewis is board-certified and a fellow of the American Colleges of Preventive Medicine and Nutrition. He completed postgraduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. He is currently in private practice in Potomac, Maryland; is a consultant to the US Army and Navy as well as several organizations, institutes, and nutrition companies around the world; and is a founding member of the Pop Warner Youth Football Medical Advisory Board.

There is really good science that shows Omega-3 levels are probably a better indicator of heart health than cholesterol levels.”

Resources:

Dr. Michael Lewis – Brain Health Education and Research Institute: Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter

When Brains Collide – by Dr. Michael Lewis

Brain CARE Center – Concussion – Assessment – Recovery – Education

Always Omega-3s: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube

Your Brain needs Omega-3s

Related Episodes:

Are You Getting Enough Omega-3s? – Sound Bites Podcast episode #74 with Ellen Schutt

Cardiovascular Health & Omega-3s – Clearing Up Controversies – Sound Bites Podcast episode #140 with Dr. Carl Lavie

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Music by Dave Birk

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