Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Brain Injury with Dr. Michael Lewis- EP029

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There is a 20% chance that someone you love will experience a head injury, and 30% of those patients with brain injuries will suffer a long-term disability. The good news is that concussions and traumatic brain injury can be treated, and today’s guest is here to offer insight around how to restore the building blocks of the brain, omega-3 fatty acids.

Dr. Michael Lewis is one of the foremost authorities on brain health as well as the prevention, management and rehabilitation of concussions and traumatic brain injury. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and Tulane University School of Medicine, and he completed his postgraduate training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

After a distinguished 31-year career in the military, Dr. Lewis founded the nonprofit Brain Health Education and Research Institute in 2011 to educate healthcare providers and the public about the value of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of the brain prior to or following a head injury, with a special emphasis on improving the care of military personnel and veterans who have experienced brain trauma. Today he shares how omega-3 fatty acids function to heal the brain, how to choose the best quality fish oil, and his take on the failures of Western medicine. Listen in to hear the latest research around dark room treatment for concussions in athletes, the profound importance of sleep in recovering from brain injury, and the optimal diet for brain health!

Topics Covered

[1:07] The approach Dr. Lewis takes in When Brains Collide

Concussions not always preventable, but are treatable
Came to subject as outsider with simplified perspective
Brain made of omega-3 fatty acids
Flood brain with omega-3s in order to heal

[3:41] Dr. Lewis’ recommended dosage of fish oil

To treat brain injury, 15 capsules per day (three doses of five) for a week
Then decrease to two doses per day
Reduce again to five capsules once a day (GRAS level)

[6:21] The potential side effects of fish oil

Increased bleeding if cut is possibility, but no cases in literature
Can bruise easier
Regurgitation, fish burps and diarrhea associated with poor quality fish oil

[7:17] How to choose a good quality fish oil

Avoid ethyl ester
Look for triglyceride form
Krill oil is not good alternative
Only 50-80mg per capsule
Quality fish oil contains up to 1,000mg per capsule
Poor quality fish oil is low in EPA and DHA
1,000mg soft gel may have only 180mg of EPA, 120mg of DHA
What’s the other 700mg?
Best quality fish oil has 3:2 ratio of EPA to DHA
Consider Nordic Naturals, Pure Encapsulations

[18:07] The uniqueness of brain injuries

20% chance someone close to you will experience head injury
30% chance of long-term disability in patients with head injury
Teen girls at greater risk
Like snowflakes, every injury is different

[20:23] Bobby’s story

High school senior in car accident, hit tree
Doctors said no chance of recovery or meaningful life
Recommended pulling plug
Family friend asked Dr. Lewis about fish oil supplements
Convinced neurosurgeon to try (nothing to lose)
Bobby attended graduation three months later
Lewis added nutritional supplement CBD to Bobby’s regimen
Bobby has full-time job, lives on his own and does standup comedy

[23:33] Dr. Lewis’ advice around dark room treatment for sports concussions

Dark room treatment debunked by University of Buffalo, University of Toronto
Athletes who ignored dark room advice got better more quickly
Consensus meeting in Berlin determined one or two days of rest is enough
Blood flow to brain, endorphins necessary in healing process
Stanford concussion program has athletes on treadmill day after injury

[27:22] The profound importance of sleep in recovering from brain injury

Adequate sleep is biggest concern according to Stanford program
Physical activity helps athletes sleep better
Lewis recommends magnesium at night to improve sleep quality

[28:25] Dr. Lewis’ best guidance around brain injury prevention

Mediterranean diet is optimal for brain health
Lean protein (preferably fish-based)
Limited red meat, no processed meats
Water as drink of choice
Fruits and vegetables
Omega-3 fatty acids good for brain, omega-6 is not (pro-inflammatory)

[31:51] The appropriate ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids

Mankind developed with 1:1 ratio
After WWII, food supply dramatically changed, omega-6 levels skyrocketed
Omega-6 went up 12,000% from 1970-2000 (driven by soybean oil used in processed foods)
NIH study found ratio of 25:1 in US soldiers
Should be less than 5:1
Can be measured with blood test
More important indicator of health than cholesterol

[34:46] What you can do today to improve your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio