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Brain Inflammation Doesn't Hurt

Inflammation in the body is often painful and visible – you know when you’ve sprained an ankle or tweaked your back.

However, the brain has no pain receptors, so brain inflammation doesn't hurt and it’s not visible; not even on medical imaging unless there is a significant bleed associated. Instead, it shows up as brain fog, neurological issues, depression, anxiety, gut problems, dementia, and many other weird symptoms.

In the case of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion, post-injury brain inflammation can continue to progress long after the doctor releases you. This is because the brain's immune system does not have an off-switch such as in the body. Symptoms gradually worsen, disorders develop, and people often do not realize it's connected to their injury. Car accidents can have the same impact on the brain due to whiplash and stretching of the neural tissue.

Reducing brain inflammation requires a comprehensive functional medicine & functional neurology approach that addresses blood sugar, diet, toxins, hormones, lifestyle, stress and proper stimulation of the brain. In addition, certain herbs and supplements have been shown to lessen brain inflammation in conjunction with an anti-inflammatory lifestyle:

  • Apigenin
  • Luteolin
  • Baicalein
  • Resveratrol
  • Rutin
  • Catechin
  • Curcumin

These flavonoids are all available in our office. They cross the blood-brain barrier, the protective layer surrounding the brain that allows desirable substances in and keeps bad ones out. They have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, and are suggested as nutritional support for concussion as well as neurodegenerative conditions like stroke, peripheral neuropathy, and for overall brain antioxidant protection.

Even if you have never suffered a head injury or obvious symptoms of inflammation, these flavonoids can still be used preventively, considering the many stressors we endure daily. Glutathione support is also a great ally.

I personally take a combination of all these flavonoids daily because I know, like anyone else with a stressful lifestyle, that I have some degree of brain-based inflammation that and I do not want my brain to degenerate. If you don’t have a major inflammatory process happening, you may not notice their effects, but they can still be protective.


Cavin’s remarkable brain injury recovery story

In 2011 Cavin Balaster fell two stories and sustained a traumatic brain injury. For months, he couldn't eat, walk, or talk. Doctors gave him less than a 10 percent chance of recovery.

After being introduced to functional medicine and functional neurology, Cavin's recovery dramatically accelerated.

Now he's paying it forward by sharing the most effective tools to optimize brain function and repair. You can find his videos and his story on YouTube.

In the Brain Based presentations with Dr. Maria offers you will discover:

  • How inflammation anywhere in the body can inflame the brain
  • How digestion can affect the brain... and vice versa
  • Powerful supplements you can use post-injury
  • What is the perfect stimulation and exercises to stimulate the brain for healing

If you suffer a from a traumatic brain injury or a condition such as epilepsy, migraines, MS, Parkinson’s, autism, ADHD, anxiety or depression or even if you just want to optimize your brain function... then now is the time to call our office.


“This is not the kind of information you will find in the standard health care model. Optimal brain care and nutrition is a journey most patients must make on their own or with a qualified practitioner. However, Cavin is a testament to the brain’s amazing willingness and even desire to improve and recover when it is cared for properly.”

– Dr. Datis Kharrazian, Dr. Maria’s mentor