Brain Injury Rehabilitation
People are often curious as to why I, a severe traumatic brain injury survivor, place so much emphasis on nutrition and supplementation during and after recovery. My name is Cavin Balaster. In 2011, I fell 20 feet from a rooftop water tower scaffolding.
Since this post, my nutritional perspectives have evolved (get it?).[...]
Isn’t she amazing, to be so strong during such a difficult time? I am still in awe to this day. It is very chilling that I wrote this song about[...]
By now, you probably know a thing or two about[...]
Ok, Ok, I’ll go eat more bacon now!
keep up the good work, Cavin!
You’re the best, Amy! I’ll keep it up if you do! Together, we’re doing good things. 🙂
Karen
Wow– I have been making nutrition and gut-health a cornerstone of my son’s recovery from a DAI/severe TBI–your article is the first one I’ve seen to address this. Awesome–and Kudos to you Cavin! (I have a stepson named Cavin too!). Thank you for your post–I will definitely be following you. I’m challenged at times because of the struggles my son has with swallowing–but have been gradually getting closer to a vegan.live-food based diet for him. I have worked hard to keep his diet organic, gluten free and and as much live, real food as possible. Supplementation is huge as well–and I will be following up on some of your ideas that I have not implemented yet. I just wanted to complement you on your vision, dedication, knowledge and willingness to educate others. #StayStrong
Karen,
I don’t know how I missed this, but I have to thank you so much! This means so much. Stay tuned for more info and YOU #StayStrong too! 🙂
Karen
oops–I had autocorrect changed my email address–here is the correct one for your comments section:
No problem, Karen!
Just in case it didn’t reach you, I wanted to thank you for the kind words. Another Cavin?! That’s so cool! Say hi for me!
I understand how it can be challenging. My swallowing is difficult too! I’m surprised at the lack of nutritional information in regard to brain injury and gut health. I view it as fundamental to a strong recovery for many reasons, and I’m glad to hear you’ve adopted that mindset as well!
I will continued to update more about supplementation and nutrition, and I’m pleased to know you’re in this community!
Pete
This article hits the nail on the head for me. I’ve spent the last 15 years recovering from a TBI, and nutrition was one of the biggest factors in my improvement over the years. My doctor and I have been piecing stuff together over the years. Thanks for the insight.
Hi Pete!
Congrats on 15 years! I’m just coming up to year 5. Glad to hear nutrition has played a positive role for you too. I really think it is fundamental to health and healing, and I’d love to know more about what has worked for you!
Roxanne
My husband REFUSES TO EAT ! He is losing weight at an alarming rate ! I don’t know what else to do! While he was hospitalized he started eating and walking and talking …today he does NONE of those , please someone help me help him . He has no insurance so we have no where to turn
Hi Roxanne
Thanks for sharing. I completely understand your frustration and am sorry to hear about your situation. As a survivor myself, I can tell you that, whether hes able to show it or not, your husband is grateful to have you as his support. Nutrition is, I believe, a fundamental piece of the recovery puzzle, just like strength training–and making sure he’s getting the right nutrition demonstrates that you are a good caregiver.
Without knowing much about your situation, I might advise that you share your situation and pose your request within several different TBI online support groups, on forums, Facebook or G+ for example, and see if there are other supporters who have experienced something similar.
You’re also welcome to email me personally if you like. 🙂
Laura
Hi Calvin
My 4 year old daughter suffered brain damage after contracting a virus that damaged her occipital lobe when she was 1, causing vision loss. In the 3 years since, she has made amazing progress, now being able to see colours, most of the time knowing there is something in front of her (but doesn’t know what), and when she is concentrating enough (and the font is large enough), can ID single letters.
My question to you, do you have any advice/knowledge on diet for a 4 year old to help her even more? She has a probiotic daily and has a pretty good diet for her age, eats a wide variety of foods.
Hi Laura,
Thanks for sharing and so glad to hear about the progress!
It sounds like you’re doing quite well with making sure she’s getting real foods! I talk more about that and anti-inflammatory foods in my speech at NORA. Without knowing more about your situation, I might also just add that healthy fats are extremely important for our developing bodies, and especially the developing and healing brain.
You’re welcome to mail me directly! I hope to have more things published soon on this very subject. 🙂
Timothy Jesse
I sustained a head injury via car accident in March of 2006. Suffered severe trauma to my right shoulder, right hip, and my brain itself. Reason why I have decided to share on this website is my appetite has more than doubled since before I was injured. Why is this?
The content of this Website and any products sold from this Website and the "Adventures in Brain Injury" Podcast are intended for informational purposes only and is not written by medical professionals. Readers should not act upon any information provided on this Website without seeking advice from a licensed physician. This Website is not intended to create a physician-patient relationship between Cavin, his family, and any user of this Website. - © 2021 Cavin Balaster
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