One of the best

Cavin Balaster

Cavin sustained a severe TBI that left him with less than a 10% chance of recovery beyond a persistent vegetative state. His mission is now to improve the standard model of neuro-rehabilitation by bringing together the top brain and nutrition experts of our time, sharing and organizing tools to optimize brain function, and working to improve hospital nutrition worldwide.

Phytonutrients for Brain Health

August 16, 2023
by Cavin Balaster
in Food and Supplements for Optimal Brain Function

In the world of nutrition, phytonutrients are garnering increasing attention for its potential to influence various aspects of human...

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Testimonials

Five Stars

“Very interesting… “back-to-basics” … the first book I read to the end in years.”

- Kristin

I wish I had this book when I suffered my…

“I wish I had this book when I suffered my TBIs 10 years ago, but never too late. Thank Cavin!”

- SMack

Highly Recommended!

What an incredible journey for Cavin, from a predicted vegetative state, to an author and teacher, informing us how to
feed our brains to optimize our lives. Very informative book and well organized , and written so it is understandable. Love the charts. Thank you Cavin and thanks to your Mother who didn’t give up.

- Gigi

Five Stars

“Very helpful information without being overwhelming.”

- Amazon Customer

I prefer to read about people who have lived recovery

“I have had brain issues for many years. I purchased the Kindle version. I like the idea of reading Cavins book because he has lived through a terrible brain injury and has come back victorious.”

- T. Riley

I love this book

“I love this book! As someone that deals with an autoimmune condition, I deal with sever brain fog. I’m currently in school and this has had a very negative impact on my learning. I have been looking for something like this to help my brain function better. This book has me thinking clearer, and my memory has improved. I’m eating healthier and overall feeling much better. This book is very easy to follow and also has some great recipes included.”

- Jennifer Ramirez

Beautiful inspiring story about relearning how to live after a traumatic experience

“Amazing book and extremely inspiring story. The author is a close friend of mine and we were reunited later in life due to traumatic life experiences. Truly demonstrates the beauty and nature of the human body and the ability to bounce back. If I could rate this 6 stars I would!!!!”

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- Sammy Morrison

Must read

“Bought this to learn the best way to feed my son after he sustained a hypoxic brain injury. This book is very informative and the author Cavin is amazing. He had created a lot of resources that are very helpful.”

- Steele Family

Feed your brain – read this book

“The author’s story alone is a remarkable account of not just survival, but transcendence of a near-death experience. Cavin went on to become an advocate for survival and survivors of traumatic brain injuries, discovering along the way the key role played by nutrition. But this book is not just for injury survivors. It is for anyone who wants to live (and eat) well.”

- David L. Butler

but I do feel better in several ways that just might be related to…

“I cannot overstate how grateful I am to Cavin for having published this book (and launched his podcast) before I needed it.”

- Sara New Orleans, LA United States

The best / most practical book for TBI’ers

“Suffered a TBI or just want to improve, this book contains the information you need to blend into your life, and Cavin tells you how. Everything is backed up with scientific evidence. Implementation of this book will change / restore your outlook on life.”

- Mark

Excellent resource for people wanting to feed their brains!

“Cavin’s story is so inspirational and moving. As a practicing Functional Neurologist that specializes in Post-Concussion Syndrome and having suffered multiple head injuries myself, the information that Cavin has put together based on his experiences is totally spot on.

I love seeing such cutting-edge information on brain health out there in the world. Highly recommended!”

- Titus Chiu

But I do feel better in several ways that just might be related to…

“I cannot overstate how grateful I am to Cavin for having published this book (and launched his podcast) before I needed it. I am 3.5 months out from a concussion and struggling to recover that final 25% or so of my brain and function. I fully believe that diet and lifestyle can help heal many of our ills, and this book gives me a path forward right now. Gavin’s story is inspiring, and his book is well-researched and clearly written. I am a food geek and so innately understand a lot of his advice — I’m not intimidated by the thought of drastically changing my diet because I know well how to shop and cook for myself — but I so appreciate how his gentle approach and stories about his own struggles with a new diet might help people who would find it all daunting. I am in week 2 of following his advice (and also Dr. Titus Chiu’s BrainSave plan). It’s not an instantaneous miracle cure, but I do feel better in several ways that just might be related to this diet.”

- Sara

A book that keeps on feeding

“Cavin, you are phemomenal! An incredulous journey of a near death accident scripted by an incredible man who chose to share his knowledge of healing his own broken brain. I requested our public library purchase your book because everyone, those with and without brain injuries, should have access to YOUR brain and this book. Thank you for your legacy to mankind!”

- Fasting Filly

Five Stars

“Helpful for those who want to have a brain boost :)”

- Mark H. Zmudy

A must read for everyone’s health and wellness journey!

“Such an informative and inspiring read! Insight into how optimal nutrients improved Cavin’s own brain recovery make this knowledge-filled read compelling and relatable. The recommendations are easy to understand as well as scientifically-founded – it’s not another fad diet manual. The additional tools and resources provided throughout make it possible for anyone to integrate these enhancements into their nutritional repertoire. Looking forward to more from Cavin and Feed a Brain!!!!!!”

- Amazon Customer

The very basic concept of good nutrition among all the conflicting advertisements and various “new”

“As a neuro-optometrist who cares for many brain-injured patients experiencing visual challenges that negatively impact the progress of many of their other therapies, Cavin’s book is a god-send! The very basic concept of good nutrition among all the conflicting advertisements and various “new” food plans and diets can be enough to put anyone into a brain fog much less a brain injured survivor! Cavin’s book is straightforward and written from not only personal experience but the validation of so many well-respected contemporary health care researchers and practitioners! I will certainly be recommending this book as a “Survival/Recovery 101” resource for all my patients including those without brain injuries because we all need optimum health and well-being and it starts with proper nourishment! Kudos to Cavin Balaster!”

- Mary VanHoy

Book is great, full of recommended micro nutrient and reason why…

“Book is great, full of recommended micro nutrient and reason why they are important to brain health. But it gets redudant over time when author tried to promote his website and his online shop frequently all over the book. But this is great book nonetheless.”

- Vekit

This book is a wonderful.

“This book is a wonderful, motivating reference for anyone who wants a healthy and sharp brain at any age.”

- Ammon B.

Love this book

“Love this book! Still reading and can’t wait to see what else I learn…and I am not brain injured! Cavin has already helped me to take steps to address my food sensitivity…seems to be helping and I am only on day 5! He has also helped me to help a family member who has suffered a stroke. Thank you Cavin, for sharing all your knowledge and hard work with us! This book is for anyone that wants to understand and implement good nutrition with all the latest research to back it up. Highly recommend!”

- JSB

He delivers the information in an easy to read manner

“Cavin’s enthusiasm and drive to help those who need it is unparalleled! He delivers the information in an easy to read manner, no PhD required from the reader. 🙂 Having lived through such trauma himself he has real empathy for other survivors and it shows in the writing. This is a great read for anyone who wants to increase the health of their brain, injury or otherwise! Read it!!!”

- Delanee

An absolute must for autoimmune sufferers!

“I bought this book because I didn’t want a weightloss diet, but I wanted the most optimal gut/brain food I could find to help with an autoimmune. I subscribe to Cavin’s podcast and another newsletter for gut health which also recommended this book. Also, he’s a personal friend of mine who’s recovery I have witnessed firsthand. Thank you so much for all of the research and your continued dedication to not only help yourself, but for also helping others!”

- Lauren L. Chemin

Five Stars

“Great read and info for anyone suffering from brain trauma.”

- Laura-Florida

The Book is both interesting and helpful. Thank you all very much.

“Learning about about Head ingeries. I myself have had a concushion. Thank you.”

- Scotty

A must read if you care about your brain and…

“A must read if you care about your brain and the assaults on it from environmental factors, including the “standard American diet”, which is really the industrial agriculture diet pushed on us by the government and giant agri-business.”

- P. Hradkowsky

His story changes lives…

“As a physical therapist with 30+ years of experience in treating neurological disorders such as traumatic brain injury, I simply could not believe it when Cavin told me the extent of his injuries. His story opened a new door to my awareness of the incredible benefits of proper nutrition, the power of attitude and community to heal anything we have arise in our lives Cavin is an inspiration and a true way-shower for anyone looking to invest in their health and well-being. No matter the state your brain is in, you will benefit from this cutting-edge information and be very glad (and entertained) that you read this fine work.”

- Melanie Carlone

Heal Your Brain with Nutrition

“How to Feed a Brain is an important book. It’s the book I’ve been looking for since sustaining multiple concussions in the fall of 2013. I’ve dabbled in and out of gluten, dairy, and (processed) sugar free diets the past few years, but I have never eaten enough nutritious foods. This book has a simple-to-follow guide on daily consumption of produce, meat, and water.

I appreciate how Cavin writes about important concepts, such as leaky gut and glial cells, in a clear and concise manner.

There are a large number of people attempting to recover from brain injuries that are lacking the right information on nutrition. Thanks to Cavin and his team, we have this book now.

I look forward to eating my quality vegetables, proteins, and fats every day now as I know that they will help my brain to heal.

Cavin’s story is inspirational and worth a read on its own.”

- Jacob

Book that will change how you think about food!

“Very informational and well written book with practical advice on how to eat for better health. Put this on your list of books to recommend for people interested in switching to a healthier lifestyle. It can change your relationship with food by helping you understand how the food you eat affects your brain.”

- Michelle

Worth the read

“Cavin Balaster is an amazing man with an amazing story. He is an inspiration and his book is a good resource for everyone who has a brain.”

- T.

Great Information!

“My husband and I (Ryan Cedermark) are so impressed with the research Cavin did when writing this book. If you, a family member or friend has suffered a TBI, concussion or are just looking to be nicer to your brain, then we highly recommend this book! Your brain is only as good as the body’s internal environment and Cavin has done an amazing job on providing the information needed to obtain such!”

- Elizabeth Gilchrist

Vital information

“The author is a remarkable and inspirational survivor of traumatic brain injury. His breakthrough recovery through nutrition and holistic health care demonstrates a radical new approach to healing the brain. This is vital information for health care providers and the public.”

"Armchair Shopper"

We can take care of our brains

“I am nearly four years out from my traumatic brain injury and I have been through 100’s of hours of rehabilitation therapy. I have been surprised by how little attention is given to adequate nutrition for recovering from TBI. I’m always looking for further opportunities to recover and so this book fell into the right hands. Cavin outlines the science and reasoning behind the diet he suggests, but the real power in this book comes when he writes, “WE.” WE can give our brains proper nutrition. Now I’m excited to drink smoothies and eat breakfasts that look like dinners! I will recommend this book to my friends.

(I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)”

- Rachel J.

Five Stars

“Great book!! Full of important information for everyone.”

- Mar

Well written, educational, and promotes positive lifestyle changes that can be made today!

“Cavin’s personal experience and humble writing to help educate, not only people who have suffered brain injuries, but anyone interested in the best nutritional advice for optimum brain function is a great introduction to proper nutrition filled with many recommendations of how you can make a changes to your diet immediately. This book provides amazing personal insight related to Cavin’s recovery accompanied with well cited peer reviewed sources throughout the entire book detailing the most recent findings around functional neurology!

I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about nutrition and how it can impact brain function! As well as anyone willing to challenge themselves TODAY with the recommendations throughout this book!”

- Andrew Ritter

I prefer to read about people who have lived recovery.

“I have had brain issues for many years. I purchased the Kindle version. I like the idea of reading Cavins book because he has lived through terrible brain injury and has come back victorious.”

- T. Riley

One of this year’s very best health and wellness books!

“There are many health and wellness books being published daily. Do not miss the opportunity to read one of the best for this year: “How to Feed a Brain” by Cavin Balaster, a true expert on deep brain injury who writes from his personal experiences with a great sense of compassion and humanity.

You will not find a better treatment of this critically important subject. You need not have had brain injury to gain the superbly presented information Cavin provides.

For all of us who care about ourselves, friends and family – – this is a book to read and loan out…. but be careful “How to Feed a Brain” you may not get this excellent read returned!”

Peter Magurean III

Very informative

“I enjoyed this book. It was full of practical information. It was easy to understand. I implemented some of the ideas in the book and they have made a positive impact for me. Not only is this book a wealth of knowledge it helps you think outside the box and piece together other ideas to research and helps you understand more about TBI and the way food might help you mitigate symptoms.”

- Dixie

So thankful for this book

“Cavin has been an amazing resource by sharing his first hand experience on living with a brain injury. A must read!”

- Jennifer Zapp

Cavin’s Balaster’s How to Feed a Brain is one the best written health nutrition books that I have ever read

“I have a bachelors degree in Nutrition Science. Cavin’s Balaster’s How to Feed a Brain is one the best written health nutrition books that I have ever read. It is evident that through his personal journey with a TBI and many years of research Cavin has gained a great depth of understanding on the biomechanics of nutrition has how it relates to the structure of the brain and nervous system, as well as how all of the body systems intercommunicate with one another. He then takes this complicated knowledge and breaks it down into a concise and comprehensive book. If you or your loved one is suffering from ANY neurological disorder or TBI please read this book.”

- Ashley Jean Flowers

Relentlessly focused examination of TBI and nutrition’s affect on the brain

“Cavin’s journey is such an incredible one. He is singularly focused on examining everything he can about TBI (traumatic brain injury) and relentlessly pursues information about everything that affects the brain, particularly nutrition. If you have a loved one that has survived TBI, this book is a must read.”

- Patrick R.

Wonderful!

“Cavin has done an amazing job in all aspects of his life. Overcoming the horrific life threatening accident, and then going on to do whatever he can to help others with his contagious wonderful attitude. This book is an easy to understand fact filled manual for anyone, but especially those who are or are caregivers for a loved one with tbi. I also highly recommend his podcast series.”

- Nancy

Fistfuls of exciting brain foods to launch you plus feeding tube powerful nutrition implementation…

“In the hospital and ICU struggles, this book and Cavin’s experience are golden, and if we’d have had this book’s special attention to feeding tube nutrition, my son would be alive today sitting right here along with me saying it was the cod liver oil, the fish oil, and other nutrients able to be fed to him instead of the junk in the pharmacy tubes, that got him past the liver-test results, past the internal bleeding, past the brain difficulties controlling so many response-obstacles back then. Back then, the ‘experts’ in rural hospitals were unwilling to listen, ignored my son’s unexpected turnaround when we used codliver oil transdermally on his sore skin, threatened instead to throw me out, but Cavin has his own proof and his accumulated experience in others’ journeys. Cavin’s boxed areas of notes throughout the book on applying the brain nutrient concepts in feeding tubes are powerful stuff, details to grab onto and run with… hammer them!

And in general his expertise in implementation is unparalleled. His dynamite measuring empowerment of the human in a wonderland of changing everything with ‘fistful’ simplifying potency is the difference between progress and stumbling on techy adjustments in habits.. With this book you are ready to go.”

- JH Raichyk

One of the best

You’re the best, Mr. B.”

- Adrien Fox

Five Stars

“Great read from a remarkable fellow.”

- John

Awesome

“I wish I saw this book one year ago. Thanks, Dr. Deborah Zelinsky, for asking (me) to buy it. Thanks, Cavin, for making time to talk to me. I am so happy.”

- Amazon Customer

Excellent book if you want to be vibrant

“Excellent book if you want to be vibrant!!!! Everything you need to know to achieve excellent health overalll….not just your brain! The author’s amazing story from tragedy to good health really inspires me.”

- Opinions on Everything

Incredibly thorough!

“Incredibly thorough! How to Feed a Brain is so detailed. The author approaches a complex topic with the insight that can only be gained from having had to figure it all out on your own, as he did when he experienced a traumatic brain injury. Super helpful for people with brain injury or those looking to optimize brain health.”

- T. Davis

An Enlightening Book For Anyone With A Brain

“In 183 pages, Cavin Balaster’s new book, How to Feed A Brain provides an outline and plan for how to maximize one’s brain performance. The “Citation Notes” provide all the scientific and academic documentation for further understanding. The “Additional Resources and Tips” listing takes you to Cavin’s website for more detail than could be covered in 183 pages. Cavin came to this knowledge through the need to recover from a severe traumatic brain injury and he did not keep his lessons learned to himself. This book is enlightening for anyone with a brain. We all want to function optimally, even to take exams, stay dynamic, and make positive contributions to our communities. Bravo Cavin for sharing your lessons learned!”

- Chandini Bachman

Great Resource-brain injury not required

“Cavin Balaster knows brain injury as well as any specialist. He survived a horrific accident and came out on the other side stronger than ever. His book, “How To Feed A Brain” details how changing his diet helped him to recover further from the devastating symptoms of brain injury such as fatigue and brain fog. Cavin is able to thoroughly explain complex issues in a simplified manner so the reader does not need a medical degree to understand. The book also includes comprehensive charts to simplify what the body needs and how to provide the necessary foods. “How To Feed A Brain” is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their health through diet, brain injury not required.”

- Amazon Customer

If you are looking to get the optimum performance out of your brain, get this book now!

“As a brain injury survivor that still deals with extreme light sensitivity, eye issues and other brain related struggles I have found a great diet is a key to brain health! Cavin’s book is a much needed guide to eating for brain health. While you can fill shelves with books that teach you good nutrition, Cavin’s book teaches you how to help your brain with what you eat. This is a much needed addition to the nutrition section! If you are looking to get the optimum performance out of your brain, get this book now! You won’t regret it.”

- Ben

My dog was too literal

“Fine book but grossly misunderstood by dog. She ate the pages & her brain is fine. This speaks to the virtue of book’s content.”

- Lia Kass

Total game-changer

“Following this way of eating has been a complete game-changer for me. I am 1 year post concussion and thought I had stalled in my recovery. Buy this book, follow the instructions, see RESULTS!”

- Sharon Lori Parker

Cavin is a superstar brain injury survivor! He knows…

“Cavin is a superstar brain injury survivor! He knows what works & shares his knowledge with anyone who is hungry for information.”

- Julie J. Castell

Instagram

feedabrain

539 2,515

"...an easy-to-implement road map of nutritional changes to support your brain function and repair." -Dr. Mark Hyman, MD

Nov 14

Radicchio taco snaX!
.
Easy peasy.
- fill a radicchio leaf with meat and @clevelandkitchen kimchi and viola! 👌
.
#taco #feedabraintaco #paleo #keep #clevelandpickles #immuneboost #yummy #snax #snacktime #feedabrain #eats ...

8 0

Nov 3

Four ingredients:
Uno: Steak 🥩
Dos: Eggs 🍳
Tres: Watercress 🌱
Cuatro: @clevelandkitchen Mild Kimchi

#Easy.
#Health.
#Delicious.

#fouringredients #paleo #keto #clevelandpickles #steakandeggs #breakfastofchampions #feedabrain ...

5 0

Nov 1

Feed a Brain:
✅ Fat: Tallow
✅ Fiber: greens, onion, asparagus
✅ Protein: eggs 🍳
✅ Ferments: @clevelandkitchen mild kimchi!
.
#feedabrain #keto #brainfood #gutfood #clevelandpickles #lactoovo #paleo ...

8 3

Oct 30

Tamagoyaki Feed a Brain style. 🪺

Recipe:
Tallow or fat of choice
2 eggs
Tamari
Maple syrup
Nori
1 carrot and 2 radishes grated
Greens

1. Melt the fat and whisk into the eggs with a little tamari and maple syrup.
2. Pour mixture into pan, letting it cook without stirring.
3. Add sheet of nori on top and grate carrot and radish over top.
4. Gently fold eggs over the nori.
5. Plate over greens.

#feedabrain #ovovegetarian #keto #paleo ...

18 2

Oct 20

Chilean sea bass pan fried in sage butter (or ghee) #feedabrain #seabass #pescatarian #paleo #keto ...

6 0

Sep 28

When it comes to our brain health, we want to feed our brains, we want our digestion to be working optimally so that we get the brain building nutrition to our brains (if you fart, your digestion is not optimal), and we want to stimulate the brain to create the pathways we want through training, mindset, somatic integration, and more.

When it comes to neuero-rehabilitation after a TBI, nutrition and digestion is especially important in conjunction with modalities like #functionalneurology, #neuro-optometry, #PT, #OT, #SLP, #NMDR etc.

Functional neurology and neuro-optometry have been especially instrumental in my own recovery and I’m so honored to be speaking for #IAFNR2023 and continuing to bring these, and other synergistic modalities, together!

I think of building connections in the brain like building a bridge. And to build a bridge, we need supplies (@feedabrain) and skilled workers (training/targeted therapy). We also need to get the supplies to the construction site (digestion).

I’m honored to be supporting IAFNR in supplying patients with the resources I wish I had throughout my recovery. These resources focus on supplies (nutrition), and getting those supplies to the construction site (digestion) so that patients are able to empower by doing what they can do to reach further in their recovery potential.

You can find these nutritional resources in my bio.
#empowerment #tbi #empoweredrecovery #neurorehabilitation #fxmed #fxneuro #fxoptometry ...

23 2

Sep 15

Bones are good eats!
.
#marrowbones #pateo #keto #feedabrain #feedabraincookbook #eats ...

13 0

Sep 2

It’s peanut butter jelly time!
This is an addictive and nutritious keto dessert with only 3 ingredients:
1- Frozen Berries🫐
2- Coconut Oil🥥
3- Peanut Butter 🥜

It is #lowcarb and #keto, and it has lots of #mctoil in it which is great for #brainhealth!

Try it and let me know what you think!
#feedabrain #eats #ketodessert ...

41 3

Jul 19

🧠 Attention, Brain Injury Survivors! 🌟

It’s me, Cavin, the Brain Guy, but today, I want to discuss something vital: digestion, leaky gut, and intestinal permeability. Trust me, it`s all connected to your well-being and brain health.

I dove into the Leaky Gut 2.0 class I`ve been raving about, and let me tell you, it was eye-opening.

Here’s what I got right: Leaky gut is incredibly important. In fact, it`s the first step in nearly every functional medicine protocol for any health condition.

Why? The digestive system is our body`s primary entry point for nutrients and a major source of inflammation.

Leaky gut, or intestinal permeability, occurs when undigested food particles enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and gut inflammation.

It creates a loop that looks like this:

👇An inflamed gut releases inflammatory chemical messengers called cytokines
👇These cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier, inflaming the brain
👇The brain’s ability to communicate with the gut diminishes
👇Impairing digestion and making the gut even leakier
👆This permeable gut is even more inflamed, sending us back to point 1

Do you see the loop here? It`s a vicious cycle.

The key to breaking this inflammatory loop is to focus on healing the intestinal wall, aka the leaky gut.

And guess what? There are actionable protocols that empower us to optimize our health and function.

Steve shared these protocols and why they work in the class that went live on Saturday.

If you haven’t checked out this class, now is the time. I’ve still got a 50% discount until July 22.

If you are ready to take control of your gut health and well-being, don`t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the Leaky Gut 2.0 class.

Click the link in my bio to get your 50% off discount.

Stay empowered, y`all! Together, we can heal, optimize, and thrive. 🌱💪

#BrainHealth #LeakyGut #OptimizeYourHealth #Empowerment #guthealth #gutbrain #feedabrain #BrainInjurySurvivors #BrainHealthMatters #FunctionalMedicine #InflammationCycle #HealingFromWithin #GutHealthJourney #HealAndThrive #EmpoweredLiving #GutBrainConnection #HolisticWellness #BreakTheCycle ...

12 2

Jul 17