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Learn how to Feed a Brain! Learn how to Feed a Brain!
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  • How I Married Speech and Music Therapy: The Voice of Reason

Articles

25 Feb

How I Married Speech and Music Therapy: The Voice of Reason

  • By Cavin Balaster
  • In Articles
  • 2 comments

My desire to play music gave me the drive that I needed to press on. I have said that music saved my life. But that is not really true… The amazing doctors, nurses, therapists and especially my mother saved my life… But music preserved my soul. Since I could wrap my ataxic (uncoordinated) left hand around the neck of a guitar, I had been attempting to play guitar again. I couldn’t play anything quickly or technical like I used to, in fact, it was difficult for me to even get a clean note at first, but this didn’t stop me from trying everyday.
Playing guitar was one thing, but singing was important to me as well, and I could hardly talk without exerting an enormous amount of energy, let alone sing. Soon after I had my tracheal surgery in August 2011, and could talk again, I was diagnosed with Dysarthria, or slurred speech. Speaking was extremely difficult for me. A brain injury survivor, whom I have recently befriended, put our shared experience the best when he said “it was like every word was a tongue twister.”
Speaking, for me, demonstrated the discombobulated and ineffective communication from my brain to my mouth… just like a tongue twister. If someone wants to say “Sally sells seashells by the sea shore”, the know exactly what they are meaning to say. One can repeat a tongue twister over and over in their minds without a hitch, but without practice, when one tries to repeat this out loud over and over, the communication between the brain’s instructions and the mouth’s execution usually gets tripped up somewhere along the line. Just as my new friend put it, it felt as if this would occur with EVERY WORD.
Playing guitar was also frustratingly hard, especially when it was a skill that I used to have. I couldn’t even pick up a glass using my left hand without spilling the contents, but I figured that if I could do something that required even more control, like playing guitar, those abilities would be gained as well… plus I wouldn’t spill liquid all over the place while practicing.
But talking was another extremely difficult task for me to overcome in order to communicate effectively. After being unable to talk for months, I really understood how incredible speech is. Our ability to communicate through speech is Humans first invention, and what an invention it is! Just as I had applied the quote by Brian Thomas Littrell to my hand, I applied the same quote to my speech: “Shoot for the moon, and if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” Now I interpreted singing as being the moon and regaining my ability to talk effectively as being among the stars.
One of the songs that I would attempt to sing was “Rocky Raccoon” by The Beatles. One day while trying to play that song, it dawned on me how relevant the last verse of that song was to my current situation. The last verse takes place after Rocky gets shot. “The doctor came in stinking of gin and proceeded to lie on the table. He said ‘Rocky you’ve met your match’, and Rocky said ‘Doc, it’s only a scratch and I’ll be better as soon as I am able!'” In earlier posts, I have talked about how I was at least partially blind to the extent of my injuries. How “I didn’t know what I didn’t know.” How my false confidence gave me the drive to press on regardless of my inabilities. And, as dangerous as this delusional audacity was, it was and is certainly better than wallowing. Rocky and I shared this mentality.
The frustration involved in speaking, as well as the fact that I did not sound like me, was troublesome to me and my mother. Again, she was prioritizing the therapies that I needed because they were very expensive, and I had not yet been approved for any rehabilitative services. She came to my room one night with a print out of four word sentences for me to practice. These were sentences like “Can we go now?” or “It is over there.” She did not want my voice to get weaker while she found a speech therapist for me. I practiced the first three sentences and then threw the list away. I thought that I was so far passed that. “Mom, I’m singing songs!” I would declare like a teenager as if I was above it all. I remember saying something like “I am not going back to kindergarten when I am at a college level!” But I was just being a brat. I still work on enunciating even single words. I have Dysarthria and, even today, I need to think about how I talk so that the words are clear.
The day after my mom gave me the printout of four word sentences, I told her in my slow voice that the perfect speech therapist would also be a singer and vocal coach who could help me with both talking and singing. This was probably a pipe dream, but I figured that it is worth a shot to look. A day later, she had found Dara Allen. Dara is a singer, actor, vocal coach, and licensed speech language pathologist. She was exactly who I was looking for! Unfortunately, she didn’t usually work with brain injury. This is because all brain injuries are different, so there is too much uncertainty as to whether the client would be very hard to work with or not. My mom sent her my info and described my current mental state as, while a bit delusional, “pretty much on the planet.”
When I met Dara, she asked me a few questions just to get me talking. She asked me if my voice is different than it was before my brain injury and I told her that it is much slower and it takes way more effort to get the words out. “It is exhausting.” Concerning the pitch, I told her that “my voice is lower, but that’s ok.” She quickly interjected “no it’s not. Your voice is resonating in your throat, which is why you sound a little ‘rough and gravelly,’ but that’s not where you want your voice to resonate.” I loved the sound of the rough and gravelly voices of Tom waits, or Chuck Ragan (from Hot Water Music) so I asked “Why not?” She explained how “talking in the throat” or laryngeal/pharyngeal resonance is a resonance disorder that, not only takes far more effort, but that throat polyps can develop from. I was resonating incorrectly.
Again, because it was exhausting to even have a conversation, whenever someone would ask me a question or start a conversation with me, the first thing that went through my mind was “how can I end this conversation as soon as possible?” My resonance was incorrect, and I was also not breathing effectively. I breathed shallowly and ran out of air very quickly. This factor along with my throat resonance issue made Dara think that a Parkinson’s protocol would show itself to be effective for my recovery because this protocol helps the patient with breathing, air flow, glottal competence (vocal cord closure), resonance and articulation. Dysarthria, or slurred speech, encompasses all of these things.
To implement this protocol, however, she would need to see me for four days in a row, every week, for four weeks, and we did not have the time and resources for that, but she used many aspects of that protocol to help me. The first thing that I needed to improve was my breathing. She reminded me of diaphragmatic breathing. When this is done correctly, the chest and belly expand and a much deeper breath occurs. She gave me homework exercises like taking a big diaphragmatic breath and then holding a note as long as I could at a loud volume. I did this exercise five times a day. She also had me hold a note and go as high in pitch as I could. Then as low as I could. I would do these exercises every morning in the shower, and it must have been very annoying to John and my mother who weren’t used to these sounds of a Dysarthric young man belting tones as loud as he could and interrupting their previously quiet mornings.
Vocal exercises always felt goofy to me. I still always feel as if I should be on a stage in Vienna somewhere wearing a top hat, a bow-tie, and a monocle when I am working on a vocal exercise. Self consciousness went out the window a long time ago for me when I had a nurse bathing me and I occasionally had embarrassing bathroom accidents during my darkest five months after my brain injury. Now I live by the wise words that an old coworker used to say: “There ain’t no shame in my game!”
I can’t thank my mom and John enough for giving me the opportunity to reclaim my whole being. And also for tolerating the loud process that was necessary for me to get my voice back. “Think LOUD!” Is what Dara would tell me ever session. So I did. And they would try to tolerate it.
Dara also recognized that music was a huge motivator for me, so she had me do singing exercises with actual songs, as well as to sing my own songs. I know how bad my voice was at this point, and I feel terrible that my mom and John had to endure this torture. Despite my own uncomfortable feelings because my awful performance put others around me into an uncomfortable state, I felt that I HAD to try to sing everyday… And I wanted to. Several times, my mom or John would talk to me about how I could make things a bit more bearable for them. I would make some accommodations that I could because I understand how much it must have gotten on their nerves. I would not, however, limit my volume nor the daily frequency because the exercises effectiveness is dependent on both of these things. I have included examples of me singing and playing guitar before and at this point in my recovery as well as a recent recording below.
It is a good thing that I don’t have to do those loud and annoying exercises everyday (instead I sing) and it is noteworthy that working on the big issues like breathing and resonating really improved my articulation and speed. It is also incredible how much music lent to my motivation. And it was amazing to have found someone nearby who is so knowledgeable, open, caring, and helpful like Dara!
DEDICATED TO:

Dara W. Allen, B.M., M.S., CCC-SLP
Licensed Speech Language Pathologist
Austin Voice Institute
www.Austinvoiceinstitute.com


This song is of my old band where I sang and played guitar. This was recorded live before my brain injury.
This is that same song ten months after my brain injury (It is painful to listen to, but will give you an idea of where I was)

Tags:Brain InjuryDAIMusic TherapyRecoveryspeech therapy
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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.

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    Comments

  1. Patty mcarthur
    March 6, 2019

    So is a connection to using probiotics because of I had a brain trauma accident and now have a skin problem that doesn’t go away with all these medications.? Please answer

    Reply
    • Cavin Balaster
      March 21, 2019

      Hi Patty! Check out this post for more about the gut/brain/skin axis: https://feedabrain.com/skin-in-the-game/

      Reply

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I prefer to read about people who have lived recovery

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His story changes lives…

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This book is a wonderful.

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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!!!”

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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.”

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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.”

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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!”

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- Elizabeth Gilchrist

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!”

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- JSB

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.”

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- Amazon Customer

Five Stars

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

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- Laura-Florida

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!”

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- Lauren L. Chemin

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.”

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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.”

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- Julie J. Castell

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.”

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- Scotty

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

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!”

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- SMack

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!”

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- Sharon Lori Parker

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.”

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- T. Davis

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.”

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- Opinions on Everything

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.”

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- P. Hradkowsky

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.”

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- JH Raichyk

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!!!!!!”

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- Amazon Customer

Five Stars

“Great read from a remarkable fellow.”

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- John

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!”

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- Mary VanHoy

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!”

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- Jennifer Zapp

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.”

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"Armchair Shopper"

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.”

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- Sara New Orleans, LA United States

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.”

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- Vekit

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.”

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- David L. Butler

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!”

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- Chandini Bachman

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.)”

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- Rachel J.

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.”

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- Michelle

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!”

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Peter Magurean III

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.”

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- Lia Kass

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.”

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- Mark

Five Stars

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

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- Kristin

Five Stars

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

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- Mark H. Zmudy

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.”

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- T. Riley

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.”

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- Sara

One of the best

“Cavin is a great man. A survivor… And a rock star.
I met him when I was 19, and re-met him later in life, after his accident. He still has this gorgeous understanding of the world that makes me believe in him, and always makes me listen to what he has to say.
When my mom had a stroke last year he was the first person I called. He had so much knowledge about what she was going though and totally understood what I was experiencing as well.
He was the first person I thought of, and hopefully the last I’ll need to.

You’re the best, Mr. B.”

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- Adrien Fox

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!”

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- Fasting Filly

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.”

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- Ashley Jean Flowers

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.”

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- Dixie

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.”

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- Patrick R.

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!”

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- Titus Chiu

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!”

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- Andrew Ritter

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.”

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- Steele Family

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.”

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- Ben

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.

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- Gigi

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

Feed a Brain (Cavin Balaster)

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Sep 15

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

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

11 0

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Sep 2

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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

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
...

36 3

feedabrain

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Jul 19

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🧠 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

🧠 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
...

11 2

feedabrain

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Jul 17

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📢 Attention, everyone! 🎙️ Exciting news is coming your way!

🌱 It's Time to Revisit Leaky Gut: Introducing Leaky Gut 2.0 🌱

We all know that digestion is essential for a healthy brain. After all, we need to effectively digest our food to Feed a Brain.

Join Steve and me in the latest Adventures in Brain Injurty podcast episode as we explore the latest research and Steve's expert insights on leaky gut. We delve into the multifaceted nature of leaky gut syndrome and give you a preview of the Leaky Gut 2.0 Masterclass.

BTW, my discount code for $100 off is still good until July 22. 

Check out the podcast and get access to the course with my discount at the link in my bio. 

Got questions? Leave them in the comments below!

#LeakyGut #Podcast #GutHealth #Wellbeing #feedabrain #digestion #healyourgut #gutbrain #healyourbrain

📢 Attention, everyone! 🎙️ Exciting news is coming your way!

🌱 It`s Time to Revisit Leaky Gut: Introducing Leaky Gut 2.0 🌱

We all know that digestion is essential for a healthy brain. After all, we need to effectively digest our food to Feed a Brain.

Join Steve and me in the latest Adventures in Brain Injurty podcast episode as we explore the latest research and Steve`s expert insights on leaky gut. We delve into the multifaceted nature of leaky gut syndrome and give you a preview of the Leaky Gut 2.0 Masterclass.

BTW, my discount code for $100 off is still good until July 22.

Check out the podcast and get access to the course with my discount at the link in my bio.

Got questions? Leave them in the comments below!

#LeakyGut #Podcast #GutHealth #Wellbeing #feedabrain #digestion #healyourgut #gutbrain #healyourbrain
...

6 1

feedabrain

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Jul 15

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We thought we had all the answers to Leaky Gut in 2013.

It turns out, we were wrong.

A leaky gut is much more than tight junction proteins, as shown in the first image.

Swipe right, and you’ll see it involves oxygen concentration, defense chemicals, microbiome, physical barrier, and immune barrier. 

My friend and colleague Steve Wright of SCD Lifestyle and Healthygut.com @healthygutco company released a course 10 years ago about our understanding of leaky gut. 

Leaky Gut 1.0 has positively impacted thousands of folks since it was released, and now it’s been updated to reflect our new understanding. 

Leaky Gut 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of gut health and its impact on overall well-being. The latest scientific discoveries have revealed a more comprehensive view of the mechanisms underlying leaky gut syndrome.

And intestinal permeability is associated with just about every chronic condition, including brain injury and cognitive decline.

This is not a course to be missed if you are healing from brain injury or looking to repair cognitive decline. 

Check the new Leaky Gut 2.0 and learn new possibilities for healing and Feeding a Brain to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

The LIVE class starts at 12PM EST TODAY. Get access for only $97. 

Go to the link in my bio for your $100 discount. 

It's ok, if you can't make it today. This discount is good until July 22; you'll have access to the recording.

#feedabrain #healyourgut #leakygut #digestion #sibo #anxiety #TBI #probiotics

We thought we had all the answers to Leaky Gut in 2013.

It turns out, we were wrong.

A leaky gut is much more than tight junction proteins, as shown in the first image.

Swipe right, and you’ll see it involves oxygen concentration, defense chemicals, microbiome, physical barrier, and immune barrier.

My friend and colleague Steve Wright of SCD Lifestyle and Healthygut.com @healthygutco company released a course 10 years ago about our understanding of leaky gut.

Leaky Gut 1.0 has positively impacted thousands of folks since it was released, and now it’s been updated to reflect our new understanding.

Leaky Gut 2.0 represents a paradigm shift in our understanding of gut health and its impact on overall well-being. The latest scientific discoveries have revealed a more comprehensive view of the mechanisms underlying leaky gut syndrome.

And intestinal permeability is associated with just about every chronic condition, including brain injury and cognitive decline.

This is not a course to be missed if you are healing from brain injury or looking to repair cognitive decline.

Check the new Leaky Gut 2.0 and learn new possibilities for healing and Feeding a Brain to restore balance and promote overall well-being.

The LIVE class starts at 12PM EST TODAY. Get access for only $97.

Go to the link in my bio for your $100 discount.

It`s ok, if you can`t make it today. This discount is good until July 22; you`ll have access to the recording.

#feedabrain #healyourgut #leakygut #digestion #sibo #anxiety #TBI #probiotics
...

8 1

feedabrain

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Jul 14

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Even in the summer, a comfy bowl of soup is exactly what I’m looking for. And it’s a great way to get collagen-rich bone broth into my diet. 

This is a fantastic gastric feed recipe. Once the ingredients are cooked, throw this in a high-powered blender and feed. 🙂

The best part, it only takes 20 minutes!

Check out the recipe below:

Feed a Brain Soup!

Protein: bone broth and grass-fed ground beef
Fat: tallow and olive oil
Phyto: Fennel, cabbage, zucchini
Ferments: Kimchi
Fun: Horseradish, ginger, turmeric

🔪Slice zucchini, fennel, and cabbage into medium-thickness slices. 
🐄 Add beef tallow to a large pot and turn to medium heat. Add ground beef and brown. 
🍲 Add vegetables to the pot and saute for a few minutes. Grate fresh ginger and turmeric into the pot to taste. 
🦴Add bone broth to the pot, allowing the vegetables to finish cooking as the broth heats.
🥣Spoon the soup into a bowl, garnish with grated horseradish and kimchi. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste. 

Are you looking for easy meals to feed your brain and heal your gut? Let us know in the comments below what meals you’d like recipes for!

Sign up at the link in my bio to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides to learn more about creating gut-healing, brain-fueling meals like this one. 

@brothmasters  @clevelandkitchen 
#feedabrain #eats #gutbrain #brainhealth #functionalnutrition #foodismedicine #keto #ferments #plantbased #paleo

Even in the summer, a comfy bowl of soup is exactly what I’m looking for. And it’s a great way to get collagen-rich bone broth into my diet.

This is a fantastic gastric feed recipe. Once the ingredients are cooked, throw this in a high-powered blender and feed. 🙂

The best part, it only takes 20 minutes!

Check out the recipe below:

Feed a Brain Soup!

Protein: bone broth and grass-fed ground beef
Fat: tallow and olive oil
Phyto: Fennel, cabbage, zucchini
Ferments: Kimchi
Fun: Horseradish, ginger, turmeric

🔪Slice zucchini, fennel, and cabbage into medium-thickness slices.
🐄 Add beef tallow to a large pot and turn to medium heat. Add ground beef and brown.
🍲 Add vegetables to the pot and saute for a few minutes. Grate fresh ginger and turmeric into the pot to taste.
🦴Add bone broth to the pot, allowing the vegetables to finish cooking as the broth heats.
🥣Spoon the soup into a bowl, garnish with grated horseradish and kimchi. Add salt, pepper, and olive oil to taste.

Are you looking for easy meals to feed your brain and heal your gut? Let us know in the comments below what meals you’d like recipes for!

Sign up at the link in my bio to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides to learn more about creating gut-healing, brain-fueling meals like this one.

@brothmasters @clevelandkitchen
#feedabrain #eats #gutbrain #brainhealth #functionalnutrition #foodismedicine #keto #ferments #plantbased #paleo
...

15 3

feedabrain

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Jul 12

Open
Pasture-raised eggs are an incredible source of brain nutrients, containing 3.5 times the amount of vitamin E, 4 times Vitamin D, 1.5 times the Vitamin A, 8 times beta-Carotene, and 3 times the Omega 3’s of conventional eggs. 

Think about it; one egg is an entire life form in a convenient container. 

So I purchase eggs laid by chickens that spend their lives on a pasture, foraging for their food, spending time in the sunshine, and being able to spread their wings. 

Healthy, happy chickens lead to nutrient-rich eggs for our brains and bodies. 

Make this simple breakfast plate using the recipe below:

Protein: Pasture-Raised eggs
Fat: Grass-fed beef fat (tallow), avocado
Phyto: Yellow squash, jalapeno, green onion, radicchio
Ferments: sauerkraut

🔪Chop vegetables. Melt tallow in a pan; add squash, jalapeno, and white parts of the onion. Saute to the desired doneness. Add to a plate.
🥚Whisk eggs with some melted fat in a bowl. Add eggs to a hot pan and cook; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add eggs to the plate with vegetables.
🥑Slice avocado.
🍽️Garnish with radicchio, green parts of onions, sauerkraut, and avocado. 

Sign up at the link in my bio to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides to learn more about creating gut-healing, brain-fueling meals like this one. 

What's your favorite egg and veggie meal? 

#feedabrain #eats #gutbrain #brainhealth #functionalnutrition #foodismedicine #keto #ferments #plantbased #paleo

Pasture-raised eggs are an incredible source of brain nutrients, containing 3.5 times the amount of vitamin E, 4 times Vitamin D, 1.5 times the Vitamin A, 8 times beta-Carotene, and 3 times the Omega 3’s of conventional eggs.

Think about it; one egg is an entire life form in a convenient container.

So I purchase eggs laid by chickens that spend their lives on a pasture, foraging for their food, spending time in the sunshine, and being able to spread their wings.

Healthy, happy chickens lead to nutrient-rich eggs for our brains and bodies.

Make this simple breakfast plate using the recipe below:

Protein: Pasture-Raised eggs
Fat: Grass-fed beef fat (tallow), avocado
Phyto: Yellow squash, jalapeno, green onion, radicchio
Ferments: sauerkraut

🔪Chop vegetables. Melt tallow in a pan; add squash, jalapeno, and white parts of the onion. Saute to the desired doneness. Add to a plate.
🥚Whisk eggs with some melted fat in a bowl. Add eggs to a hot pan and cook; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add eggs to the plate with vegetables.
🥑Slice avocado.
🍽️Garnish with radicchio, green parts of onions, sauerkraut, and avocado.

Sign up at the link in my bio to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides to learn more about creating gut-healing, brain-fueling meals like this one.

What`s your favorite egg and veggie meal?

#feedabrain #eats #gutbrain #brainhealth #functionalnutrition #foodismedicine #keto #ferments #plantbased #paleo
...

14 5

feedabrain

View

Jul 10

Open
Quick and simple is my goal when I am in the kitchen. Which is why I developed the Feed a Brain Bowl. A simple template you can follow to make a gut-nourishing, brain-healing meal fast. 

To make a Feed a Brain bowl, you only need a handful of greens, high-quality protein, fat, a rainbow of vegetables (phytonutrients), and some ferments: Protein, fat, phyto, ferments!

Here's how to make the bowl shown here:

Protein: Tuna
Fat: Olive Oil
Phyto: Arugula, golden beet, fennel, and lime
Ferments: Kimchi

🍳Sear the tuna in a pan with beef fat or avocado oil.
🔪Thinly slice golden beet and fennel. Squeeze a lime over the top to make a simple slaw.
🥬Place arugula in the bottom of a bowl. Add tuna, slaw, and ferment of your choice. 
🫒 Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Enjoy! 

Would you like to learn more about creating these tasty and nourishing recipes? 

Go to the link in my bio and sign up to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides.

#feedabrain #foodismedicine #eats #fat #phyto #ferments #gutbrain #brainhealth #keto #paleo #pescatarian #rawfood #functionalnutrition

Quick and simple is my goal when I am in the kitchen. Which is why I developed the Feed a Brain Bowl. A simple template you can follow to make a gut-nourishing, brain-healing meal fast.

To make a Feed a Brain bowl, you only need a handful of greens, high-quality protein, fat, a rainbow of vegetables (phytonutrients), and some ferments: Protein, fat, phyto, ferments!

Here`s how to make the bowl shown here:

Protein: Tuna
Fat: Olive Oil
Phyto: Arugula, golden beet, fennel, and lime
Ferments: Kimchi

🍳Sear the tuna in a pan with beef fat or avocado oil.
🔪Thinly slice golden beet and fennel. Squeeze a lime over the top to make a simple slaw.
🥬Place arugula in the bottom of a bowl. Add tuna, slaw, and ferment of your choice.
🫒 Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

Would you like to learn more about creating these tasty and nourishing recipes?

Go to the link in my bio and sign up to receive my Essential Nutrition Guides.

#feedabrain #foodismedicine #eats #fat #phyto #ferments #gutbrain #brainhealth #keto #paleo #pescatarian #rawfood #functionalnutrition
...

9 0

feedabrain

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Jul 7

Open
🥳Happy World Chocolate Day! 

🍫I couldn't resist posting about my favorite gut-brain-boosting food, dark chocolate!

👩‍🔬I recently came across a randomized controlled trial that studied the impact of chocolate consumption on mood and gut microbiome diversity.

Study participants who ate 30 grams of 85% dark chocolate daily for three weeks experienced a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in the diversity of gut microbes. Participants who ate 70% dark chocolate or no chocolate at all (the control group) did not experience the same decrease in negative mental states as those who ate 85% dark chocolate. 

The researchers compared the microbiome of study participants in the control group (the no chocolate group) with the microbiome of the participants who ate 85% dark chocolate. They found an increase in the number of butyrate-producing species of microbes in the chocolate group. 

🦠Butyrate is a compound produced primarily by microbes in the colon and has a wide-ranging impact on neurology. Butyrate is involved in epigenetic expression, neurotransmitter regulation, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory action, and can be used by neurons as an energy source. 

🧠So what's this mean for your brain and its health? 

Eating dark chocolate, anything 85% or higher, on a daily basis isn't just a tasty treat, it's a great way to nourish the gut and the brain for optimal function and health!

 #gutbrain #brainhealth #eats #feedabrain #foodismedicine #chocolate #WorldChocolateDay #worldchocolateday

🥳Happy World Chocolate Day!

🍫I couldn`t resist posting about my favorite gut-brain-boosting food, dark chocolate!

👩‍🔬I recently came across a randomized controlled trial that studied the impact of chocolate consumption on mood and gut microbiome diversity.

Study participants who ate 30 grams of 85% dark chocolate daily for three weeks experienced a decrease in negative emotions and an increase in the diversity of gut microbes. Participants who ate 70% dark chocolate or no chocolate at all (the control group) did not experience the same decrease in negative mental states as those who ate 85% dark chocolate.

The researchers compared the microbiome of study participants in the control group (the no chocolate group) with the microbiome of the participants who ate 85% dark chocolate. They found an increase in the number of butyrate-producing species of microbes in the chocolate group.

🦠Butyrate is a compound produced primarily by microbes in the colon and has a wide-ranging impact on neurology. Butyrate is involved in epigenetic expression, neurotransmitter regulation, neuroprotection, and anti-inflammatory action, and can be used by neurons as an energy source.

🧠So what`s this mean for your brain and its health?

Eating dark chocolate, anything 85% or higher, on a daily basis isn`t just a tasty treat, it`s a great way to nourish the gut and the brain for optimal function and health!

#gutbrain #brainhealth #eats #feedabrain #foodismedicine #chocolate #WorldChocolateDay #worldchocolateday
...

17 0

feedabrain

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Jul 6

Open
Salmon is an awesome fish full of healthy fats like DHA, the most important nutrient for brain protection and support. 🍣 

Protein: Wild-Caught Norwegian Salmon
Fat: Olive Oil, Fatty Fish
Phyto: Arugula, fennel, horseradish, beet, kelp
Ferments: Kimchi
Sea Veggies: Kelp (Wild Alaskan Kombu)

15-minute Feed a Bain Salmon Salad (it took more time to write this post 😂)
🥘 Quickly sear salmon in a pan with beef fat or avocado oil. 
🥣 Add arugula to a bowl and top with freshly seared salmon. 
🥕 Using a fine grater, grate horseradish and golden beet over top. 
🔪 Finely chop the leafy ends of the fennel and kelp, and add these to the bowl.
🧂 Garnish with kimchi, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle salt over top. 

And just like that you're a five-star chef! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐👨‍🍳 

Check out my Essential Nutrition Guides (link in bio) for more information on creating brain-nourishing and gut-healing meals.

@organicgirl @hookinainteasyseafood 
 #feedabrain #eats #brainhealth #gutbrain #foodismedicine

Salmon is an awesome fish full of healthy fats like DHA, the most important nutrient for brain protection and support. 🍣

Protein: Wild-Caught Norwegian Salmon
Fat: Olive Oil, Fatty Fish
Phyto: Arugula, fennel, horseradish, beet, kelp
Ferments: Kimchi
Sea Veggies: Kelp (Wild Alaskan Kombu)

15-minute Feed a Bain Salmon Salad (it took more time to write this post 😂)
🥘 Quickly sear salmon in a pan with beef fat or avocado oil.
🥣 Add arugula to a bowl and top with freshly seared salmon.
🥕 Using a fine grater, grate horseradish and golden beet over top.
🔪 Finely chop the leafy ends of the fennel and kelp, and add these to the bowl.
🧂 Garnish with kimchi, drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle salt over top.

And just like that you`re a five-star chef! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐👨‍🍳

Check out my Essential Nutrition Guides (link in bio) for more information on creating brain-nourishing and gut-healing meals.

@organicgirl @hookinainteasyseafood
#feedabrain #eats #brainhealth #gutbrain #foodismedicine
...

10 1
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Terms and Conditions: The content and products found at feedabrain.com, adventuresinbraininjury.com, the Adventures in Brain Injury Podcast, or provided by Cavin Balaster or others on the Feed a Brain team is intended for informational purposes only and is not provided by medical professionals. The information on this website has not been evaluated by the food & drug administration or any other medical body. We do not aim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. Information is shared for educational purposes only. Readers/listeners/viewers should not act upon any information provided on this website or affiliated websites without seeking advice from a licensed physician, especially if pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or suffering from a medical condition. This website is not intended to create a physician-patient relationship.

If you happen to purchase anything recommended on this or affiliated websites, we will likely receive some kind of affiliate compensation. We only recommend stuff that we truly believe in and share with our friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything we recommend please let us know. We want to make sure we are always serving you at the highest level. If you are purchasing using our affiliate link, you will not pay a different price for the products and/or services, but your purchase helps support our ongoing work. Thanks for your support!

Trademark Notice:
The term Feed a Brain™ is a trademark of Feed a Brain. Whenever the term “Feed a Brain” is used on this or affiliated websites, it is referring to the Feed a Brain™ brand.

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