Biohacking Concussions: 27+ Natural Remedies & Tech for Rapid TBI Recovery

“Do you have a conc—? No, actually don’t answer that. I don’t want to know. Just sit out a few plays and rest.”

— Dozens of similar conversations I overheard between coaches and athletes

I played 11 years of competitive collision sports. Not contact—most team sports include some contact—but intentional collision. At maximum speeds.

Ironically, as I began studying neuroscience in college, I added rugby on top of my American Football commitment.

Between game prep and offseason drills, my body involuntarily became a missile. Launched many times, nearly 365 days per year.

I sound like a prime candidate for traumatic brain injury. And women’s soccer has a similar incidence of concussion as the sports I played. But here’s the kicker, it’s not just colliding athletes at risk:

Falls account for 48% of TBI cases.

If you haven’t had one yourself, you surely know someone less fortunate.

Each year, 2.5 million Americans receive a TBI medical diagnosis [R]. Far, far more go undiagnosed.

Both mind-bogglingly resilient yet fragile, the brain is the most impressive hardware on Earth. Inside each of us exists a system constantly regulating, wiring, and rewiring. So efficiently, that science still cannot explain how it works.

As a multi-sport athlete and a member of a competitive family, at any point in my life, I’ve known at least one person currently concussed.

What follows is the concussion repair and recovery protocol I’d follow for the best recovery in the shortest amount of time.

Disclaimer: After a head injury, seek medical attention immediately. This post is for entertainment only and does not serve as medical advice, recommendation, or substitute for necessary care. Use it to fuel your further research.

What is a TBI?

Traumatic Brain Injuries (often called concussions or TBIs for short) are a common yet serious form of head injury. They occur when the brain hits the skull and “bruises”.

Usually, because of an external force like a blow to the head, a strong shockwave, or an object penetrating the skull.

Doctors typically stratify them by severity. Mild TBIs can have light to zero significant symptoms.

In contrast, severe TBIs can cause longer periods of unconsciousness or even amnesia.

Recognizing a TBI involves monitoring for various symptoms and/or specific concussion testing. Physical symptoms can include persistent headaches or balance issues. Cognitive difficulties may involve memory or concentration problems.

Other common signs include emotional changes, unexpected mood swings and other behavioral alterations.

TBI symptoms

Symptoms of brain injury vary from person to person.

Some of the important ones to look out for include:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Mood swings
• Sensory changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Balance problems
• Sensitivity to light
• Ringing in the ears
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slurred speech
• Slow thinking & processing speed
• Impaired coordination & motor skills
• Depression or anxiety

Many of these symptoms can persist long term, especially among those that don’t prioritize the post-TBI recovery process.

Other people will present with very few symptoms yet still have a concussion.

Everyone’s response to a TBI is unique. Symptoms might appear immediately after the trauma or develop days or weeks later.

How brain trauma works

After an intense rattling, several things happen as the body naturally starts recovery mode.

Some of the physiological processes affected by head injury include [R, R, R]:

• Cellular function (ionic flux disruption)
• Chronic inflammation
• Blood flow changes
• Nervous system dysfunction (SNS and ANS)
• Blood-brain barrier leakage
• Intestinal barrier permeability (leaky gut)
• Free-radical damage
• Hormonal disruption [R]
• Microglia activation [R, R]

Microglial cells are the main immune defense cells in the brain. Post-injury, they become activated (“microglial priming”) and go on hyper alert. They quickly attack anything out of the ordinary. Almost like chihuahuas with bazookas. Causing rampant inflammation.

This is part of what makes repeat head injury so dangerous.

Notably, inflammation in the brain increases. Normal cellular processes get disrupted. Including energy metabolism.

The brain has difficulty turning food into fuel. Further exacerbating the repair process.

Imagine the brain is a city in an intense storm. Energy is rationed out to prevent a total blackout. Energy-hogging appliances like heaters and refrigerators fail. A similar thing occurs in the brain post-concussion.

For maximum recovery, the brain needs several things:

• Nutrients
• A special high-energy fuel called ketones
• Oxygen
• Rest and recovery. Lots of it
• Light movement and natural stimulation (when appropriate)

Worst of all…

Those caring to treat the concussed often make two grave mistakes:

1. Medivac’ing exposes them to low-oxygen environments when oxygen is needed most
2. Letting them return to intense exercise/sports/everyday life too soon

Speaking from personal experience, number two is especially tricky. Athletes are especially susceptible to concussions. And no crowd has a harder time with inactivity.

Proper recovery is excruciatingly boring. Two weeks go by and more lounging sounds miserable.

Air travel and strenuous exercise must wait the full six weeks.

A second head trauma—even minor—can compound the damage and cause permanent long-term damage.

Consequences of ignoring your TBI

Your brain floats in a fluid that absorbs and shields against shocks, trauma, and collisions. As an organ made primarily of fat, it’s quite sensitive to bouncing around your skull.

A traumatic brain injury or concussion results when this delicate organ hits your skull too hard.

What you may not realize, however…

Your recovery process depends on the severity of your trauma.

For the first 12-14 days post-injury, any disturbance to recovery affects the brain especially hard and significantly increases your chances of long-term complications.

Concussions are scary:

• 70-90% of concussions resolve within 10-14 days. Three years later, however, 67% of concussion sufferers still experienced physiological disturbances
• Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) contributes to 1/3 of all injury-related deaths every year — Dr. Marc Bubbs
• 110/111 autopsied NFL players had traces of a degenerative condition called CTE (which is induced by traumatic brain injury)
• Head trauma can increase intestinal permeability, and this “leaky gut” drives systemic inflammation

What you do in the minutes, hours, and days following impact largely determines the long-term consequences. Time is of the essence.

Remember, clinical recovery (complete cessation of symptoms) does not equal physiological recovery.

This guide will help you minimize cognitive impairment and protect your most important organ.

Keys to An Effective TBI Treatment Protocol

I conceptualize a TBI recovery protocol in several distinct phases.

First, you determine the severity. The extent of the disruption and damage and any unique susceptibilities.

Then, you setup your environment and current lifestyle to support repair.

After that, safely amplify the body’s regenerative mechanisms. All the while, providing the highest-quality fuels and raw materials to optimize all the processes.

Essentially, you’re applying Outliyr’s Bioharmony Healing Framework to head injury.

Recognize

As more funding pours into brain research, we gain new tools to facilitate diagnostics.

Still, many of the top tools are expensive and unavailable at home.

Pre-concussion, I recommend evaluating your genetic risk. Although physical trauma causes TBI, genetics impact how you respond and recover.

Certain genetic factors influence your brain’s structural resilience to injury, post-trauma inflammation, and neural repair mechanisms. Luckily, my genetics help me recover effectively.

The best TBI assessment tools include:

• SPECT imaging
• EEG brain testing
• fMRI brain scans
• Computerized assessments
• Conventional assessments

If you don’t have a testing facility available, you can use free online tools instead of paper assessment forms. The SCAT6 test is one of the best [R].

One of the other most popular (and commonly used in sports) is the ImPACT concussion tests [R]. It’s paid, and you should do a baseline test so that you have a reference point should you get a TBI.

Research suggests that you may also want to use one of these top HRV biofeedback devices to track your progress over time [R].

Thorough assessments are important because concussions don’t always cause the classic symptoms like headaches, memory problems, blurred vision, or nausea.

Reduce

The bedrock of TBI recovery is rest and recovery. This means, no stimulation of any kind to begin with. Including chemical stimulation like coffee.

Unfortunately, that also includes information consumption via reading and listening. At least, in the beginning.

None of the senses should have intense input. I’d aim for temporary sensory deprivation:

• Minimal bright lights
• Minimal loud sounds
• Minimal strong feelings
• Minimal overpowering scents

This helps the brain recover without external interference. Especially in the first 24-72 hours post-injury.

Most experts these days recommend gradually scaling back up to normal over several weeks (as long as any symptoms do not worsen).

No more sitting in a dark room for weeks [R, R, R].

Rebalance

The best tools of modern medicine do not heal. Just like a fiberglass cast, they simply provide stability as the body mends the broken limb.

Many of the most healing technologies mimic nature. Modalities used to help rebalance the brain include:

• Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF)
• Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT)
• Brown’s gas
• CO2 therapy
• Breathwork
• Targeted light
• Earthing

More on each later.

These lay the foundation and stimulate the body to begin the reparation processes. Gently and safely.

Repair

Repair and regeneration take a lot of resources.

Your two primary goals are to energize and protect the brain.

Energizing the brain increases the efficiency and effectiveness of repair. You’ll want to consume ample vitamins, minerals, hydration/electrolytes, cellular energy boosters, and polyphenols. More on these later.

Your brain thrives on two primary fuels:

• Glucose
• Ketones

Contrary to popular belief, the brain actually cannot burn fats. Even in the deepest ketotic state, it still requires 30-40% of its energy from glucose [R].

As the bioenergetic health paradigm shows, glucose metabolism in the brain is even more efficient than ketones.

Ketones also have their benefits. Since becoming fat-adapted causes a surge of initial stress, I recommend using one of these top exogenous ketone supplements instead. Or at the very least, C8 MCT oil. These provide the benefits without the stress.

Protecting your brain via amino acids and lipophilic antioxidants. The body uses amino acids as raw materials to build everything throughout your body.

Getting adequate amounts through diet and supplementation can make a big difference.

Antioxidants, on the other hand, naturally mitigate inflammatory issues, bolster the body’s innate defenses, and help prevent neurons from dying.

Antioxidants come in both pill and food forms (supplements listed below).

Uncoincidentally, the top health foods are the richest forms of phytochemcials. Particularly, natural antioxidants.

The brain’s need for these compounds radically spikes after injury, particularly in the short-term. Your top antioxidant-rich food choices are fruits and vegetables.

Let’s explore some of the top TBI technologies, therapies, and tools.

Helpful TBI Recovery Technologies & Therapies

If I suffered a brain injury today, here are the modalities I would immediately look into.

Each has a different benefits-to-risk profile. Some may not suit your situation, so use these to guide your own research.

Sleep

Bodily and neuro repair occur almost entirely during sleep. Unsurprisingly, increasing your total sleep has remained one of the fundamental pillars of all recovery strategies.

It’s also likely the very most important.

If you do nothing else, make time to sleep longer and/or nap. Especially in the first 24-48 hours post-injury. Rest as long as your body needs.

Worried that sleeping on the heels of a TBI might cause you to slip into a coma? That myth has been debunked as long as you don’t present with symptoms like slurred speech, intense nausea, or confusion [R].

Remember, any therapeutics that improve your sleep should also enhance your recovery.

Light

Adequate exposure to every spectrum of light underpins human health.

While experts often advocated spending time in darkness, cautions against that. These days experts advise reducing light exposure for only for the first 24-48 hours.

After that, I’d prioritize maximizing my natural light exposure. Especially during the morning and evening when near infrared light wavelengths pervade.

Even the often vilified blue light appears to improve sleep time, mood, and energy [R]. At least, for cases of mild TBI.

If you can afford it, consider using special red/infrared light therapy devices.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) also called light therapy or photobiomodulation (PBM), shows promise in speeding up recovery from TBI. Biohackers often recommend one device in particular.

Indeed, at the time of this writing, PubMed contains 41 studies investigating the link between light therapy and brain injury [R].

Research supports using LLLT post brain injury to improve [R]:

• Memory [R]
• Attention [R]
• Mood [R]
• Sleep [R]
• Executive function [R]
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms [R]

Brain imaging shows that light therapy helps restore electrical activity to damaged areas, likely caused by increased cerebral blood flow and oxygenation [R, R].

For TBI purposes, the best devices output light in the 660nm (red) – 810nm (near infrared) range, pulsed at 10 Hz [R].

Water therapy

Water has a restorative and soothing effect on humans.

For TBI recovery, researchers often advocate two forms of water therapy:

• Flotation
• Cold water immersion

Specialized flotation centers fill their float tanks with body temperature water and hundreds of pounds of minerals (particularly magnesium).

Plus, they shield users from stimulating sound and light. The perfect one-hour long sensory deprivation environment.

The thermoneutral water combined with added minerals soothes the nervous system and mind. They absorb transdermally, right through the skin.

People often drop into deep psychedelic-like states.

Cold water works quite differently.

Deliberate cold exposure activates the vagus nerve, reduces swelling and inflammation (extreme brain swelling post-concussion can be fatal). It also activates survival pathways like NRF2 and cold shock proteins.

2020 research found that, when chilled, concussed brain cells may recover fully [R]. Will that translate to humans? Perhaps.

There’s not as much research for use with TBI specifically. Though it does appear to improve blood flow, inflammation, and neuroprotection [R, R, R, R].

I’d only use cold water immersion in small dosages and with caution.

Earthing

Earthing is the process of connecting to the Earth’s surface. Usually, via swimming in natural bodies of water or standing barefoot.

Earth’s surface is a safe and natural healer.

When you touch the ground, negatively charged free electrons quell free radicals throughout your body.

For decades, athletes have known and relied on Earthing to recover and heal from injuries rapidly.

Since it’s incredibly safe and time-tested, I’d immediately use the practice to speed up the recovery process.

Though I’d biohack Earthing/Grounding so I could reap the benefits from my room and while I sleep.

Relaxing

After sleep, relaxation is among the top recommended recovery practices. For good reason.

Too much strain can exacerbate symptoms and worsen your TBI.

Useful relaxation practices include [R]:

• Walks
• Meditation
• Mindfulness
• Yoga
• Breathwork
• Visualization
• Tai chi
• Qigong

Chronic concussion symptoms are notoriously difficult to resolve. These practices consistently find significant reductions in depression and fatigue.

Only during sleep or relaxation does bodily repair occur.

I would schedule blocks into my daily calendar for some of these activities. As a bonus, some improve balance and coordination—abilities often disrupted by brain injuries.

Sound

Music rapidly changes our mental state. Certain songs evoke old memories, while others crank up your motivation or energy, there are also others still make you feel sad.

Music therapy is one subfield of study of particular interest to TBI researchers. How can musicians engineer tracks to support brain repair?

One of the common maladaptive patterns of TBI is overactive regions of the brain and uncharacteristically high levels of certain brainwaves.

There are all kinds of platforms that’ve embedded advanced brainwave entrainment technologies into normal sounding music.

While used to enhance focus/productivity, sleep, or meditation, the latter two modes can also help improve brain health. Without drugs or supplements.

I personally use this brain audio tool every day and would rely on it even more if I sustained an injury.

CO2 therapy

One thing most people think of for healing the brain is supplying it with plenty of oxygen.

But oxygen alone isn’t helpful. It cannot get into cells. Oxygen requires some carbon dioxide (CO2) to be biologically useful.

Emerging research is exploring how CO2 therapy, also known as carboxytherapy, benefits TBIs.

Increased CO2 can cause blood vessels to dilate (improving blood flow), help manage intracranial pressure, and modulate the immune response (reducing inflammation).

It can also induce mild acidosis (neuroprotective), reduce reactive oxygen species (cellular waste products), and stimulate the release of certain regenerative growth factors.

The best ways to increase your CO2 levels naturally are mostly via breathwork. Either temporarily breathing through a paper bag, or using either Diaphragmatic Breathing or the Buteyko Method.

Really, any extended breath holding should work. I would do breathwork daily.

Electromagnetism

Although modern medicine focuses primarily on the biochemical basis of the body, more fundamental to our existence is electromagnetism.

Every cell in your body runs on miniscule currents of electricity. Some of your organs (especially the brain and heart) create their own massive magnetic fields.

Fields so large that they can be detected by scientific instruments from up to 20 feet away.

Even the most minor disturbances can significantly impede normal processes (and biochemical reactions).

Savvy practitioners have decoded the electromagnetic nature of the body and use it diagnostically.

Powerful electromagnetic interventions have resulted:

• Pulsed electromagnetic frequency (PEMF) machines
• Transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Transcranial alternating current stimulation

And many others. These technologies can help bring bodily systems back into balance.

PEMF is especially helpful for the injured and would certainly make my list of topics to research further (click the above link to learn more).

HRV biofeedback & neurofeedback training

Modern living, algorithms, and the latest clickbait headlines have hijacked our nervous systems.

That dysregulation worsens after the inflammation and immune disruption that occurs after head injuries.

Biohackers often notice that their HRV, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and other biomarkers get jacked up after a TBI.

You can help the brain and nervous system “reset” back to an optimal state via two kinds of practices:

• HRV biofeedback training
• Neurofeedback training

Both are researched and used clinically to improve the recovery from TBIs [R, R].

HRV training teaches you how to regulate your nervous system via an inhalation and exhalation cadence unique to your biology. You notice profound differences within several minutes.

A systematic review of the research on using HRV training post-TBI concluded the following [R],

There was a positive relationship between increased HRV and TBI recovery following biofeedback, including improvements in cognitive and emotional functioning, and physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and sleep problems.

Neurofeedback training, on the other hand, is more specific to the mind. It teaches your brain to activate specific regions, deactivate others, and self-regulate.

It takes mental effort and multiple sessions, but neurofeedback produces some of the most profound recovery transformations.

Best of all, some devices can do both HRV biofeedback and neurofeedback.

Without a doubt, after a TBI, I’d rely heavily on biofeedback to help my brain and nervous system recover. I would do 1-2 sessions per day.

Vagus nerve stimulation

Next up, I’d consider adding vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) practices.

The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, is a long and complex nerve that begins in brainstem and innervates every organ throughout the body.

It’s a part of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system and plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions.

By reducing inflammation, it may aid in minimizing secondary brain damage that often occurs after the initial injury.

VNS promotes neural plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections.

This is especially important during TBI recovery, as repairing and re-establishing neural pathways improves cognitive and motor functions.

Beyond neuroprotection, research suggests that VNS can improve psychological well-being and mood disorders.

This helps build resilience and improves the brain post-injury.

Two trials show that VNS significantly reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which aids recovery [R, R].

According to a website called SelfHacked, you can activate the vagus nerve through 19+ ways. Some of which include:

• Cold exposure (ice bathing or cold showers)
• Singing or chanting
• Meditation
• Social connection
• Slow, deep breathing
• Fasting
• Supplementation

You’ll notice that some of the above items make this concussion checklist multiple times.

Movement

Movement’s a fundamental force constantly sculpting human health.

Perhaps one of the more damaging mainstream post-TBI recommendations was to sit in the dark, sedentary, for weeks. More recent research has already overturned that notion.

Aerobics, resistance training, walking, gentle movements like Tai Chi or Qigong, yoga, coordination activities, inversion, and lymphatic drainage enhancers all have their place to improve recovery [R].

While I’d certainly take at least 48 hours off my normal movement practices, I’d slowly add them back into my routine.

The more diversity of movements and brain regions used, the better.

TBI Foods, Nootropics, & Biological Supplements

Biohackers focus on supplements, biologics, nutrients, foods, and substances.

Once you consume an ample amount of the previously mentioned repair-supporting nutrients, these can make a tremendous difference.

Supplements that help the injured brain fall into several categories:

• Energy enhancers
• Antioxidants
• Phytochemicals
• Electrolytes
• Nutrients
• Hormones

One JAMA article stated, “Administration of effective antioxidants has the potential to limit the spread of damage and inflammation significantly if given soon after brain injury.” [R].

While that article focused on glutathione, the authors concluded that the cheap supplement N-acetylcysteine (NAC) worked similarly. Both glutathione or NAC help the body recover from serious injury.

That’s not all. Let’s explore other helpful substances.

Electrolytes

Water alone won’t hydrate you.

Electrolytes are a small subset of minerals that help propagate the body’s sensitive electrical signals.

Brain recovery requires deep cellular hydration. Basically, water combined with electrolytes put into a gel-like form usable by your body.

Whether you go for one of these top trace minerals supplements, or make your own, be sure the body has ample. Otherwise all that liquid just water-logs the body and sends you to the bathroom more often.

These minerals also act as cofactors crucial to power repair processes.

Magnesium

Although technically an electrolyte mineral, since virtually everyone is quite deficient, I’d focus on getting extra magnesium. This mineral is involved in 600+ processes throughout the body.

If I could only take one mineral for health, I’d pick magnesium.

Post-trauma, magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker. Preventing brain damage resulting from too much stimulatory glutamate and calcium flooding the brain [R].

Magnesium is also linked to anti-depressant effects, reduced inflammation, better blood flow, enhanced energy production, and less cellular stress [R].

Despite the sexy marketing and regular mention by Dr. Andrew Huberman, you don’t need the Magnesium Threonate form specifically to impact the brain.

I prefer products that use the highly absorbable ionic form of magnesium.

Melatonin

If you’ve heard of melatonin, you probably know it in the context of sleep.

“Melatonin is the sleep hormone”. While true, that’s just the beginning.

Recent science depicts melatonin as the body’s master antioxidant—ahead of glutathione Share on X

Melatonin does an excellent job neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress.

This substance is extremely protective. Of the brain, and of the energy-generating apparatus inside each cell (mitochondria).

Plus, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles.

While a measly 0.3mg dose is enough to promote sleep, I would certainly use high-dose melatonin if concussed. I’d work my way up to a megadose of 10-50mg per night.

More for the protective and restorative effects that sleep per se. Best of all, melatonin is quite cheap.

Creatine

Creatine, a heavily researched supplement popularized by athletes, has plenty of other uses.

One of those is improving TBI recovery. As this study concluded…

Evidence exists indicating that increased brain creatine may be effective at reducing the severity of, or enhancing recovery from mild traumatic brain injury…

Beyond muscle: the effects of creatine supplementation on brain creatine, cognitive processing, and traumatic brain injury

If that’s not enough for you, a book titled Nutrition and Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Health Outcomes in Military Personnel devoted an entire chapter to examining the role of creatine on brain health & TBI [R].

Another 2023 paper concluded (emphasis mine),

Although patients may need many therapeutic treatments to recover from TBI, especially in acute resuscitation, creatine shows superior efficacy as a neuroprotective agent in battling the chronic manifestations which lead to oxidative stress and cognitive function post brain injury

Neuroprotection and Therapeutic Implications of Creatine Supplementation for Brain Injury Complications

While most of the research advocates it for mild TBI, some users report that it also helps with severe concussions [R].

Max benefits take time to accrue, but research suggests it is also helpful acutely [R].

Again, you can find affordable creatine in its simple monohydrate form.

Borrowing from my earlier example of a city during power rationing, supplementing creatine is like making each house energy efficient.

Exogenous ketones

After injury, the brain starves for energy.

Some people recommend following a strict ketogenic diet to fuel the brain with a stream of ketones. Unless you’re already fat adapted, in the short-term, this further taxes the brain.

Until it can efficiently produce ketones, the drop in glucose causes significant rises in cortisol and other damaging stress hormones. The last thing a struggling brain wants.

Exogenous ketone supplements sidestep this issue.

When you drink them, you provide that fuel straight to your brain but without the cellular waste.

Ketone salts or esters are quite neuroprotective, so they’re a great option if you can afford them.

Since they’re so expensive, MCT oil is the next best choice.

MCT oils are a special isolate of coconut oil that bypasses normal digestion and a small portion (~15%) quickly turns into ketone.

Some patients feel better within several minutes of taking a shot of ketones.

Check out my review on some of the top exogenous ketones supplements you should get.

Adaptogenic mushrooms

Although their usage dates back thousands of years, functional, adaptogenic mushrooms have experienced a recent resurgence in popularity.

Adaptogenic mushrooms include:

• Cordyceps
• Lion’s mane
• Reishi
• Chaga
• Turkey Tail

And many others.

All of them indirectly influence the brain by modulating the immune system (because of beta-glucans).

Two in particular stand out for their direct impact on the mind:

• Lion’s mane
• Cordyceps

Lion’s mane reduces brain inflammation, stimulates growth proteins (BDNF and NGF), increases nerve health (mylenation), and helps alleviate symptoms of poor brain function.

Cordyceps has multiple interesting properties that make it a useful overall supplement, and something I’d use here. First, it helps modulate neuro-inflammation. Cordyceps
support the energy demands of brain cells by stimulating the production of cellular energy (ATP) [R]. It may even help protect your brain’s shield, called the blood brain barrier [R].

Cordyceps also appears to improve blood flow and tissue oxygenation, both of which help TBI. Then it also has other helpful benefits like balancing the immune system, protecting against memory loss, promoting deep sleep, increasing levels of a key brain chemical called dopamine, and much more [R].

Don’t expect to notice a massive change from either of these. Nonetheless, they’re worth adding to a brain recovery protocol.

Choose a product that contains both cordyceps and lion’s mane from my list of the best adaptogenic mushrooms to fast-track your recovery.

Polyphenols

Superfoods, vegetables, and fruits derive many of their health benefits from a particular family of substances called polyphenols.

Polyphenols primarily feed certain gut bacteria, which drives benefits throughout the body. Including inside the brain.

Some of the top polyphenols to consume include:

• Turmeric (curcumin)
• Ginger
• Boswelia
• Pycogenol
• Green tea

These substances block inflammatory cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, lipoxyoxygenase and lipoxygenase (LOX). As well as modulate the microbiome and lower endotoxin.

Plus, the can help blood flow, nutrient delivery, and much more.

I already consume them daily, but would immediately double my intake of polyphenol-rich sources post injury.

Fruits (berries) are especially great because they contain high levels of polyphenols and bioavailable sugar.

Vitamins & minerals

I’ve already mentioned minerals like magnesium, but there are a few others worth considering.

Fat-soluble vitamins D3 and E both lower reactive oxygen species and help protect you against lipid peroxidation (when the fat used to make your cells goes rancid).

Vitamin C would be another great and cheap addition. If you have the budget, B vitamins (particularly a form of vitamin B1 that can cross the blood-brain barrier) could make sense too.

These are all useful for overall health and support better post-injury recovery.

Hemp

Cannabidiol (CBD), one non-psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, modulates the body’s endocannabinoid system.

As a powerful anti-inflammatory, recent investigations have found CBD offers “tremendous therapeutic promise” for conditions ranging from pain, mental health disorders, neurological and movement disorders, to TBI [R].

Current evidence suggests that CBD is a safe and effective treatment option [R].

Interestingly, CBD is renowned for reversing trauma-induced behavioral changes [R]. Especially depression and aggression.

This May 2020 trial found that…

“CBD can therefore potentially provide treatment to enhance neuroprotection by reducing inflammation, regulating cerebral blood flow, enhancing neurogenesis, and protecting the brain against reactive oxygen species”

Neuroprotection Following Concussion: The Potential Role for Cannabidiol

And CBD is one of over 100 non-psychoactive cannabinoids naturally found within hemp. You can reap the benefits without getting high.

I’ve found that a quality full-spectrum hemp product improves my subjective and objective sleep better than anything else.

Phospholipids

Phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine (PC), are an underutilized yet potent tool to help recover from brain injury.

Phosphatidylcholine makes up 50% of cell membranes, particularly in brain tissue.

It’s crucial for cell membrane integrity and fluidity, and serves as a precursor for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine—the one that enables cognitive functions such as memory and learning.

Phosphatidylcholine improves recovery by repairing cell membranes, supporting neurotransmitter production, and reducing inflammation.

It’s also known for enhancing brain plasticity, providing antioxidant protection, and maintaining mitochondrial function.

Interestingly, impact injury depletes phospholipids. So supplementation makes sense.

I’ve yet to dive deep into phospholipids but a phospholipid complex like this one can be a good start.

Free alternative: eat lots of eggs.

Other supplements

The following supplements aren’t extensively studied for treating TBI. Nonetheless, I’d include some of them if your budget permits.

Other potential supplements that need further research:

• Choline
• D-Ribose
• Colostrum
• Theanine
• C60
• Astaxanthin
• PQQ
• Carnitine
• Beta-alanine

Choline, particularly a form called CDP choline, helps the brain produce a crucial chemical called acetylcholine. This helps significantly alleviate TBI symptoms.

D-Ribose is a healthy type of sugar that’s powerfully protects mitochondria and energy generation. Since brain cells have exceptionally large quantities of mito, this could help.

Colostrum is a wonderful growth and repair substance produced by all mammals. It’s packed full of bioactive peptides, growth factors, and other immune supportive nutrients.

Theanine is a relaxing and neuroprotective amino acid.

C60 is a Nobel Prize-winning molecule and unique antioxidant that shows tremendous promise in animals. Human studies are underway. Most products currently available are toxic, so make sure to choose one of these safe and effective C60 supplements.

Astaxanthin is an awesome antioxidant carotenoid, sometimes dubbed “internal sunscreen”. It usually makes lists of longevity supplements because it’s highly protective.

Unlike most substances, astaxanthin easily crosses the blood brain barrier where it exerts its anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties [R].

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and the antioxidant resveratrol exhibit significant neuroprotective effect when taken after an injury [R].

Although researchers don’t know exactly how it works, several studies found brain benefits from PQQ [R, R]. For maximum absorption and additional neuroprotection, stack PQQ with CoQ10 [R].

L-carnitine taken after injury can improve neurological functional and tissue health [R]. Sensory and motor recovery noticeably improves. Carnitine also preserves neurological function [R].

Beta-alanine is typically used in pre-workout stacks. One study of soldiers found that it increases resilience against PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury, and heat stress [R].

A trial done in rats found that a form of carnitine called ALCAR reduced brain lesions [R].

You’ve made it through the basics, diet, and supplements. Biohackers will probably want to push things a but further.

Advanced Protection & Brain Injury Recovery

This next section can make the difference between slowly recovering, or quickly bouncing back—potentially to a level better than before.

If you can pull out all the stops, these are the technologies, therapies, and protocols I’d add on top of the basics.

Neuropeptides

First up, peptides. Peptides are tiny strings of amino acids that naturally occur in the body.

What separates them from drugs and supplements is the way they work. Instead of overriding the body’s natural processes, peptides gently stimulate them.

This gets you the greatest possible effects with minimal (or zero) side effects.

Popular peptides used for TBI recovery include:

• Semax
• Selank
• Cerebrolysin
• Dihexa
• Adamax & P21
• Cortagen
• Pinealin
• BPC-157
• SS-31

Some of these work directly on the brain (most) while others primarily improve the gut-brain axis (BPC-157) or mitochondrial function (SS-31) [R].

My favorites here are Semax, Selank, Cerebrolysin, Dihexa, and then the P21/Adamax stack.

If you’re new to these, I suggest you read this article on the top therapeutic peptides and their uses.

Then, you can learn more about dosing and administration from other heavily researched sites like SelfHacked.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

This makes the advanced list because it requires special gear.

HBOT is the practice of increasing oxygen concentration around specific tissues or the entire body. It’s the polar opposite of airplane travel, and tremendously powerful.

Of the 30 studies I found, the vast majority have taken place in the last five years [R]. HBOT notably:

• Reduces inflammation [R]
• Significant cognitive improvements [R]
• Reduces mortality risk [R]
• Induces neuroplasticity leading to repair of chronically impaired brain functions [R]
• Improves quality of life in mTBI patients [R]
• Reduced suicidal ideation [R]
• Reduced psychoactive medication use [R]

HBOT is a form of safe super oxygen saturation.

It’s significantly beneficial for mild-to-moderate TBI across all recovery domains: clinical medicine, neuropsychology, psychology, and SPECT imaging. Though most of the lasting benefits kick in after 20-30 sessions.

I came across one user that said, “20 sessions of HBOT did far more for my concussion symptoms than any nootropics and the results were permanent.”

Unfortunately, HBOT packages can get quite costly and inconvenient. Leading some folks to buy their own chambers.

Stem cells

On the cutting-edge, are treatments like intra-nasal stem cells.

Stem cells are among the strongest neuroprotectants and neuroregenerators [R]. The problem?

Stem cell transplants are invasive and potentially dangerous [R]. And, illegal in some places.

Intranasal stem cells, on the other hand, are a non-invasive method of administering them through the nose and into the brain [R].

These specific stem cells are believed to replace damaged tissue with healthy tissue [R].

When incorporated into an effective recovery protocol, researchers observed reduced brain lesion volume and less neurodegeneration [R].

Stem cells are most effective locally. So intra-nasal application preferentially targets brain repair [R].

Science is still working out the kinks, but if you have a large budget, intra-nasal stem cell therapy deserves consideration [R].

Methylene blue

Methylene blue is a fascinating and rapidly growing textile with unique properties for human health. This compound acts as an antioxidant with neuroprotective properties.

As you may have guessed, it shows great potential in improving recovery from traumatic brain injury.

Methylene blue works by enhancing mitochondrial respiration and reducing oxidative stress. Protecting neurons from further damage and supporting cellular energy production.

Plus, methylene blue has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function post-injury.

It’s one of the safest and most helpful nootropics out there. I constantly hear testimonials of how it changed someone’s life.

In fact, it’s listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) Model List of Essential Medicines.

I always have some stocked. If I sustained an injury, I’d certainly use it. Learn more in my ultimate guide to methylene blue for optimal health.

Hormones

TBI disrupts normal neuroendocrine function.

Two hormones in particular have excellent recovery enhancing properties.

Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone and a precursor to other hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. In essence, it’s a master hormone.

Pregnenolone’s produced in the brain and adrenal glands and plays key roles in neuroprotection, cognitive function, and inflammation regulation.

Progesterone is another steroid hormone mainly involved in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and embryogenesis. It supports the repair of myelin, which are the protective sheath around nerve fibers.

Progesterone and its metabolites, including allopregnanolone (which is derived from pregnenolone), protect brain cells against injury and improve the brain’s ability to recover after traumatic injury.

Allopregnanolone also promotes neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons).

Progesterone rapidly decreases brain edema (swelling) following traumatic brain injury, even when treatment is delayed up to 24 hours after the injury.

Animal research shows progesterone protects against lipid peroxidation (cellular damage) following traumatic brain injury.

Other rat research suggests that progesterone reduces secondary neuronal loss caused by cortical contusion injury.

Both hormones balance the effects of deleterious stress hormones like cortisol while simultaneously helping maintain proper brain energy metabolism.

They also have anesthetic-like effects. Helping reduce excitotoxicity and protecting neurons during the acute phase of injury.

Although they’re available over in the counter in the highest quality USP-grade, certainly consider enlisting the help of a health practitioner.

Because of the delicate nature of the endocrine system, administering hormones takes skill and knowledge.

Progesterone, pregnenolone and the metabolite allopregnanolone have potent brain repairing effects when used appropriately.

Common TBI Advice I’d Reconsider

Old school doctors, well-meaning health practitioners, and internet forums contain lots of outdated advice.

You’ll certainly want to consider working with a TBI specialist that’s up-to-date with the science.

Here are some of the common TBI recommendations that I would approach with caution:

• Going onto a ketogenic diet and/or starting intermittent fasting to promote autophagy since both lead to huge stress hormone elevations for the first 4-6 weeks
• Spending weeks in a dark sensory-deprived room as this can actually slow recovery
• Intentional inactivity because research shows that movement heals
• Blocking inflammation (usually, via COX inhibitors) immediately post-injury due to acute bleeding risk
• Omega-3 supplementation as many supplements are rancid and cause more oxidative stress in the brain. Plus, lipid peroxidation occurs when exposed to stressors and the blood thinning effect may pose additional dangers

Of course, there are many more.

These are just some of the typical wisdom that I expect to see overturned as much research emerges over the next decade or so.

The Outliyr Rapid Concussion Recovery Protocol

By all means, avoid head trauma. During my athletic career, I would have rested soundly knowing I had an emergency TBI preparedness plan in place.

No 3,000+ word guide can comprehensively summarize the dense topic of recovering from traumatic brain injury.

If you remember nothing else, remember that every second of action/inaction post-injury matters massively.

Whichever cognitive functions become most difficult (balance, coordination, spatial awareness, language, math, reasoning, etc) are the ones to focus on improving.

Since 3,000+ words are a lot to reference during emergency, I’m attaching a brief checklist. I urge you to print this in the unfortunate case of TBI.

Save Your Head With The Biohacker’s Approach to TBIs

I hope that this information never comes in handy to you or those around you.

Unfortunately, it likely will.

Anyone that sustains a head injury will want to follow certain foundational principles.

Things like getting ample rest and recovery. De-stressing. Proper nutrition and supplementation. Practicing natural health therapies.

Then there’s the individualized layer.

Remember that TBIs don’t always exhibit the classic symptoms.

Ideally, you’ll have already taken baseline testing to compare which regions of your brain are struggling most post-injury. That helps guide your optimal treatment protocol.

Whether or not you’ve taken formal testing, notice which facets of cognition have become hardest (balance, coordination, spatial awareness, language, math, reasoning, creativity, etc).

Unfortunately, working on those will yield the best results.

It could be the difference between you receiving a warm heart-felt thanks, or a hollow look of apathy.

Know someone that could use this information? Please send it to them or share it on social media. Your family or friends will thank you.

If you have any questions or suggestions, drop them in the comments section below!

Thanks.