Listen to what your body needs after a brain injury

I have written various articles with advice on coping with a brain injury. And I wholeheartedly believe in that advice otherwise I wouldn’t write it. But there are times that I lose my focus, and stop listening to what my body needs now. I mean, I’m no angel, I’m only human.

As I have hypothyroidism, as many brain injury survivors do, my metabolism has walked out on me. Even though I take Levothyroxine , it doesn’t solve everything. So in the last 3 years since my accident, I have put on 2 dress sizes. Whilst I don’t worry that much about what I look like, it does make me uncomfortable. So I am going to start putting my brain and body needs first.

My new schedule:

1. Take pills when James (my partner) leaves for work at 5.30 am. – I ask him to always say goodbye as he goes. Having the medication then gives it a chance to try to prompt my metabolism to do something before breakfast.
2. Once up, I have warm lemon water. It’s full of vitamin C and is thought to also give your metabolism a kick up the backside. – Always drink with a straw and wait 90 minutes before brushing your teeth. The acid can damage your tooth enamel so the straw helps minimise its contact with your teeth.  Saliva is brilliant at breaking things down in your mouth so this gives it time to go through this process which is very important.
3. Always have breakfast (although this might be hours later if I fall back to sleep.) Usually I have cereal loaded with fruit and seeds to give a balanced diet. If I’m going to the gym that day I have scrambled eggs for protein. – This is because when I’m working out it will give my body the energy it needs, rather than it breaking down muscle. (I’m trying to build muscle, not destroy the tiny bit I have.) As muscles drive your metabolism even when you are resting, the more you have, the more calories you burn.
4. Go to the gym mid morning. Two reasons for this: a) it’s usually a bit quieter at that time b) after your workout your body will continue to  burn calories for hours afterwards. This means you have the energy in the day when you need it. If you workout in the evening you might find it harder to sleep.
5. Eat some Brazil nuts after the gym. – As they are a great source of gluten free protein, again it ensures that your muscles are building not depleting. And they are loaded with selenium and vitamin E. Selenium is important for those with a under-active thyroid as it counteracts the negative effects fluoride has on your thyroid.  Fluoride is added to the water supply in the UK to benefit the nations teeth. I think this is fine, but I need to also consider my thyroid. To see the full list of benefits of the little gifts from nature that are Brazil nuts click here.
6. If you think you’re hungry, first drink some water. Often our system can’t tell the difference between thirst and hunger, so this will keep you hydrated first.
7. If still hungry between meals, snack on carrots, oranges, apples, bananas or other nutritious items of fruits and vegetables. Gives a little boost. Don’t cut back on food too much otherwise the body goes into starvation mode and stores more fat.
8. Make sure lunch and dinner has more protein than carbs, but don’t worry too much. They really aren’t as bad as the world makes them out to be. Focus on green vegetables too.