Neurosurgery and Nutrition

The new neurosurgery reform that has been announced in the South Island of NZ have end a long debate. (New Zealand herald online). The debate was over consolidating the Dunedin and Christchurch neurological centers into one. The suggestion was to relocate in Christchurch. The guys in Otago (the Dunedin district) were afraid many people who will in future need urgent neurosurgical services will not make it all the way to Christchurch in time.

What is Neurosurgery and How Can Nutrition Help:

Neurosurgery is a medical condition that relates to disorders of the nervous system of the brain, spinal column, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and the extra-cranial cardiovascular system. That means that the body had a massive shock as a result of an accident, stroke or another traumatic event. When the body is being affected by such a shock it needs medication. I do believe that pharmaceutical medicines are a key component in such an event. However, medicine has many side effects and are made of chemicals. So while the body needs a high level of assistance to recover it also needs to be nourished – now.

Good nutrition makes a lot of sense at this time. A good balanced meal consisting of a portion of healthy fat, healthy carbs and healthy protein can aid in the recovery of a person who has suffered a stroke.

Healthy fats can be –

• Bitter sweet chocolate. Make sure you buy chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa mass. Cocoa is the healthy ingredient in chocolate as it is high in vital antioxidants. The more cocoa mass in the chocolate the less room for sugar. I always buy ‘Green & Black’s’ organic bitter sweet chocolate with 85% cocoa mass.
• Extra virgin olive oil. This is the first processing of the olives so it has maximum nutrient content.

Healthy carbs can be –

• Organic fruits. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, mandarins etc are a great source of vitamin C and full of antioxidants to combat free radicals. Any fruit as long as it is fresh will add lots of nutrition value to recovery and is a crucial compliment to medicine.
• Organic Vegetables. Again organic is best, but if you cannot afford them then buy non-organic, as long as you buy them regularly and eat them fresh. Any vegetables are good. Problem is that we quite often buy fruits and vegetables and forget to eat them.

Healthy protein can be –

• Grass fed meat. Meat from animals who ate grass is good as they produce healthy fat and are a great source of protein.
• Wild animal meat. Animals who live in the wild will be free range and grass fed. You benefit in both areas.

Nutrition is a key component in our lives. I do believe in the saying “You are What you Eat”. Put good nutrition inside you and you will feel amazing!