Changing from Vegan to Meat Diet After a Brain Injury: Finding the Balance for Healing
- jordanswellness
- May 8
- 5 min read
After sustaining a brain injury, my journey toward healing has been a long and personal one. One of the most challenging yet essential changes I've made is altering my diet, particularly moving from a vegan lifestyle to incorporating some animal products like bone broth, eggs, and even small amounts of chicken and beef. This shift hasn't come easily, especially as someone who has always been an animal lover. However, for my brain health, I've chosen to make this change, despite the internal conflict it sometimes creates.
Disclaimer: The information shared regarding diet and health wellness for brain injury healing is based on personal experiences and research. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet or health regimen, particularly if you are managing a brain injury or other medical conditions.
The Benefits of Vegan and Meat-Based Diets
First, let's discuss the benefits of both diets and why this transition is such a personal one.
Vegan Diet Benefits:
Being vegan has served me well for many years, and I don’t dismiss the benefits it offers. A plant-based diet is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, and it can promote heart health, lower inflammation, and support digestion. Vegan foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains are packed with nutrients that help to reduce oxidative stress, something important for brain health.
However, after my brain injury, I realized that my body needed more than what a strictly vegan diet could offer in terms of certain nutrients—particularly those that are more bioavailable in animal products.
Meat-Based Diet Benefits:
For brain recovery, one of the most significant benefits of incorporating animal products like bone broth, eggs, and small amounts of chicken and beef is the high-quality protein and nutrients that support cognitive function and repair. Animal products provide essential fats, vitamins, and minerals—especially B12, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen—important for brain healing.
Cholesterol: While often viewed negatively, cholesterol plays a vital role in brain function and repair. The brain uses cholesterol to build and maintain cell membranes and produce neurotransmitters, which are critical for communication between brain cells. After a brain injury, providing the brain with the building blocks it needs to repair and regenerate is essential. Cholesterol-rich foods like eggs and meat can aid in this process.
Healthy Fats: Animal fats, particularly those found in bone broth and meat, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for reducing inflammation and supporting brain cell function. Omega-3s are integral for neuroprotection and improving memory, which are vital when healing from brain trauma.
Collagen and Amino Acids: Bone broth, in particular, is an excellent source of collagen, which supports joint and tissue repair, and it’s also rich in amino acids that help regenerate damaged brain cells. Collagen is also crucial for healing the blood-brain barrier, which may be compromised following an injury.
What the Brain Needs to Heal: The Role of Nutrients and Why Going Carnivore Can Help
When it comes to healing from a brain injury, proper nutrition is key. The brain requires specific nutrients to repair itself and function optimally. These include healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, all of which play a critical role in brain recovery. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, found in animal-based foods like fish, are known to support brain cell function and reduce inflammation. Protein-rich foods, such as chicken and beef, are essential for tissue repair and the formation of new brain cells. Collagen, found in bone broth, is particularly beneficial for rebuilding connective tissue and supporting the brain’s structural integrity.
Going carnivore, or incorporating more animal-based foods into your diet, can be an effective way to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal a damaged brain. While plant-based diets can offer fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, animal products are often richer in the types of fats and proteins that are most beneficial for brain health. Cholesterol, found in animal fats, plays a critical role in brain cell communication and myelin formation—the protective sheath around nerve fibers. By eating more nutrient-dense animal products, you can ensure that your brain is receiving the proper support it needs for recovery.
The Emotional and Ethical Conflict
As an animal lover, transitioning from vegan to incorporating animal products hasn’t been easy. I never thought I would be the person eating bone broth or trying small amounts of chicken and beef. I still prefer not to eat red meat, especially beef like a steak, due to the texture and emotional connection I have with animals. I also will never touch pork.
Yet, after my brain injury, I felt that I had to put my healing first. As much as I have always had compassion for animals, I had to face the reality that my body needed specific nutrients to heal in the most effective way possible. This choice hasn’t been made lightly, and I am still navigating it with care.
It’s important to note that every individual has their own opinion on diets, and people are often quick to offer advice—whether it’s about veganism or the benefits of a meat-inclusive diet. But one thing I’ve learned is that everyone’s path to healing is different. It’s okay to choose what works best for your body, even if it’s not the popular choice or doesn’t align with someone else’s opinions.
A Balanced Approach to Healing
I’m still in the process of finding a balance that works for me. Bone broth has become a regular part of my diet, and I’ve found that eggs and a small amount of chicken can be tolerable for my stomach and my brain. The benefits I’ve noticed, from better energy to more mental clarity, have convinced me that adding these animal-based foods may be the right choice for my healing journey. But, what is right for one may not be right for another and that is okay. I am am trying to heal and open to anything at this point, so as I share what I have found now, it may change down the road or I may incorporate different types of animal protein.
Healing from a brain injury is a complex and personal experience - it is not a one size fits all. No one can tell you what’s right for your body, and the decisions you make should be guided by your intuition and what your body responds to positively. While I’m an advocate for compassion toward animals, I’ve learned that sometimes, you need to prioritize your health above all else. It’s not easy, but it’s part of my path to recovery.
Finding Your Own Path
Diet is just one piece of the puzzle in healing from a brain injury. Whether you choose to eat plant-based or incorporate animal products, it’s essential to listen to your body, gather information from reliable sources, and make the choice that feels right for your health.
It’s okay to change your perspective, try new things, and listen to your body’s needs, even if that means stepping outside your comfort zone. Healing is personal, and so is the way we nourish ourselves. No matter what others say, your journey is yours to create.
Stay strong, and keep advocating for your health. You're not alone in this journey. 💪🌱
All my light. All my love.
Namaste.
Jordan
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Disclaimer: This post is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or therapies.
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