Concussion and Surprising Long Term Health Consequences

Has your child ever suffered a concussion while playing hockey?

If yes, then they are part of an estimated 10% of hockey players that suffer a concussion each year in Canada.

Short term symptoms of concussion include nausea, confusion, fatigue, lightheadedness, headaches, irritability, not knowing the time, date, or place, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of vision and vomiting.

Typically, these symptoms last a week to 10 days but in some children can last months.

Conventional treatment for concussions entails rest and avoiding any activity that aggravates symptoms.

While these initial symptoms can disappear, research has shown that the effects a concussion can re-emerge later in life in the form of neurological (poor memory, reduced motor skills, and reduced reaction times) but a concussion can also affect digestive function.

You may have heard of the gut-brain connection, where a poor digestion can affect brain function. The same applies the other way where brain damage caused by a concussion can influence the proper functioning of your digestive tract. More specifically, concussions have been shown to cause increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut.

Leaky gut is where not properly digested proteins are allowed to pass through the protective lining of your small intestines and into the bloodstream. This can lead to a multitude of different symptoms and conditions.

Symptoms of leaky gut include:

1. Digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. Seasonal allergies or asthma.
3. Hormonal imbalances such as PMS or PCOS.
4. Diagnosis of an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, psoriasis, or celiac disease.
5. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.
6. Mood and mind issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD or ADHD.
7. Skin issues such as acne, rosacea, or eczema.
8. Diagnosis of Candida overgrowth.
9. Food allergies or food intolerances.

Testing for leaky gut is available through Cyrex labs in the United States, through a Functional Medicine practitioner or Naturopathic Doctor in Canada.

The good news is that leaky gut is a treatable condition through dietary modification and supplementation.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please feel free to email me at dom@ottawaholisticwellness.ca.