Reduce Cognitive Changes with Nutrition

Written By Lotte May
Founder of Comfort Crate & Cancer Advocate

Natural Treatment for Chemo Brain

As we all know, healthy eating has many benefits. It can improve heart health, gut health, decrease fatigue and lift your mood. However, did you know that eating well is also effective for reducing cognitive changes (Chemo brain)?

Your brain uses around 20% of your body’s calories, so it needs plenty of good fuel to maintain concentration throughout the day, even more so when you are going through cancer treatment! While there are no established clinical treatments for cognitive changes, researchers are looking at how specific nutrients can support recovery.

Fuel Your Recovery: Managing your diet during treatment can be overwhelming. Our Conquer Cancer Guidebook includes easy-to-follow, brain-healthy recipes specifically designed for foggy days, helping you nourish your body and mind without the stress of complicated meal planning.

How to Improve Brain Function

One way to help is by adding a variety of foods to your diet. Foods with iron, vitamin D and omega-3 are especially nutritious for brain health. Eating healthily can make a huge difference to your overall health and decrease side effects and improve your recovery progress.

• Omega-3: Helps build membranes around brain cells and improves the structure of neurons.
• Antioxidants: Protects enzymes and vitamins in the body to prevent cell damage.
• Vitamin B-2: Essential for helping the brain and nerves communicate.
• Coenzyme Q10: May improve symptoms of cognitive changes through its antioxidant properties.
• Choline: Impacts brain development, muscle movement, and the nervous system.

Brain-Healthy Foods to Add to Your Diet

1. Fish and Seafood: Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are full of healthy fats essential for brain health, along with vitamin D and magnesium.

2. Blueberries: Antioxidants in blueberries improve communication between brain cells and may improve memory.

3. Turmeric: Contains Curcumin, which can cross the blood-brain barrier to directly benefit brain cells.

4. Broccoli: High in vitamin K and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been linked to better memory.

5. Nuts & Seeds: Rich sources of vitamin E which protect cells from stress caused by free radicals.

6. Kale & Leafy Greens: Contain glucosinolates and key minerals that support overall brain health.

7. Whole Grains: Brown rice and oatmeal are great sources of vitamin E.

8. Avocados: A healthy unsaturated fat that helps lower blood pressure, which is often linked to cognitive problems.

9. Eggs: The yolks are a primary source of choline, promoting memory and cell communication.

10. Soy Products: Contain polyphenols (isoflavones) that act as antioxidants providing health benefits throughout the body.

For more help read: 'How to Reduce Cognitive Changes'

Further Reading and Support (UK Resources)

• Pancreatic Cancer: Managing Chemo Brain
  Practical UK-based  online advice for coping with cognitive changes with mind boosting foods.
• Nutrition and Cognitive Health
  Explore holistic UK resources that focus on how food and mindfulness can help clear the mental fog.
• Comfort Crate: Memory Strategies for Cognitive Changes
  Our internal guide on practical memory hacks and techniques to use alongside your brain-healthy diet.

About the Author: Lotte May is a stage 4B Hodgkin Lymphoma survivor and founder of Comfort Crate. She uses her background to research to provide patients with practical evidence-based tools for side effect management. Read more about her mission.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for support and guidance only. It does not replace the advice of your medical team.