The Concussion Naturopath

What if gut health was part of an athlete’s concussion prep?

We spend so much time preparing athletes for performance - strength, speed, fitness, recovery.

But what about preparing the body for the unexpected?

A healthy gut supports immune function, nutrient absorption, inflammation regulation and the gut-brain connection. These systems all matter when the body is dealing with the physiological stress of a head injury.

Optimising gut health won’t prevent a concussion. But it may be one important piece of supporting the body’s response and recovery when one occurs.

Gut health isn’t just about digestion. It could be part of the bigger concussion picture.

So, what if we started treating it like part of the training plan?

Creatine isn’t just a gym supplement.

It’s a naturally occurring compound that helps your cells make energy - and your brain is one of the most energy-hungry organs in the body.

After a concussion, the brain can experience changes in how it uses and produces energy. That’s one reason researchers are interested in whether creatine supplementation could play a role in supporting the brain during recovery.

So, what are the potential benefits?

⚡ Supports brain energy production
Creatine helps replenish ATP - the energy currency your cells rely on.

🧠 May support cognitive function
Research suggests creatine supplementation may benefit areas such as memory, attention and mental performance, particularly when the brain is under increased energy demands.

🔋 May support the brain during metabolic stress
Concussion can disrupt normal brain energy metabolism. Creatine is being investigated for its potential to help support cellular energy availability during this period.

🏃‍♀️ Supports strength and exercise performance
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements for improving strength, power and exercise capacity - all relevant when gradually rebuilding physical activity after concussion.

🧠 Potential role in concussion recovery
This is where things get interesting. Early research in traumatic brain injury and concussion has generated interest in creatine as a potential nutritional intervention. But the evidence is still emerging, and creatine isn’t a proven treatment for concussion.

So no - creatine isn’t just for gym bros.

It’s a compound with an important role in cellular energy production, and there’s growing interest in what that might mean for the concussed brain.

The final siren doesn’t always mean the game is over.

When the dust settles after the Grand Final, the true impact of the game can reveal itself.

Not every head impact is obvious in the moment. Concussion symptoms can appear hours or even days later, long after the crowds have gone home and the celebrations have begun.

If something doesn’t feel right after a head impact, don’t ignore it.

Know the signs. Take symptoms seriously. Give the brain time to recover.

How many times will an AFL player’s head be impacted during the Grand Final?

The answer might surprise you.

Based on research into elite AFL, players can experience multiple measurable head-impact events during a single match.

Across 44 players and around two hours of game time, that could mean roughly 100–150 head-impact events across the field.

And here’s the important part:

A head impact doesn’t automatically mean a concussion.

But repeated impacts matter.

Marking contests, tackles and contested-ball situations can all expose players to forces transmitted through the head and body - sometimes without an obvious impact or immediate symptoms.

So this Grand Final, while you’re watching the big hits, remember that not every head impact looks like a concussion.

If you’ve experienced a concussion or you’re struggling with symptoms that haven’t resolved, there is more to recovery than simply waiting it out.

Your brain deserves a systematic, individualised approach.

Book a consultation with The Concussion Naturopath to explore your recovery.

“Why does EVERYTHING feel so much harder after my concussion?”

Your patience is shorter.
Noise is suddenly overwhelming.
Your calendar feels impossible.
A stressful conversation can wipe you out.
And things you used to handle without thinking now feel like A LOT.

Sound familiar?

After a head knock, your ability to tolerate stress can change. Your brain may be working harder to process information, regulate your responses and manage everyday demands.

So when your usual capacity is already being stretched, even the normal stuff can feel overwhelming.

It’s not about “toughening up”.

It’s about understanding what your brain and nervous system are dealing with while you recover.

If stress feels completely different since your head impact, don’t ignore it.

Book a consultation to explore your symptoms and get support with your recovery.

Ready to understand what’s going on? Book your appointment via the link in bio.

Sending someone back onto the field with a head injury is like sending them back out with a broken leg.

We wouldn’t look at a broken leg and say, “You seem fine - get back out there.”

So why do we sometimes treat concussion differently?

A concussion is a brain injury. The absence of obvious symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean the brain has fully recovered.

Returning to sport needs to be about more than simply asking, “Do you feel okay?”

It’s about understanding what’s happening beneath the surface and supporting the body and brain through recovery.

Because when it comes to concussion, playing through it isn’t a badge of honour.

It’s a reason to stop, assess and take recovery seriously.

🧠 If you’re navigating concussion or ongoing post-concussion symptoms, Beyond the Brain can help you understand the bigger picture.

Let’s talk concussion in kids’ sport - and the signs you might not immediately recognise.

A concussion doesn’t always look like a child collapsing on the sidelines.

Sometimes, the signs show up later. And sometimes they’re subtle.

Things to look out for include:

• Headache or head pressure
• Dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Blurred or double vision
• Feeling unusually tired or “flat”
• Changes in sleep
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Irritability, emotional changes or unusual behaviour
• Slower thinking or difficulty keeping up at school
• Saying they just “don’t feel right”

And importantly, symptoms can change over time. A child may seem okay immediately after an incident and develop symptoms later.

If you suspect a concussion, don’t encourage them to simply push through and play on. They should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional and managed according to current concussion guidelines.

Because when it comes to kids and concussion, noticing the signs matters.

Save this post for your next sports season and share it with a parent, coach or sporting club who needs to see it.