Ep #101 | Fixing a Concussion: You Have the Building Blocks to Heal Your Brain with Dr. Paul Hrkal
Dr. Hrkal is a board-certified Naturopathic doctor with a clinical practice in the Toronto area at 2 integrative clinics. He has a special interest in neurological health, chronic pain and brain injuries, writing and lecturing extensively on these topics. He is a member of the scientific advisory board of Complete Concussion Management, an international leader in research-based concussion management education, and is the co-founder of The Concussion Fix. He also has extensive experience in the natural health industry where he has been a scientific advisor and medical director for nearly a decade educating clinicians and formulating science-based products.
I reached out to Dr. Hrkal specifically in regards to women and how a concussion impacts our hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal (HPA) axis, our hormones, and our health overall. During this episode, we also talk about sleep, the care that can be implemented, and how to get connected with practitioners who can help you move faster on your trajectory towards healing.
Here are the main topics of this amazing conversation:
- How a concussion can change your life.
- What are the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome?
- Stopping inflammation is a must in order to start healing.
- How our nervous systems have been impacted by the pandemic.
- What is the hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal (HPA) axis, and how can a concussion impact it?
- Tests you should ask for when consulting a doctor.
- Hormones and brain injuries.
- Why women have double the chance of getting a brain injury.
- Nutritional steps you can take to protect and heal your brain.
- Different magnesiums for different effects.
- The most effective dietary approach to support brain injury recovery.
- Dr. Hrkal explains how The Concussion Fix works.
Hoping this episode can help you or someone you love to ease the path towards healing from brain injury. Wishing more simplicity and ease in all that you do!
You can connect to this episode on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher by searching The Simplicity Sessions, or visiting www.jennpike.com/podcast.
Learn more about Dr. Paul Hrkal :
Email Dr. Hrkal at paulhrkalnd@gmail.com
Visit Dr. Paul Hrkal’s website
The Concussion Fix: An online evidence-based, step-by-step plan to feeling better and recovering from a concussion or brain injury all from your own home at your own pace. Nutrition, mindfulness, sleep, neck exercises, hormones and so much more!
Online working with Jenn:
To register for my signature program The Hormone Project and work with me 1:1 to support your health, hormones, and more, please join the waitlist at www.jennpike.com/thehormoneproject.
You can now start this program at any time, take it at your own pace, and have a live group, weekly coaching classes, with me and my team as well. You will get lifetime access to the program, starting with a 1:1 session with me, testing, classes, core modules, my recipes, exercise calendar, and masterclass series. We are waiting for you to join the Hormone Project!
The Synced Program is now available for registration, learn how to tune your body to the lunar cycle, and acquire a multidisciplinary approach to balance your body in less than 30 minutes a day!
This is a membership site where you will get lifetime access to more than 60 classes according to each phase, plus the masterclasses I give every month. Don´t miss the 50% discount we are offering for a limited time!
Learn more about our amazing show partners
I want to share with you some amazing tips about allergy relief. How can you support your immunity for allergies? First of all, cutting down dairy 100% made a difference for me but later on in life, we moved to our house which is surrounded by nature and I have noticed during certain months that my son and I get a little irritated. What we use is Allergy Relief by Saint Francis Herb Farm which is a tincture formula, it is non-drowsy and it is amazing when you get sneezy, congested or if you have itchy eyes. The gorgeous combination of specific herbs, adaptogens, and homeopathic ingredients makes this tincture my favorite when it comes to fighting allergy symptoms. I have clients that have also used the Sinafect when they have acute sinus congestion.
Create a more simple life with Saint Francis Herb Farm products, You can order through Pure Feast, use the promo code JENNPIKE and save 10% off all of your purchases.
My second tip for today is about hair nourishment when your hair starts to feel really dry. There is an oil called Nourish from Skin Essense Organics which is immensely rich in specific oils that could be applied on the skin and also on the hair. I use two pumps of oil on my hand and hug the bottom of my hair and squeeze down.
While shopping at Skin Essence enter the code jennpike20 for 20% OFF your purchases www.skinessence.ca — Canada www.skinessenceorganics.com — USA and International.
With regards to support and balance for your skin, you should know collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and that is why I constantly use a lot of collagen in elixirs and smoothies. I can have marine and bovine collagen but I have recently experimented with Collagen Building Protein Peptides by Sunwarrior which helps my body create collagen on its own, and are plant-based amino acids and peptides that are precursors to collagen.
Sunwarrior is committed to producing the most amazing plant-based proteins and superfoods, with the mission of transforming not only our bodies but the planet. It is time to turn back to nature!
Learn more about Jenn’s work:
Ignite your Life with Jenn Pike
The Hormone Project
The Simplicity Project Shop for books, DVDs, programs, and much more!
Quotes:
“You have to address every piece of the pie for your healing when it comes to brain injury.”
“When your brain is inflamed you can’t get better until you stop that inflammation.”
“Brain injuries are a stressor.”
“Women have double the chance to get a brain injury.”
“You have the building blocks to properly heal your brain.”
“You need iron to adequately transport the oxygen into your cells.”
“Vitamin D is a powerful neuro-hormone.”
“Not all magnesium is created equal.”
“Avoiding gluten is the most effective way to reduce inflammation.”
“Nutrition has to come before you jump into pills and supplements.”
Additional Information About Jenn:
Jenn studied and graduated with honors in Human Anatomy and Physiology with such a passion that it propelled her to continue her education over many years. Jenn is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Faculty of the Toronto Yoga Conference, Pre & Post Natal Yoga Expert, STOTT Pilates trained instructor, Twist Sport Conditioning Coach, Spin Instructor Crossfit Level 1 Coaching, among other certifications she got along the way. She is also a guest Holistic Expert for Breakfast Television, Global, CHCH, Rogers Tv and writes columns for STRONG Fitness Magazine, iRun magazine, Savvy Mom and contributes to Inside Fitness Magazine, The Toronto Star and Sun. She is also a proud educator and ambassador to Genuine Health, Nature’s Emporium, and Juice Plus.
Jenn is a proud mama to two beautiful souls and her best teachers of life. She resides on Lake Simcoe in Keswick with her husband and two children.