Cavin Balaster: The Man Who Survived a Traumatic Brain Injury and Became a Nutrition Expert

Cavin Balaster is a man who defied the odds and overcame a devastating brain injury that nearly killed him. His story is one of courage, perseverance and transformation.

Balaster was a musician and sound engineer who loved to travel and explore new cultures. He had a zest for life and a curious mind.

But everything changed on October 12, 2011, when he fell 20 feet from a rooftop water tower and landed on his head. He suffered a severe diffuse axonal injury (DAI), which is one of the most common and devastating types of brain trauma. He was rushed to the hospital and put into a medically induced coma to save his life.

He remained in a coma for 12 days, during which he had several complications, such as pneumonia, blood clots and seizures. He had to be put into a second coma to stabilize his condition. He also underwent several surgeries to relieve the pressure on his brain and to insert a feeding tube into his stomach.

When he finally woke up from his coma, he was unable to eat, walk, talk or remember anything. He had lost most of his cognitive abilities and motor skills. He had to relearn everything from scratch, such as how to swallow, breathe, speak and move. He also had to cope with emotional and behavioral changes, such as depression, anxiety and anger.

But Balaster did not give up on himself or his recovery. He was determined to regain his health and his life. He started to research everything he could about brain injury and nutrition. He learned that nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the brain's healing and function. He realized that the hospital food he was given was not optimal for his recovery and that he needed to feed his brain with the right nutrients.

He decided to take charge of his own nutrition and started to follow a ketogenic diet, which is a high-fat, low-carb diet that helps the brain produce ketones, which are an alternative fuel source for the brain. He also supplemented his diet with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. He noticed that his brain fog lifted, his memory improved and his mood stabilized.

He also started to exercise regularly, do cognitive training, practice meditation and engage in social activities. He gradually regained his physical and mental abilities and became more independent. He also regained his passion for music and sound engineering.

Balaster's recovery journey inspired him to share his story and his knowledge with others who are facing similar challenges. He created a website called Adventures in Brain Injury, where he documents his progress and provides resources and information about brain injury and nutrition. He also wrote a book called "How to Feed a Brain: Nutrition for Optimal Brain Function and Repair", where he explains the science behind nutrition and brain health and provides practical tips and recipes for feeding the brain.

He also hosts a podcast called Adventures in Brain Injury Podcast, where he interviews experts and survivors of brain injury and other neurological conditions. He also offers consultations and coaching services for people who want to optimize their brain health and function.

Balaster's story is an example of how nutrition can make a difference in the recovery of brain injury. He shows that with the right mindset, attitude and support, anything is possible. He proves that there is always hope for healing and growth.

Source: Conversation with Bing

(1) Adventures in Brain Injury. https://adventuresinbraininjury.com/.

(2) About - Learn how to Feed a Brain!. https://feedabrain.com/about/.

(3) Recovery Potential Partnership - Adventures in Brain Injury. https://adventuresinbraininjury.com/consult/.