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Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

🧠 Supportive Naturopathic Strategies for NPH

1️⃣ Anti-Inflammatory Brain Nutrition

Chronic inflammation may worsen neurological symptoms.

Foods to emphasize:

  • Wild salmon, sardines (omega-3s)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Blueberries, blackberries
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale)
  • Turmeric + black pepper
  • Walnuts
  • Pumpkin seeds (zinc)

Avoid:

  • Refined sugar
  • Processed seed oils
  • Ultra-processed foods

A Mediterranean-style diet is ideal.

2️⃣ Key Nutrients for Brain & Nerve Support

(Always review with a healthcare provider before starting supplements.)

Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)

  • Reduces neuroinflammation
  • Supports neuron membrane integrity

Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)

  • Prevents neuropathy-like symptoms that may worsen gait issues
  • Especially important in older adults

Folate + B6

  • Help lower homocysteine (linked to cognitive decline)

Magnesium (glycinate or threonate)

  • Supports nerve signaling
  • May reduce muscle stiffness

Vitamin D

  • Low levels correlate with cognitive decline
  • Important in Vancouver due to limited winter sunlight

3️⃣ Circulation & Microvascular Support

Brain perfusion matters in NPH.

Ginkgo biloba

  • May improve cerebral blood flow
  • Some evidence for mild cognitive benefit

CoQ10

  • Supports mitochondrial energy production in brain cells

Nattokinase (use caution)

  • Sometimes used for circulation
  • Avoid if on blood thinners

4️⃣ Herbal Anti-Inflammatories

  • Turmeric (curcumin extract with bioperine)
  • Boswellia
  • Green tea (EGCG)

These may support neuroprotection but do not treat fluid buildup.

5️⃣ Lymphatic & CSF Flow Support (Adjunctive)

There is emerging interest in the brain’s glymphatic system (CSF waste clearance).

Supportive strategies:

  • Sleep on side (improves glymphatic clearance)
  • Elevate head slightly at night
  • Gentle neck mobility exercises
  • Craniosacral therapy (anecdotal, not strongly evidence-based)

6️⃣ Physical & Neurological Rehabilitation

Since gait disturbance is central:

  • Supervised physiotherapy
  • Balance training
  • Tai Chi
  • Pool therapy

Movement helps prevent rapid decline.

7️⃣ Gut–Brain Axis Support

Neuroinflammation is influenced by gut health.

Probiotic-rich foods:

  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kimchi
  • Plain yogurt

Prebiotic fibers:

  • Cooked/cooled potatoes
  • Green bananas
  • Chicory root

Here’s a 7-day anti-inflammatory meal plan designed to support brain health, circulation, gut integrity, and stable blood sugar — all helpful in conditions like Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (as supportive care, not treatment).

This plan follows a Mediterranean-style, low-inflammatory approach with omega-3s, polyphenols, fiber, and mineral density.

🧠 Anti-Inflammatory Brain-Support Meal Plan (7 Days)

General Daily Foundations

Every day include:

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1–2 cups leafy greens
  • 1 cup berries
  • Fatty fish 3–4x/week
  • 30–40g fiber total
  • Green tea or herbal tea
  • 2–2.5L filtered water

🥗 DAY 1

Breakfast

  • Steel-cut oats
  • Blueberries + walnuts
  • Cinnamon
  • Green tea

Lunch

  • Wild salmon
  • Quinoa
  • Arugula + olive oil + lemon
  • Pumpkin seeds

Dinner

  • Lentil vegetable stew (carrots, celery, garlic, turmeric)
  • Side of steamed broccoli

🥑 DAY 2

Breakfast

  • Plain Greek yogurt
  • Ground flaxseed
  • Raspberries
  • Raw honey (small amount)

Lunch

  • Sardines on sourdough
  • Mixed greens salad
  • Olive oil + apple cider vinegar

Dinner

  • Roast chicken thighs
  • Sweet potato
  • Sautéed kale + garlic

🥬 DAY 3

Breakfast

  • 2 eggs cooked in olive oil
  • Avocado
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Black coffee or green tea

Lunch

  • Chickpea + cucumber + tomato bowl
  • Feta
  • Olive oil + oregano

Dinner

  • Baked cod
  • Brown rice
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts

🫐 DAY 4

Breakfast

  • Smoothie:
    • Spinach
    • Frozen blueberries
    • Unsweetened almond milk
    • Chia seeds
    • Protein powder (clean, no artificial sweeteners)

Lunch

  • Turkey lettuce wraps
  • Sauerkraut
  • Side of carrots

Dinner

  • Grass-fed beef stir fry
  • Bok choy
  • Mushrooms
  • Ginger + garlic

🥕 DAY 5

Breakfast

  • Steel-cut oats
  • Almond butter
  • Blackberries

Lunch

  • Tuna (olive oil packed)
  • White beans
  • Red onion
  • Parsley

Dinner

  • Baked trout
  • Asparagus
  • Quinoa

🥒 DAY 6

Breakfast

  • Cottage cheese
  • Sliced pear
  • Ground flax

Lunch

  • Lentil + spinach soup
  • Side salad

Dinner

  • Roast lamb
  • Cauliflower mash
  • Green beans

🥦 DAY 7

Breakfast

  • Omelet (mushrooms, onions, spinach)
  • Avocado

Lunch

  • Leftover lamb salad bowl
  • Mixed greens
  • Olive oil dressing

Dinner

  • Mackerel
  • Sweet potato
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Turmeric + black pepper

🧠 Anti-Inflammatory Add-Ons

Daily options:

  • Turmeric tea
  • Ginger tea
  • 1 square 85% dark chocolate
  • Handful of walnuts
  • Brazil nuts (2 for selenium)

🚫 Avoid / Minimize

  • Refined sugar
  • Processed meats
  • Fried foods
  • Seed oils (canola, soybean, corn oil)
  • Soda
  • White bread
  • Heavy alcohol

🧂 Salt & Fluid Note (Important in NPH)

Do not aggressively restrict fluids unless instructed by a physician.
Hydration supports circulation and glymphatic function.

🛒 Grocery List Snapshot

Proteins

  • Salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout
  • Eggs
  • Lentils
  • Chickpeas
  • Grass-fed beef
  • Chicken thighs
  • Greek yogurt

Produce

  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Broccoli
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberries
  • Avocado
  • Garlic
  • Ginger

Healthy Fats

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Flaxseed

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