🧠 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