Q: Dr Sears, I was in a car accident 2 1/2 years ago and sustained multiple injuries on the right side of my body mostly. I have not yet returned to former activity levels due to continued pain from the right knee and elbow (I would love to go walking regularly). I am told I need a knee replacement ASAP. I had been eating in the Zone since 2000, lost 40 pounds and was a happy rock-climbing fool. No one could guess I was 47 at the time of the accident. I struggle most now with keeping caloric intake down, avoiding comfort foods and being able to grocery shop for myself. My family has totally bucked the healthy eating habits I had established. I live in the Seattle area and did not see any Zone-supportive Physicians listed. I just want to get the 20 pounds off that I have gained in the past two years and optimize the anti- inflammatory diet. I was told brain injury also has a high rate of early-onset dementia. I want to beat those statistics also. I am not taking any NSAIDs unless I have extremely overdone myself with a walk or other activity. Is there a concentrated Zone for intensive situations?
A: For the brain trauma you will need much higher levels of EPA and DHA to rebuild the neural tissue. I would recommend at least 10 grams of EPA and DHA per day. Another benefit of a higher dose EPA and DHA is the ability of EPA to inhibit the binding of endocannabinoids to their receptors in the brain that cause hunger. With increased satiety will come even more rapid fat loss and a highly reduced likelihood of dementia.