We Are BHERI

By designing and directing research as well as reviewing the latest research from NIH and major universities, BHERI is providing solutions to brain health issues.

Brain Health Education and Research Institute was founded by Dr. Michael Lewis in 2011 to pursue educational and research endeavors to further our knowledge of natural and nutritional ways to improve brain health. The initial focus of the Institute is educating providers and the public on the use of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of the brain prior to or following injury such as traumatic brain injury or concussion. With Dr. Lewis’ 30-plus years of military experience, a special emphasis is working towards improving the care and outcomes of our military personnel and veterans who have experienced psychological or physical trauma to the brain.

Understanding that the brain is comprised of lipids (fats), the Institute’s president, Michael Lewis, MD, MPH, MBA, FACPM, has pioneered the use of this basic building block to rebuild the injured brain. It’s analogous to: if a brick wall is damaged, use bricks to rebuild the wall. The most important of these fats, the bricks of the brain, are the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Given the well-documented safety and tolerability, prevention and treatment with omega-3s hold great promise in the field of traumatic brain injury.

FAQ

Q: How will these supplements benefit me as I recover from my brain injury?

A: By saturating the body with the nutrients included in our carefully curated Brain Pak and Brain Pak +, the body is given the proper chance to relax and heal, as well as maintain and increase quality of life and productivity at the same time.

Q: I am currently taking prescription medications. Will these supplements interact with them?

A: The supplements offered to you are backed by extensive research and product trials. However, If you suspect that any of the ingredients in our products may interact or cause you to react adversely to the medications you are currently taking, we advise that you contact your healthcare provider before beginning the at-home protocol.

Q: How often should I re-order?

A: Our protocol is designed to last 30 days (roughly one month) when used perfectly, or taken every day as directed. It is recommended that you reorder at least 7 days before you run out to ensure there are no gaps in your protocol.

Q: What does the typical treatment plan look like?

A: Treatment differs according to your specific case and injury. We start everyone on the at-home protocol for a period of time. If significant improvement is seen, you will remain on the at-home protocol until your score on the MPQ (monthly progress questionnaire) nears 0. If improvement is not seen on the at-home protocol alone, you will then be scheduled for blood work and a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Lewis to discuss further treatment and the root cause of your symptoms.

Feed the Brain At Every Age

One of the greatest interests to the Institute is protecting children as they are in the development stage of brain growth. Nourishing a child’s brain is incredibly important to their future health and happiness. Early development sets the stage for the ongoing health or risks of disease, dementia as well as ability to recover from common injuries like concussions.

The adult brain is in constant state of change as well and it continually needs to be fed to maintain health. Preventing loss of mass due to ageing is critical to the protection of health and function. The Institute’s Health Resource Center will guide visitors to the best information for all stages of life and situations.

Omega-3 Research: An Untapped Field

The main research objective of the Institute is to develop, guide, fund, and oversee the research necessary to provide the scientific foundation to answer clinical questions on the use of omega-3s for a variety of conditions to include concussions, PTSD, and other psychological conditions. The NIH and other sources fund basic sciences, however, true clinical research efforts are few and disjointed.

There are only a select number of omega-3 researchers in the field and they are poorly funded and lack a unified direction. The Institute was formed to ask the right questions and guide the research, with an emphasis on clinical trials, to solve the difficult problems to benefit the broad range of individuals who suffer from TBI.

“What the science shows is the quicker you get someone back to exercise after a head injury, the faster they recover.”

- Dr. Michael Lewis