We Are BHERI
By designing and directing research, and reviewing the latest research from NIH and major universities, BHERI is providing solutions to brain health issues.
Our History
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
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 influences long-term health, disease and dementia risk, and recovery from injuries, including 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.
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
Our main research objective 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.
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