Concussions seem to be everywhere in the news today. The ominous reports state that, “if you play football (at least professionally), YOU HAVE CTE”.
Dr. John DeWitt, author of Head Games: Concussions & CTE, earned a full football scholarship at Vanderbilt University after his first semester. He went on to play twelve years of professional football and, after retiring, attended Pharmacy School at the University of Arkansas Medical School.
Frustrated with the pharmaceutical solutions, he then shifted his focus to a more holistic view. He went on to get his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree from Southern California University of Health Sciences. His thirst for knowledge led him to get certified in Advanced Sports Nutrition and Concussion Evaluation.
As a member of the NFLPA, Dr. DeWitt has seen too many of his former teammates suffering with cognitive dysfunction. It wasn’t just former pro players, either. His good friend was an amazing linebacker in the SEC that took his own life when he was only 22.
Don’t miss this amazing interview in which Dr. DeWitt brings a unique perspective on the effects concussions and mild traumatic brain injury (Mtbi) have on a body, the neurometabolic changes that occur, and nutritional changes that can help speed recovery and even add a second layer of protection from concussions for our delicate brains.
ABOUT DR. JOHN DEWITT
JOHN DEWITT – was a “late bloomer”. He didn’t even start on his high school football team until his senior year. Later, he would walk-on to the team at Vanderbilt University and earn a scholarship after only one semester. He was awarded second team all SEC honors as well as Defensive MVP at Vanderbilt and went on to play for the Houston Oilers of the NFL. The Oilers then sent him to Europe to where he won the World Bowl in 1996 with the Scottish Claymores. The next decade found Dr. DeWitt playing in a variety of football leagues from the CFL, in Montreal, to the XFL in San Francisco.
After football, Dr. DeWitt went on to a year of pharmacy school before deciding to take a more holistic approach. He attended Southern California University of Health Sciences and got his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree. He became an Advanced Sports Nutrition Specialist and is certified in concussion assessment. His father currently suffers with early onset dementia which is what has driven him to study, more in depth, about brain health, concussions and natural ways to protect the brain. Personally, Dr. DeWitt suffered at least 4 concussions during his football career. His mission is to share what he has learned both from a personal and professional perspective.
