What's that thing called, oh yeah, Brain Fog
OMG the Brain Fog I endured after my babies seemed like eternity. I thought I’d never get my brain firing on all cylinders again. A constant state of brain sluginess. That was normal right? I’d forget why I went into a room, forget my train of thought half way though and my classic, I’d forget where I put my wallet as I was holding it in my hand.
In the clinical sense, brain “fog” is a constellation of symptoms that include reduced cognition, inability to concentrate and multitask, as well as loss of short and long term memory.
I didn’t realize ALL the factors that were contributing to it, and most of all I didn’t know I could do something about it. I just thought, this is a normal part of aging and having kids #Babybrain . NOPE, it wasn’t until I eliminated all the noise, or rather, the stress my body was encountering on the daily was I able to gain more mental clarity.
So what was it?
The biggest factor I see for Brain fogs is inflammation. Inflammation from 1. Consuming foods that cause damage to our microbiome (inflammatory foods or those that contain toxic particles (ie. Round-Up/glyphosate, preservatives, artificial compounds)) 2. Consuming / absorbing another form of toxic particles (personal care products that contain preservatives, plastics or other bad for you ingredients). Both of which cause microbiome dysbiosis. Healing my gut had a DRAMATIC effect on my body and overall brain function and now we have scientific research to prove it! Like this study This one
To a lesser degree, the other factors for brain fog include:
Chronic stress (Adrenal Fatigue)
Lack of quality sleep
Diet (poorly regulated blood sugar, insufficient nutrients, imbalance of Omega-6 & Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Leaky Gut
Hormonal changes (which often are a result of the above mentioned inflammation)
Heavy Metal toxicity (mercury , lead,
Chronic Mold exposure
What can you do?
Become more aware of the ingredients you are choosing to consume on a daily basis and remove any products/foods that could be impacting your brain function. Searching the EW.org database for each ingredient to ensure its safety for your person.
Perform an elimination diet to become aware of how the foods you’re choosing to consume effect your body.
Consume real whole food including organic produce, pasture raised poultry, heritage raised pork or grass fed beef to minimize toxic exposures.
Be mindful of sugar consumption and how it effects your overall wellbeing, aiming for no more than 25g/day.
Prioritize stress reduction techniques (meditation, mindfulness, walks in nature, lymphatic stimulation, utilize adaptogens and herbal remedies).
Prioritize sleep, 7-8 hours is necessary.
Consume quality supplements to enhance brain function (Lions Mane, Omega-3 with DHA, B-Vitamins (B9 folic acid, B6 and B12), Choline, Phosphatidylserine, magnesium, vitamin D3, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and there are many more
Engage in light to moderate physical activity at least 10 minutes a day preferably outside.
Seeks a functional medicine practitioner for assessing your bodies mold / heavy metal exposures.
For more information, check out these well respected sources
https://themodelhealthshow.com/better-brain/
https://themodelhealthshow.com/create-a-superhero-brain/
https://drhyman.com/blog/2016/06/10/7-steps-to-a-super-brain/
https://drhyman.com/blog/2021/05/24/podcast-hc57/
https://drhyman.com/blog/2020/06/29/podcast-hc16/
https://bebrainfit.com/brain-inflammation/
https://drwillcole.com/brain-health/brain-health-fix-a-foggy-brain-with-functional-medicine
https://psychcentral.com/news/2019/12/01/inflammation-linked-to-the-brain-fog-of-chronic-illness#1