You know that feeling when you wake up and feel like your head is stuffed with wool? Or when you are trying to think of a word and you simply just can’t find it? It’s called brain fog. Forgetfulness and not thinking clearly is part of the deal and as a result one may feel sluggish, tired, detached and hopeless. It can feel so frustrating, right?
There are many possible causes and the process of discovering these can be a bit tricky and long, but it’s the only way to find relief.
Here is why you may be experiencing brain fog, and the tests you should be asking your doctor for:
Adrenal burn out
Burning the candles at both ends, poor quality sleep and chronic stress. Measure Cortisol, DHEA and Melatonin via a Salivary Hormone Analysis Test.
Thyroid Imbalance
Brain fog is a classic symptom of an underactive thyroid. Request for a Full Thyroid Panel via a Blood Test.
Hormones
Not enough Progesterone and too much Oestrogen in the second phase your cycle. Measure your hormones on day 21 of your cycle via a Salivary Hormone Analysis Test.
Hypoglycaemia
Sugar consumption and not enough whole foods from healthy plants and animals. Measure your Fasting Glucose levels as well as Insulin. Heavy sugar intake can develop a resistance to insulin; a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and also regulates the function of brain cells. Insulin strengthens the synaptic connections between brain cells, helping them to communicate better and thereby form stronger memories. So when insulin levels in the brain are lowered as the result of excess sugar consumption, cognition can be impaired.
Gluten Intolerance
In some previous posts I explored how gluten effects brain function with brain fog being one of the main symptoms.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance and allergies such as sinus or Hayfever or a congested head. Measure IgE, IgG, Histamine and Allergies via Blood Test. Also consider a Food Intolerance Test
Organophosphates
Exposure to Organophosphates, the most common pesticides used in agriculture, has been reported to not only cause brain fog but also affect our IQ. 12 toxins have been identified: Arsenic (rice bran and seafood), Lead (paint), Mercury (teeth amalgams), Toluene (solvent and used to make plastic), Ethanol (alcohol), DDT (insecticide), Tetrachloroethylene (dry cleaning fluids), Polycholorinated Biphenyls (carbon copy paper and engine coolant), Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (flame retardants), Fluoride (tap water and toothpaste), Chlorpyrifos (pesticide) and Manganese (stainless steel and soft drink cans).
Aluminum and Copper are two others that can be added to the list. Heavy metals effect mineral balance, which can concurrently contribute to brain fog. For instance too much copper, not enough zinc. Zinc is the intelligence mineral.
Glyphosate is another very common pesticide and weedicide found in our foods which has shown to be a very potent neurotoxin causing many neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Get a Blood Test as well as a Hair Mineral Analysis Test. And buy organic produce especially if pregnant.
Lack of Oxygen
Lack of Oxygen caused by poor posture, sinus congestion, allergies, lack of exercise, working and living in closed rooms with little ventilation. These directly affect the way you breathe in oxygen. Oxygen is the number one fuel for the body.
Nutrient deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies such as Iron, Iodine, Folate and B12. Measure these via a Blood Test.
Gut infections
An overgrowth or undergrowth of Bacteria, Candida or Parasites can present with brain fog. Request for a Comprehensive Stool Analysis Test to measure what should be there as well as what shouldn’t be there.
Other infections
Systemic Infections such as Glandular fever. Measure these via a Blood Test.
You should also:
– Drink 3% of your body weight (kg), which equals the number of litres required per day. Broth, non-caffeinated herbal teas and filtered water are considered fluids.
– Check the side effects of your drugs.
– Chronic illness, which presents with pain and inflammation generally can be very debilitating and cause brain fog and mental fatigue.
Next week we will explore the amazing foods and exercises that boost brainpower, clarity and focus.
References:
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/03/the-toxins-that-threaten-our-brains/284466/
https://www.drlwilson.com/articles/brain_fog.htm
https://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/roundup-weedkiller-brain-damaging-neurotoxin
https://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2015/04/06/sugar-brain-mental-health_n_6904778.html?ir=Australia
https://hypothyroidmom.com/are-you-living-life-with-thyroid-brain-fog/
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