We have all experienced the occasional uncomfortable symptom of brain fog. But what about when it becomes persistent? Chronic brain fog not only negatively affects our work performance but can be the cause of injuries or car accidents that can be life threatening both for ourselves and others. Brain fog often occurs together with poor memory and lack of concentration and can be a sign of a potentially more serious health issue that needs to be addressed.
Many people experience brain fog both with viral infection and more recently post-viral “long-haul syndrome”, as commonly suffered with SARS-CoV-2. It is suspected that viruses stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines that cross the blood brain barrier during infection and affect the brain. These same inflammatory cytokines can be stimulated through other types of infection, like Lyme, yeast/Candida infection, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and other conditions frequently associated with brain fog.
Brain fog can be related to many types of digestive disorders, including IBS and Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). These disorders are exacerbated by “leaky gut”, in which tight junctions between cells in the intestinal lining widen, allowing food particles and bacteria through that stimulate a chronically overactive immune response. This leads to multiple food sensitivities, which contribute to brain fog.
What about hormones? Hypothyroidism frequently leads to brain fog; thyroid hormone receptors exist on the surface of every cell in our body including our brain and directly affect areas that influence our cognitive function. Many women complain of brain fog during menopause, as lowering levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone also play a big role in brain (and gut) function. Chronic sleep deprivation due to elevated stress or lowered hormones is a potentially a big contributor to brain fog.
Brain fog can be debilitating, as well as complex to treat; at Vital Health, we dig deep to uncover the cause(s). Tools to lift the fog include gut repair protocols, antimicrobial herbs, and targeted immune and hormonal support. Time-tested acupuncture boosts and balances hormones, increases blood flow to the brain, and reduces inflammation. Recover your brain and your clarity naturally!
©2022 Darcy Greenwald, M.S.O.M., L.Ac. and Vital Health
