Brain fog - modern epidemic?Brain fog affects countless millions of people and almost everyone experiences it from time to time. It can include feeling spacy, confused, forgetful, lost, tired, along with difficulty thinking, concentrating, focussing, and completing tasks. Although brain fog is not recognized as a disease or disorder, it is a "condition" or form of "cognitive dysfunction" that most people can identify with. A surprisingly large number of people live with brain fog and think that because they regularly (or constantly) feel foggy that it must be normal.
Although the brain weighs about 3% of our body mass, it uses about 30% of the calories. It requires a significant amount of energy, oxygen, and nutrition. It is also delicate and sensitive. Impaired energy production, allergies/sensitivities, changes to "fuel supply" (nutrition) or oxygen supply can profoundly affect brain functioning and cause brain fog. Brain fog can be caused by a wide range of "forces":
Dehydration / Insufficient Hydration Dehyration / insufficient hydration can cause brain fogAlmost every function in the body is monitored and tied to the efficient flow of water within the body and proper hydration at a cellular level. Water plays the key role in transporting hormones, chemical messengers, nutrients, and range of other processes. Most people are chronically dehydrated but do not know it nor understand the importance of proper hydration. Coffee, tea, sodas, and juices are simply not substitutes for water. In fact, many flavored drinks are dehyrating. Thirst is not an early-stage signal of dehyration, it is a late-stage signal. It takes several weeks of drinking sufficient amounts of good quality water to attain proper hydration at a deep cellular level. Hypoglycemia can cause brain fogHypoglycemia can starve the brain of fuel triggering brain fog. Unlike muscles, the brain does not store fuel - it must have a steady fuel supply. The brain is very sensitive to changes in fuel supply. If the fuel supply varies, it is somewhat like changing the voltage to a computer or sensitive piece of electronic equipment. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia are confusion, irritability, forgetfulness, and even blackouts. When affected, a person may not be able to remember important details like their name, address, or phone number. Symptoms usually occur several hours after a meal, and may come on suddenly. Eating a piece of fruit or something with sugar can often relieve hypoglycemia symptoms within 10 or 15 minutes. Many people, including young children and adults of all ages, experience large blood sugar swings throughout the day. A breakfast of sweetened cereal, pastry, or juice drives up blood sugar. This is followed by a mid morning drop in blood sugar which many attempt to relieve with a sweet snack, juice, soda, or sweetened drink. This pushes blood sugar back up again, followed by another drop around noon. Lunch may include soda pop, sweetened sauces (ketchup, salad dressing), bread rolls, pastas, chocolate milk, and other food which contain sugar or affect blood sugar. Blood sugar then rises, and falls again at mid-afternoon. Blood sugar swings can make it very difficult, if not impossible, for people to think clearly. Blood sugar swings are also closely tied to energy levels and mood swings.
Candida overgrowth can cause brain fogBrain fog symptoms can be due to the production of alcohol and acetaldehyde by the Candida organism (yeast organism). Although no alcohol is actually consumed by the person, it causes them to behave as if slightly inebriated. Acetaldehyde is also toxic to the brain. Fruit, juices,and other sugars feed Candida and can bring on symptoms rapidly in susceptible people. Carbohydrates break down to sugar in the intestines. Excessive carbohydrates in the diet can also cause symptoms, usually of a more chronic nature. Brain fog can also be caused by a yeast die-off triggered by a dietary change, cleanse/detox program, or even a shift in metabolism. As the yeast die, they release various toxins that can induce symptoms of brain fog. Chronic fatigue can cause brain fogThe brain requires a lot of energy. Impaired energy production or reduced oxygen upatake can significantly affect brain function and cause chronic fatigue-like symptoms. Regardless of the cause, fatigue can cause mental confusion and symptoms of brain fog. This is particulary true of chronic stress and adrenal fatigue but also includes infections, illnesses, nutritional deficiency/imbalance, toxins, and other diseases. Infections not only drain overall energy, they produce toxins that can cause brain fog. Illness(es) can impair normal metabolism which then affects brain function. Nutritional imbalances are a common cause of brain problems. Toxins from insect bites, impaired digestion, exposure to molds, mildews, fungi, chemicals and many other sources affect energy production and cause brain fog.
Food intolerances / sensitivities / allergies can cause brain fogFood sensitivites and allergic reactions can directly affect energy production, leading to brain fog. Food reactions can cause histamine release within the nervous system. Nervous system allergies can be severe, including extreme irritability, confusion, and even psychotic behavior. Food reactions commonly irritate the intestine, causing leaky gut syndrome and the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream. Many people are sensitive to wheat and cow milk products (the problem is, most do not know that they are). Anyone experiencing brain fog should eliminate these foods from their diet to see if the symptoms diminish. This reduces or eliminates brain fog for a surprising number of people. Gluten containing foods such as wheat, rye, oats, and barley can also cause reactions in susceptible individuals. Some food and water-borne substances are neurotoxic. This includes pesticide residues, fungicide residues, heavy metals, bacterial toxins, fungal toxins, fluoride, chlorine, and other water contaminants. Any of these may contribute to brain fog. Nutrient deficiencies can cause foggy brainSignificant improvement in brain function is a common side effect of proper nutrition. The brain requires many nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Among the most important nutrients are calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, L-glutamine, L-taurine, choline, thiamine, B6, B12 and other B vitamins. B-vitamin deficiency is known to cause confusion, irritability, stupor, and even death. Brain fog can also be caused by an electrolyte imbalance, which often occurs after excessive physical exertion, sweating, or vomiting.
Metal toxicity and mineral imbalances can cause brain fogBrain fog and other more serious brain problems can accompany heavy metal toxicity. All toxic metals are neuro toxins, meaning they are toxic to our brains (in addition to our bodies). This includes lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminum, nickel, beryllium, and others. While many foods including most kinds of ocean fish contain small amounts of toxic metals, a healthy body is able to eliminate most of these toxins. It is the progressive accumulation of metals in the system which leads to health issues including brain fog. High levels of trace elements such as iron, manganese, and chromium can also affect brain activity and give rise to brain fog. A common cause of brain fog is a copper imbalance. Copper induces the production of the biogenic amines, epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Copper also affects the thyroid gland and female hormone levels. Excessive copper or biounavailable copper can result in mood swings, spaciness, racing thoughts, and excessive emotions. Causes of copper imbalance include stress, fatigue, weak adrenal function, zinc deficiency, birth control pills, copper intra-uterine devices, and copper contamination of food and water. Some women experience brain fog inline with their menstration. Vegetarian diets are particularly high in copper and low in zinc (a mineral that balances copper). Vegetarian diets tend to be low in other nutrients essential for brain function such as taurine, carnitine, essential fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, B vitamins, and others. High tissue levels of calcium and magnesium frequently cause reduced awareness, mental fatigue, and brain fog. The condition is sometimes called a calcium shell, as the person may feel slightly numb. Elevated tissue calcium raises the voltage at which nerve cells fire, leading to mental heaviness and a feeling of numbness. Liver / kidney / bowel toxicity, and/or poor digestion can cause brain fogToxicity can cause eliminative organs to be sluggish, resulting in brain fog. If our eliminative organs are not able to do their job properly, toxic chemicals such as ammonia remain in the blood stream. As the brain is delicate and requires a lot of blood flow, it is one of the first organs to be affected by toxins in the blood stream. Sluggish eliminative organs are common due to the enormous amount of chemicals we are now exposed to on a daily basis. Liver diseases such as hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and others also impair liver function. Stress, poor eating habits, weak digestive tracts, and intestinal infections, can cause food to putrefy and ferment in the intestines. Some of these toxins may be absorbed into the bloodstream. This can overwhelm the detoxification ability of the liver and kidneys. Constipation makes this problem significantly worse. Not drinking enough water, or drinking soda pop, excessive coffee, and other irritating beverages can damage the kidneys and reduce their ability to remove toxins from the blood. Liver, bowel, and kidney function are also affected by emotions. Liver and Kidney cleansing programs may temporarily relieve symptoms but they do not deal with issues such as food allergies, toxic chemicals in the diet, toxic environments, and nutrient deficiencies. Weekly Far Infrared saunas are excellent for detoxification. Daily skin brushing in the shower is a good detoxification method helpful for everyone.
Problems with the endocrine system can cause brain fogHormones are produced and regulated by the endocrine system. This system of glands throughout the brain and body regulate mood, growth, sexual function, reproductive processes and metabolic activity. The endocrine system includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (women) and testes (men). The brain and endocrine system are tightly linked together. Brain functioning relies on endocrine functioning. Endocrine functioning relies on brain functioning. If the endocrine system has problems producing or secreting one or more hormones, in the appropriate amount, at the appropriate time, then a person may experience a wide range of "baffling" health issues including brain fog. Problems with the endocrine system can cause problems with energy levels, moods, blood sugar levels, body temperature, sleep, sexual function, digestion, appetite, weight, and much more. Poor oxygenation can cause foggy brainA common cause of brain fog is reduced oxygen to the brain. This can be due to clogged arteries, improper breathing, or health conditions that impair oxygen uptake at a cellular level. Shallow breathing is far more common than acknowledged and can cause spaciness, confusion, and impaired cognition. When under stress our natural breathing pattern is affected - people do not breathe as deeply and regularly. Fear and anxiety often cause restricted breathing patterns. Physical diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema can impair respiration. Although not widely known, repeated exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide (chronic CO poisoning) can infuse into tissues in the body. The carbon monoxide becomes "locked" in the tissues, occupying oxygen carrying locations. This impairs oxygen uptake capacity.
Structural misalignment can cause brain fogA misaligned spine or pinched nerves may cause brain fog. The cause may be a head or body trauma. Sleeping in the wrong position, lifting incorrectly, and normal daily activities can also contribute to a nerve impingement that affects the brain. Chiropractic and osteopathic manipulation, physio therapy, and craniosacral therapy can be very helpful in dealing with structural misalignments, trauma, and the resulting brain fog. Medication can cause foggy brainPrescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause mental confusion, irritability, and other brain fog symptoms. This includes drugs for allergies, pain, high blood pressure, heart arrythmias, glaucoma, infections, depression, anxiety, inflammation, and others. Many people take more than one drug at a time which can have a wide range of unforseeable effects. Electromagnetic pollution can cause brain fogElectromagnetic fields (EMF's) from desktop computers, laptops, televisions, household appliances, cordless phones and wireless/mobile devices can [seriously] affect a percentage of people. It is thought that up to 5% of the population is highly sensitive and up to 30% are moderately sensitive to electromagnetic fields. While the percentage of people affected by exposure to electromagnetic fields is up to debate, there is a growing body of evidence showing that far more people are affected by EMF exposure than recognized. In all but the more serious cases, people affected by electromagnetic fields are usually unaware that EMF's are the cause. All forms of "brain stress" can cause brain fogAnything that causes a person to feel stressed - whether it be physical, emotional, financial, or environmental toxicity - all place stress on the brain and body. While the brain and body is designed to handle and respond to limited amounts of stress, it is not designed for long periods of ongoing stress (especially if multiple stressors are occuring at the same time). Chronic ongoing brain stress is thought to be a major contributor to the brain fog "epidemic."
Other causes of brain fog
How to reduce brain fogBrain fog affects millions of people and contributes to misery, poor productivity, failing school grades, crime, job loss, accidents, relationship and social problems.
Brain balance programs can also be exceptionally effectiveIt is now possible to "train your brain." Real measurable improvements can be achieved in weeks and without special knowledge or effort. We have seen many clients with brain fog and it has become one of our specialties. With our brain training programs we balance the brain to help it self-regulate and function more efficiently. In many cases this relieves clients of brain fog as well as other "symptoms" however, we do not "treat or cure" symptoms, we simply balance the brain. Clients frequently experience an increase in confidence, an improved sense of well being, and more hope for the future. Once the brain self-regulates more efficiently it positively affects all aspects of the person; issues that are psychological, physical, mental and emotional. There is no limit to the extent our brains can heal and grow. Look to a brain train program, brain support program, or even a meditation retreat.
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Removing the gluten fixed the aches, but the fog persists (probably due to decades of damage).
I tried Acetyl L-Carnitine... 1 gram a day mixed with water 1st thing in the morning.. Unbelievable.
After a week or so my cognition was coming back so hard it felt like I was on illegal stimulants!
I urge people to try it, it's worth a go.
I've been experiencing brain fog for four days now, I've been in the Emergency room twice for this condition because of how terrible it makes me feel and thus induces anxiety and panic attacks.
So far, I've not noticed anything that helps with my brain fog, I'm scheduled to see my family doctor in two days and I'm going to go over my symptoms. This page has been extremely insightful.
My email is tmbbutler@gmail.com , please e-mail me any breakthroughs you've had or are having with your brain-fog, or even discuss their worry and need someone who has the same symptoms and understands how awful it can be you can email me.
MOst labs only test for a few strains.
First things first basics: Diet (check out body ecology diet), Proper Hydration, Sleep, Fresh air and sunshine
Cleansing the bowels is essential and Near infrared sauna therapy can be a life saver
Other therapies include coffee enemas, slant board, Vitamin/mineral supplements, meditation
If you have been an alcoholic, high dose thiamine (up to 500mg or greater under supervision) either intravenously or orally may be needed, along with the other b vitamins (b12 especially)
If anybody needs any help or would like to share their ideas, I can be reached at:
iantb86@yahoo.com
I too have brain fog from smoking pot. I used to get it occasionally and it would last a couple days. My friends and I called it a "weed hangover". One day however, I was out smokin' with some friends and I woke up with brain fog, and it wouldn't go away. I still have it and it's been 11 years.
I don't smoke pot anymore.
Not to encourage misuse of substances, but I've found that Vocidin and Xanax helps. Either one will reduce the brain fog by about 50%."
Is there any way to contact the people that wrote these comments? If you see my comment J. Sarg I would really like to talk to you if I could. I'll keep checking this periodically in case you respond.
1. 9 hours of sleep every day.
2. 10 minutes of deep breathing every morn
(pranayam)
Imo it's preferable to try to get on your life with that new "normality" than spending time and money trying to solve a things no one know about.
Get test for classic things, like thyroid, major health problem like diabete, depression/anxiety, perhaps a MRI and spect if you can, then if all negative (as often in these cases) adapt to it, that's all
i see a endercrine consultant once a year and offten have tried explaining that i feel my cognative ablities just don't feel right. i somehow just feel wrong when compared against my colleagues and peers.
i know i am intelligent, but my issues include: recall, short term memory, processing information in real-time (things come to me about conversations i have had hours or days later), making the links (i just don't make connections between things i hear, again i may later but not at the time for sure), i feel socially isolated, have huge difficulties in remembering names and even people i mix with they may be speaking to me and it takes me a minute or two to figure out who it is, my mind races shooting off down rabit wholes, i have problems concentrating, i sometimes am just staring off into space, etc, etc; more!!
until now i have never heard the term brain fog. this is something i can now reference when next speaking to my consultant. it sounds slike sleep can be a element of cause, and to his credit he has referred me to the sleep unit but this never came to any thing significant; though it did identify that i micro woke much more than the average during the night, hence i may not be ggetting as much REM sleep as one should.
i would be interested in any comments, help! i know there is an amazing person trapped in me and i am getting so frustrated because it is if i can not get him out! i want to shine!!
thanks.
The harm caused by MJ doesn't even BEGIN to compare with the damage of chronic alcohol abuse.
This comes from an ex-drunk. During my drinking days the only time i didn't worry about brain damage from my drinking was when i was drunk. There were several times i couldn't even remember my own name. And i remember virtually nothing of the vast majority of my drinking years, all 20 of them.
Now i smoke MJ occassionally and it would come as a complete surprise to my coworkers or boss, they think i'm the best thing since sliced bread; no loss of motivation, no cognitive decline, no nothing. But i don't smoke tons of it, just a puff here and a puff there. In fact it helps me to concentrate.
The image of the burnt out stoner is a carryover from the Reagan years. There are some that do fit that stereotype but there are millions who catch a little buzz every once in awhile; no different than the person who has a couple beers or wine occassionally. As a parent i would prefer my kids to abstain from all drugs but if i had to pick one i would definitely prefer they smoke pot.
Alcohol is far and away the most dangerous drug on the planet:physical, mental deterioration, auto accidents, falls, broken marriages, abused spouses and kids, lost productivity, the list goes on and on.
Ask a doctor what they think. Ask a doctor how many of their patients problems are related to the drug alcohol. Ask them which drug poses the greatest threat. Which is also why so many doctors favor legalization or at least decriminalization.
I too have brain fog from smoking pot. I used to get it occasionally and it would last a couple days. My friends and I called it a "weed hangover". One day however, I was out smokin' with some friends and I woke up with brain fog, and it wouldn't go away. I still have it and it's been 11 years.
I don't smoke pot anymore.
Not to encourage misuse of substances, but I've found that Vocidin and Xanax helps. Either one will reduce the brain fog by about 50%.
I was suffering with brain fog, until diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome ( sticky blood) Treatment anticoagulation Clexane /Warfarin
I hope this helps someone
Lyme Disease could be a silent pandemic, effecting as much as two thirds of the US population and present on all other continents. Everyone who experiences symptoms should be tested for it.
My symptoms over the last 5 years have come and gone periodically, mostly mental fog, muscle fatigue, and bouts of delirium.
We all know the establishment’s practices only target symptoms to allow infinite profit off human suffering. Antibiotics are insufficient; you will need a serious and significant treatment in conjunction with a reliable holistic doctor.
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/08/04/Dr-Klinghardts-Treatment-of-Lyme-Disease.aspx
I remember in early college, I could see in my mind what I wanted to say from beginning to end, and then express it from beginning to end. Some years later I lost it. I now can't see the next sentence.
http://www.brainharmonycenter.com/brainwave-optimization-vs-biofeedback.html
And I'm sorry for blowin up at you. Must be a symptom. I'll just try and think about it really hard to stop being annoyed by self-praised spiritually enlightened moron making suggestions to a group he doesn't belong to.
I am using the home care therapy kit (3 DVD, 3 books); the system has cured many types of diseases when conventional medicine has given up on people.
After many books on digestive issues by 'specialists', I have found this therapy and acupuncture the way to go. Its not easy, but to fix years of bad eating habits and who knows what else toxins, it can give you a quality life back.
As we learn in life, a good diet and exercise promotes good health, and that includes the all-important brain.
This just makes good sense. I have often wondered how teachers reach students who don't eat breakfast, eat junk and sugary foods and drink soda throughout the day.
deepak.thepak@gmail.com