Do You Experience Brain Fog or Notice Difficulty with Focusing or Remembering??? These are some reasons why that might be happening:
Stress: increases blood pressure, decreases the immune system, can trigger depression and can also cause mental fatigue thus becoming harder to think, reason and focus.
Lack of Sleep: Getting sleep is super important and without enough of it, we are left feeling foggy headed and often forgetful.
Hormonal Changes: A decrease in estrogen can lead to forgetflness, poor concentration and cloudy thinking. Additionally, changes in both progesterone and estrogen (as seen often in pregnancy) can create short term memory issues and symptoms of brain fog.
Diet: A lack of certain vitamins and nutrition can absolutely create memory loss and brain fog. They even call alzheimers Type 3 Diabetes as blood sugar instability and poor gut health are completely connected to the function of our brain.
Medications: Many side effects can cause brain fog and memory loss. If this happens, consult your medical doctor.
Medical Conditions: Things like, Dehydration, Anemia, Migraines, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism and Depression, to name a few, can cause brain fog.
7 Tips to Decreasing Brain Fog and Increasing Brain Health:
Increase Your Sleep. When we rest, we restore. Give your body ample time to regenerate, rest and restore so you can function at your best. If you have gone many days or weeks without much sleep then it may take several days of sleeping 9-10 hours to notice a shift in how you feel. Do your best to get at least 7 hours of sleep per night.
Manage Your Stress. Too much stress can wreak havoc on the whole body including your brain. Try doing 2 minutes of meditation and breathing 1 to 2 times daily. Watch the difference just that little bit of time to yourself can make on your capacity to handle stress and your ability to focus. There are many apps to assist with this - Calm and Insight TImer are a couple that I’ve tried and have enjoyed.
Exercise. This not only increases blood flow to and from the brain but it also helps to reduce stress…so you get 2 for 1 with exercise! 30 minutes at least 3 times per week make for a healthier brain and body!
Keep Your Brain Active. Doing puzzles and word games are a great way to keep your brain active. Additionally, to keep neural pathways developing and active, switch things up a bit. For example, if you are right handed, try using the remote control, brushing your teeth and stirring/cooking with your left hand. This will feel a bit strange but with practice you get pretty good at it AND keep your brain firing and healthier as a result!
Eat Brain Food. Things like good fats - Avocado, coconut oil and fish oil all feed and fuel the brain. Additionally, eat clean meat protein like grassfed beef as there are certain nutrients that support the neurotransmitters and help with brain function. Clean eating like protein, veggies, good fats and a bit of fruit can support optimal function all the way around. Additionally, eating foods that are inflammatory, toxic or that you have a sensitivity to absolutely have a negative impact on the brain like: MSG, Aspartame, Processed Sugar and Dairy.
Get Adjusted. There are so many reasons to get chiropractic manipulation and this is but one of the great reasons! Keeping the connection between the brain and body open and flowing allows for optimal function and focus. Some people even say they feel they can see more clearly instantly after a neck adjustment. Don’t be scared…at Be Optimal, we are gentle and definitely effective!
Take Supplements. Certain nutrients and herbs support brain function as well as gut health/function. A few options that support better brain function are Vitamin B12, Folate, Melatonin, Fish Oils and an herb called Bacopa Monniera. Additionally, taking digestive enzymes with every meal, taking a sporebiotic and anything else to support your gut can be very beneficial for the gut/brain connection.
Be Optimal has wonderful supplements and vitamins that support people to restore balance and function not just for the digestive system and hormonal system but for the whole body and brain to acheive and maintain optimal health.
Learn more at our monthly Dinner with the Doctors Class or Contact Us with Questions, Concerns and/or to Inquire about how we can help. We are here to support you + your family!
Yours In Health and Clarity!
Dr. Cari