We all have days where we’re forgetful, our thinking is fuzzy, or we just can’t seem to focus, but what if this is a recurring thing? You may be experiencing brain fog. The good news? This condition is not permanent! Brain fog is a common symptom of a variety of causes, though it can be bothersome to deal with on a regular basis. In this article, Further Food contributor Julie Zozos, a woman living with Multiple Sclerosis, will teach you more about brain fog as a symptom, the causes of brain fog, and how to cure it.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is the inability to think or recall memory sharply. While brain fog is not a medical condition itself, its symptoms are what can truly affect everyday life. If you are experiencing brain fog, it means your thinking is fuzzy, and you don’t quite feel like yourself. You may not be able to think clearly at all, and it’s possible that you’re having a lot of trouble focusing or concentrating. In other words, brain fog is exactly what it sounds like. You cannot be diagnosed with brain fog because it is not a medical condition itself, and the good news is: brain fog is not permanent!
What Causes Brain Fog?
There is a range of possible causes of brain fog, from lifestyle decisions to actual medical conditions. Brain fog can be caused by stress (particularly chronic stress, which can be the most damaging), an insufficient amount of sleep (and poor sleep quality), an inadequate diet (like not having enough Vitamin B-12), or changes in hormone levels. Additionally, you may experience brain fog as a side effect of medication - in that case, you should talk with your doctor.
A major cause of brain fog can be medical conditions, specifically those that are linked to fatigue and inflammation. This can include anything from depression, anemia, or migraines, to autoimmune diseases like arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis. Sometimes, it can be as simple as being hydrated.
Brain Fog Symptoms
The symptoms of brain fog are all cognitive, and they depend based on the severity of the brain fog. The following are common symptoms people have reported:
- Trouble with recalling memories, forgetfulness
- Difficulty focusing, concentrating, or fully processing new information
- Feeling confused, disorganized, or not yourself
- Facing difficulty finding words or problem-solving
People with brain fog may sometimes find themselves feeling more irritable and frustrated than usual, and it can really affect your ability to work and function throughout the day. These symptoms are in no way rare - we all have days where we feel off. However, if brain fog is something you experience regularly, there may be an underlying health or lifestyle issue that needs to be addressed.
How to Get Rid of Brain Fog
When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 6 years ago, I often experienced brain fog as a symptom of my autoimmune disease. The doctors wanted to immediately prescribe powerful medications. But I don’t believe prescription drugs are always the answer. Instead, I decided to drastically change my diet. After much research and trial and error, I found a way of eating that controlled my MS symptoms. Through the changes in my diet, I went from not being able to function due to pain, brain fog and fatigue, to an active highly functioning life. I found a new superfood, Further Food Collagen, that has miraculously helped lift my brain fog! I can’t believe it - it’s a benefit that I wasn’t expecting. In the past several weeks and months since I’ve been eating collagen peptides I’ve been able to focus and think better! Further Food Collagen Peptides has also helped my hair and eyelashes feel fuller. Once again, I am amazed about the power of food as medicine!
How To Clear Brain Fog: The Power of Diet
Doctors don’t tell you that autoimmune diseases can be controlled through your diet. They prefer to immediately put you on medication which they have been taught is supposed to slow the progression of autoimmune diseases. This way they are now in control of your disease instead of YOU. But what I learned early on is that you are your best advocate for your disease! And the best thing you can do is educate yourself. You will find that there are things you can do that will not only slow the progression of your autoimmune disease, but in some cases, actually cure you. I’m talking about your diet- what you EAT! You’ve probably heard the old saying "you are what you eat." This is especially true when it comes to finding what can cause and what can heal symptoms of autoimmune diseases. Educate yourself on foods that will enhance your body instead of harming it. You will be amazed as to how much better you will feel!
Supplements for Brain Fog
For me, I have learned the foods I have to avoid, including sugar, dairy and preservatives, and the foods that make me feel great, which includes lots of vegetables, grains, eggs and lean proteins. Recently, I have incorporated collagen peptides in the form of a collagen powder into my diet, it’s called Further Food Collagen. I like that it’s grass fed and is also gluten free and sugar free. Since I have been taking it, my hair and eyelashes seem to be fuller. And I’ve found an unexpected benefit- my memory and thought process has gotten better and my brain fog has lifted! Collagen is great for gut health too, and the gut communicates directly with the brain. So, it’s no surprise that this protein can affect cognitive function!
Back when I was first diagnosed with MS, I had days when I felt like my head was out of sync with my body- brain fog is what I call it. I had a hard time remembering everyday things and following conversations in my brain fog. Even though I am a very social person and I enjoy being around people, I’ve been holding back from fully participating in conversations because my thought process seemed compromised. Now instead of just listening to others, I can interact and be much more fully engaged in conversations. I actually remember experiences and can process my thoughts better! My brain fog has lifted! It is a beautiful thing and something that had been missing from my life for a while now. I plan to keep on including Further Food Collagen Peptides in my diet.
What Is The Outlook For Brain Fog
Treating my MS through diet really changed my life! If you are struggling with symptoms from an autoimmune disease or other illness, I recommend you try healing your body with foods and consider adding collagen into your diet-it really helped my brain fog!. To learn more about me, you can read how choosing foods over meds reversed my MS symptoms. You can also read my 3 day meal plan for healing multiple sclerosis and see my food guide on what to avoid and what to enjoy to control MS.
It may take a while to figure out what works for you, but you will eventually be surprised at how much changing your diet can make you feel better. It is worthwhile to see a holistic doctor, to help make sure you’re taking care of your body in other days, like getting sufficient sleep at night and being careful with how you handle stress.
When Should You Visit A Doctor?
As I mentioned before, brain fog isn’t something to be too concerned about unless it is something you find yourself experiencing on a regular basis, or if the symptoms feel out of character. Being forgetful is one thing, but not feeling like yourself can possibly mean there may be an underlying cause to your cognitive troubles. To be safe, it’s good to reach out to your doctor and discuss your symptoms. Brain fog is not an uncommon complaint, so don’t be afraid to make that call!
Start feeling better today! Click here to learn more about the benefits of Further Food Collagen
FAQs
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is an umbrella term used to describe the inability to think sharply or recall memories. Someone with brain fog has trouble thinking clearly and will generally feel off about things. Your thinking is fuzzy and you may have trouble focusing. Brain fog is not a medical condition and can be treated with proper self-care.
How does brain fog come about?
Brain fog can be caused by a variety of things. Common causes include chronic stress, not enough sleep, and an unbalanced diet in which you're not getting enough of the nutrients you need. Other things can cause brain fog as well, like changes in hormone levels, medication side effects, and particularly fatigue- and inflammation-related medical conditions (like Multiple Sclerosis).
What are the symptoms of brain fog?
All symptoms of brain fog affect your cognitive function, and the severity and type of symptoms depend on the severity of the brain fog itself. Symptoms may include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating and processing new information, feeling disorganized or confused, and having trouble with problem-solving and finding the right words. Brain fog can lead to people being more frustrated and can affect your ability to get work done.
How do I get rid of brain fog through diet?
Eating an adequate diet rich in nutritious superfoods can help you clear your brain fog. This means not only eating a balanced diet, but also ensuring that you are eating foods that can enhance and improve the functions in your body. Superfoods like
Further Food Collagen Peptides are a great way to supplement your body and brain with healing nutrients. Also, be sure to avoid sugar, dairy, and preservatives, and eat loads of vegetables, whole grains, and lead proteins! In this diet, think of food as medicine.
Want to read more?
From Wheelchair to Biking: Dr. Wahl’s Miracle Recovery from Autoimmune Disease
12 Astounding Collagen Benefits! Backed by Science
Living with Hashimoto’s? MS? Lupus? 3 Reasons to Give Up Gluten Now
Finding Relief from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with a Paleo Diet
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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