While brain fog isn’t officially recognized with formal medical diagnostic criteria, it’s a frequently reported issue that can significantly interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life. This perplexing phenomenon manifests as cognitive impairments including memory problems, lack of mental clarity, poor concentration, and an inability to focus. Fortunately, functional medicine doctors are here to offer a holistic approach to understanding and treating brain fog, whether you’re in Brea or the nearby areas.
What are brain fog symptoms?
These typically include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Challenges with multitasking
- Forgetfulness
- Both short-term and long-term memory issues
- Overall cognitive impairment
- A sense of feeling spaced out or confused
- Difficulty finding the right words
- Mental exhaustion or persistent fatigue
How to cure a foggy brain?
The goal of treating brain fog is to address any underlying conditions that contribute to the symptoms. This is why it’s important to keep the following in mind:
1. Food
Research consistently shows that diets centered on whole foods and anti-inflammatory principles, such as the MIND Diet and Keto-Flex, contribute to reduced inflammation throughout the body and improved brain health.
2. Supplements
While a food-first approach is preferred in functional medicine, supplements like turmeric, Omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, glutathione, and NAD can help reduce inflammation that may contribute to brain fog in the short term. Additionally, prebiotics, probiotics, and glutamate are crucial for gut healing and support, further aiding cognitive health.
3. Lifestyle changes
Making positive lifestyle changes can boost your healing process. Ensuring you get enough sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress effectively can all significantly enhance your overall well-being.
What labs to check for brain fog?
A variety of lab tests can help determine if underlying health issues are causing brain fog symptoms. Here are some of them:
Toxin & toxicity testing
- Heavy metal testing: Assesses exposure to metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can impair neurological functions and mental clarity.
- Mold testing: Identifies exposure to mold toxins, which are known to cause cognitive and mood disturbances.
Inflammation & chronic disease testing
- Inflammatory markers: For instance, For example, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a reliable indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Ideally, hs-CRP levels should be below 0.9 mg/dL. Another important marker is homocysteine, where the goal is to keep levels below 7.
- Insulin resistance and/or diabetes panel: This test assesses blood sugar levels and insulin function, checking for any fluctuations that could impact cognitive functions. It includes testing for Hemoglobin A1C, insulin levels, and fasting glucose. The target ranges for these tests are as follows:
- Fasting insulin should be below 5.5 micro IU/mL.
- Hemoglobin A1c should ideally be between 4.0% and 5.3%.
- Fasting blood glucose should fall within the range of 70 to 90 mg/dL.
Leaky gut & gut microbiome testing
- Comprehensive stool test: Examines the gut health, checking for imbalances in the microbiome and signs of leaky gut syndrome
Food sensitivity testing
- Gluten testing / Celiac Sensitivity: Determines sensitivity to gluten, which can cause inflammation and cognitive symptoms in sensitive individuals.
Nutrient testing
- Micronutrient Testing: Focuses on identifying deficiencies in essential nutrients, including Vitamin D and B vitamins, which play crucial roles in brain health and energy levels.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea is a widespread condition that often leads to daytime sleepiness and mental fatigue. Fortunately, it’s easy to conduct an at-home sleep study to check for it.
Liver function
It’s also wise to monitor liver function, given that it’s the body’s primary organ for detoxification. Ideally, levels of liver enzymes such as AST and ALT should be below 25 to ensure that your liver is working effectively.
Where can I find experienced functional medicine doctors in Brea?
At Oasis Heal Arts, we’re dedicated to helping you, whether you’re dealing with prediabetes, looking for effective treatment strategies, or simply aiming to improve your overall well-being. We pride ourselves on recognizing symptoms early on and helping you make informed lifestyle choices under our expert guidance.
By tackling the root causes of conditions like brain fog with targeted treatments and lifestyle adjustments, we help each client in Brea and the area regain mental clarity, enhance cognitive function, and dramatically improve their quality of life. If you’re nearby, feel free to reach out to us!