Brain Fog
Brain fog is a term used to describe feelings of mental fatigue, clouded thinking, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating. It’s not a medical diagnosis on its own, but a sign that something is interfering with your brain’s optimal function—whether that’s inflammation, blood sugar swings, poor sleep, or internal overwhelm. For some, it feels like trying to think through thick soup. For others, it’s like the lights are on, but nobody's home.
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Felt primarily in the head and mental faculties, especially the forehead, crown, and behind the eyes. It may also accompany heaviness or tension in the neck and shoulders or pressure in the temples. Some may feel disconnected from their body or surroundings.
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Think of your brain like a high-performance computer. When blood sugar, oxygen, or neurotransmitters are off—even slightly—it’s like someone dimmed the screen and slowed the processor.
If the fog comes on quickly after eating, poor glucose regulation or reactive hypoglycemia may be to blame.
If it creeps in slowly and worsens through the day, poor circulation, mitochondrial sluggishness, or inflammation may be underlying.
If you’ve been sick, on antibiotics, or chronically stressed, changes in the gut-brain axis or microbial communication may be impairing clarity.
Depending on the cause, brain fog can show up immediately (minutes to hours) or gradually accumulate over days or weeks.
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Difficulty concentrating or finishing tasks
Feeling mentally sluggish or “slow”
Forgetfulness or short-term memory lapses
Spacing out during conversations
Reading something multiple times to understand it
Struggling to form coherent thoughts or sentences
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Poor blood sugar regulation (sugar highs/lows)
Inflammatory diet (e.g., processed foods, seed oils)
Gut dysbiosis → microbial endotoxins crossing into bloodstream
Leaky gut → systemic immune burden
High cortisol → neuroinflammation and hippocampal shrinkage
Nutrient deficiencies (B12, DHA, magnesium, iron)
Sleep deprivation or apnea
Hormonal changes (e.g., postnatal, perimenopause, low thyroid)
Medication side effects (e.g., antihistamines, SSRIs, benzodiazepines)
Post-viral fatigue or chronic infections
Long-term stimulant use → dopamine depletion
Environmental toxins: mold, heavy metals, VOCs
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The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:
Cold/Depression (sluggish neuronal firing, reduced perfusion)
Damp/Relaxation (fluid buildup, lymph stagnation, microbial toxins)
Wind/Tension (overstimulation, chronic stress, jittery thinking)
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Nervous System
Endocrine System (esp. thyroid, adrenals)
Digestive System (gut-brain axis)
Circulatory System
Immune System
What does your brain feel like after meals? After a workout? How is your gut health? Do you experience bloating, gas, or irregular stools? Do you get enough DHA, B-vitamins, and minerals from your food? How’s your sleep quality and circadian rhythm? Are you exposed to mold, synthetic fragrances, or old medications? What emotional burdens or mental overstimulation might be clouding you? How do your thoughts feel when you're in nature or moving your body? Brain fog isn’t just in your head—it’s your body asking for clarity, balance, and nourishment. Start by observing when the fog appears, and begin exploring your gut, sleep, and blood sugar patterns. If you need support identifying the deeper root causes or creating a plan, I’d love to work with you.
Disclaimer
Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance. Persistent tingling or numbness—especially if it's worsening or one-sided—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
