Brain fog natural herbs and other healthy lifestyle tips with digitallynatural.net: Menopause and pregnancy can both contribute to brain fog. Research shows that people who are pregnant report confusion, disorientation, and fogginess, which lead to behaviors such as putting things down in odd places, misplacing belongings, and forgetting simple work tasks. (Some call this pregnancy brain.) As for menopause, one study explains that difficulty with memory can begin early on in menopause and end in postmenopause, likely because of the effects that estrogen has on memory performance. Diet Challenges – If you’re eating a restricted diet, not consuming adequate vitamins and minerals may result in some brain fog. Specifically, a deficiency in B12 or iron can cause anemia, which can decrease your energy levels and tangentially affect cognition. In addition, food allergies and sensitivities may change your cognitive capabilities. According to a survey conducted by Beyond Celiac, an advocacy and research organization for celiac disease, 95 percent of people with nonceliac gluten sensitivity report having brain fog. Find even more information at Fog on the brain: Clearing the Haze.

Scientists are investigating other possible causes of brain fog too. Studies show that changing hormone levels can also cause profound changes in the brain. In patients undergoing menopause, for example, declining estrogen levels are thought to cause reductions in the size of some brain areas, perhaps contributing to cognitive haziness. Meanwhile, in patients with hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone deficiency is also thought to decrease the volume of certain brain areas, mainly the hippocampus. And in patients with traumatic brain injury, their brain fog-like symptoms have been linked to low levels of growth hormone.

Fasting blood glucose in a healthy person equals approximately the range of 70-100 mg/dL (1). Here are a few variants of how to measure these numbers at home: Insulin and blood glucose monitoring. Certain devices can be used at home to see the real numbers of your insulin levels. The glucose meter and finger stick, CGM (continuous glucose meter), and test strips are perfect for safe check-ups to understand the real situation with your insulin resistance. Talk with your doctor to pick the best option for your case; Waist circumference monitoring. This one will help to regulate one’s eating habits and lifestyle, which are helpful for managing insulin resistance. Waist circumference in women should be 88 cm and 102 cm or less in men. As for the risk factors, 80 cm in women and 94 in men is considered to be a risk factor, so going through regular checkups is vital here.

According to research, turmeric may boost brain health and stave off Alzheimer’s disease by clearing the brain of beta-amyloid (a protein fragment).2 The buildup of beta-amyloid is known to form Alzheimer’s-related brain plaques. In addition, turmeric may shield brain health by inhibiting the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powder, which typically includes spices such as coriander and cumin. To increase your intake of turmeric, try adding curry powder or turmeric to stir-fries, soups, and vegetable dishes. Long used as a treatment for dementia, ginkgo biloba is a commonly taken remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is well known for its benefits. It’s thought that ginkgo biloba might help improve cognitive function in part by stimulating circulation and promoting blood flow to the brain.

Lemon balm contains rosmarinic acid (RA), a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may have neuroprotective effects. One 2023 study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that the administration of 500 mg of Melissa officinalis extract (aka lemon balm extract) may help prevent cognitive decline in older adults who do not have hypertension. Other research has found that 500 mg per day of lemon balm is safe and well-tolerated and may help prevent the worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Poor sleep – Whether you’re not sleeping enough or not sleeping well enough, lack of sleep is a doozy for brain function—and if you’ve ever woken up after just a few hours of sleep, you know that it’s difficult to think properly. Insufficient sleep leads to feeling foggy and congested up top and can also interfere with attention, focus, memory, decision-making, alertness, reaction time, and motivation. Getting less than the recommended sleep doesn’t do your body any favors and disrupts your circadian rhythm (your internal clock), which throws off certain body functions. And there are two things, specifically, that play a major role: Blue light: The light wavelength emitted from all devices with a screen severely impacts the body’s hormones, especially at night. It interferes with melatonin secretion at night and instead causes the release of cortisol; cortisol works against melatonin to increase arousal and alertness. Research shows continuous exposure to artificial light can disturb sleep patterns and cognitive performance, altering memory, mood, attention, sleep-wake cycle, and alertness.It also interferes with active memory and reaction time. See many more information at Discover Insulin Resistance with Insulin Resistance Test at Home.