Foggy Brain? It's more common than you think...

These days we are certainly hearing more complaints of "Brain Fog." But, what does this term even mean? If you have the following symptoms you could be experiencing what is known as brain fog:

• confusion
• forgetfulness,
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability and mood swings
• lack of motivation
• headaches
• memory problems
• difficulty finding words
• mental clarity issues

Brain fog can have multiple causes and may indicate other underlying issues. The causes of brain fog can vary from person to person and may be influenced by a combination of factors, including stress, sleep, diet, medical conditions, and medications. Emerging research suggests that the health of the gut, known as the gut-brain axis, can influence cognitive function and may contribute to brain fog in some individuals. 

Here's how the gut and brain fog are interconnected:

1. **Microbiota**: The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, collectively known as the gut microbiota. These bacteria play a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients from food. Research indicates that the composition of the gut microbiota can impact cognitive function. An imbalance in gut bacteria, often referred to as dysbiosis, can lead to inflammation and potentially affect brain function.

2. **Inflammation**: An unhealthy gut can trigger inflammation throughout the body. Inflammatory molecules, such as cytokines, can disrupt normal brain function. Chronic inflammation in the gut is linked to systemic inflammation, which has been associated with cognitive impairments, including brain fog.

3. **The Gut-Brain Axis**: The gut and brain communicate through a bidirectional pathway known as the gut-brain axis. This communication occurs via neural, endocrine, and immune signaling. Signals from the gut can influence the brain and vice versa. For example, stress and anxiety can lead to changes in gut motility and microbiota composition, potentially contributing to brain fog.

4. **Nutrient Absorption**: A healthy gut is crucial for the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in B vitamins, can lead to cognitive impairment and contribute to brain fog.

5. **Serotonin Production**: A significant portion of serotonin, a neurotransmitter closely linked to mood and cognitive function, is produced in the gut. An unhealthy gut can affect serotonin production, potentially leading to mood disturbances and cognitive issues.

6. **Leaky Gut**: Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, is a condition where the lining of the gut becomes more porous than it should be. This can allow substances, including harmful bacteria and toxins, to enter the bloodstream and potentially reach the brain. This may contribute to cognitive symptoms like brain fog.

If you are experiencing persistent brain fog or cognitive issues, there are a variety of ways that you can improve your gut health:

1. Get more rest. We suggest sleeping without electronics in order to fully enter REM state of sleep.  Studies show that blue light interferes with REM sleep which can affect cognitive function.

2. Take a probiotic.  You can take one of our favorite supplements for digestion Maxzorb Total Digestion Probiotic which gives you your probiotics along with digestive enzymes.  If you prefer to get your probiotics from your food, consider adding a few servings of fermented foods to your diet.  Kefir, Kombucha, Greek yogurt and sauerkraut are all excellent dietary probiotics.

3. Avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats, refined sugars, gluten, dairy, fried foods, artificial sweeteners and alcohol. (yeah, we know this is a long list, but if you are experiencing brain fog then we suggest eliminating for 30 days to see if it helps).

4.  Eat lots of fiber. Consider using our best seller GoGut Microbebiotic™which is a chemical-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, flavorless fiber supplement that mixes easily into any beverage or food of your choice.  (I personally put in in my morning coffee).  You can also eat at least 25 g a day of fiber with foods like lentils, apples, pears, chickpeas, avocados, almonds, broccoli, black beans.  There are many foods rich in fiber, so choose a few to add to your daily diet.