What is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is a loose term which describes a feeling of mental fatigue. It can occur if you are experiencing chronic stress, chronic fatigue, post -traumatic stress disorder or have had a recent traumatic experience.
Brain Fog Symptoms
Your brain fog symptoms might include one or all of the following:
- Feeling like your head is cloudy or foggy
- A general lack of mental clarity
- Tired eyes
- A sense of detachment from what is going on in the present moment
- You might feel emotional quickly
- You may feel like you have to work really hard to process everyday tasks or think of a simple plan in relation to everyday life.
- Have difficulty concentrating on the task in hand
- You feel as if your mind constantly wanders making it difficult to concentrate or focus on what you are doing.
- You might be forgetful regarding simple tasks like taking your keys with you when you go out
- You might feel chronically fatigued a lot of the time even if you have had a reasonable night’s sleep.
Why Does PTSD cause brain fog?
Brain fog is caused by a number of different factors. Factors which might influence brain fog symptoms include diet, hormonal changes, certain medications, medical conditions, mental health difficulties and Post -Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
PTSD symptoms can include intrusion symptoms, persistent avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and moods and alterations in arousal and reactivity. They can also include brain fog.
One of the reasons that PTSD causes brain fog is that the brain is not functioning optimally if you have PTSD. PTSD affects a number of brain areas specifically the amygdala and the pre-frontal cortex. The amygdala detects threats and activates the sympathetic nervous system. The prefrontal cortex regulates decisions in relation to a possible threat, helps to regulate emotions and helps to determine the meaning and emotional significance of an event and regulates our attention to it.
If someone is experiencing PTSD symptoms these parts of the brain function differently. The amygdala can become hyper-sensitive and the pre-frontal cortex works less hard than usual. Pictures highlight this change in the brain by showing high levels of activity in the amygdala and low levels in the pre-frontal cortex. It is not surprising therefore that you are unable to think clearly, and your brain feels foggy because the pre-frontal cortex is not firing normally.
PTSD can also result in an increase in stress hormones moving around the body. This can disrupt our sleeping patterns and quality of sleep. PTSD affects memory making our mind and body feel as if it is still under threat. When you are trying to sleep your mind and body still thinks and feels as if it is trying to fight off a potential threat. This can result in fatigue caused by the stress or fight or flight response being permanently turned on.
Other Brain Fog Causes
Diet can contribute to brain fog. You may experience brain fog if you have a deficiency in vitamin B12. Foods which can also contribute to brain fog symptoms include MSG (often found in processed food and Chinese food), aspartame (artificial sweetener) peanuts and dairy. Eating an unhealthy diet full of unprocessed sugars and trans fats can contribute to brain fog. Unhealthy vegetable oils can cause brain inflammation resulting in brain fog.
Hormonal changes can lead to brain fog. Specifically low oestrogen levels when going through the menopause can impede concentration and thinking. The hormones of progesterone and oestrogen can increase during pregnancy which can cause difficulties relating to memory and thinking.
Some medications can have side effects including brain fog. If you think you are experiencing brain fog as a result of medication consult your local pharmacist or local doctor to find an alternative medication.
Medical conditions can also contribute to brain fog symptoms. These might include: Anaemia, autoimmune diseases, hypothyroidism, migraines, diabetes and depression.
Lack of sleep or lack of quality sleep
Prolonged periods of stress, anxiety and depression as well as having an addiction history.
Brain Fog Solutions
PTSD Treatment
If your brain fog is being caused by PTSD it is important to get the right support. PTSD is treatable and with professional help your brain can return to normal functioning. The leading evidence-based treatment for PTSD is Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Diet
The most common deficiencies related to brain function include vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Omega-3. Over 40% of adults are deficient in vitamin B12 in particular seniors with poor nutrient absorption and vegans. This is because B12 is only available in meat, fish, eggs and cheese and some fortified breakfast cereals. A B12 deficiency can lead to brain fog and neurological disorders. Taking anti acids can reduce our ability to absorb vitamin B12 since stomach acid is needed to absorb vitamin B12.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D can help with mood, depression, brain fog and memory. Many people are deficient in Vitamin D particularly during the winter months and spending lots of time indoors. The best source of vitamin D is sunlight however it is also found in a number of foods including oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and some breakfast cereals.
Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids
Omega 3 related concentrations are found in abundance in the brain. They are helpful for overall brain function and brain health. They are particularly important for areas of the brain involved in memory, language, judgement, emotion and attention. Omeg-3 supplements are available however the best sources of Omega-3 is through a balanced diet including oily fish, salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel. Walnuts, chia and flax seeds. Eggs, yoghurt, milk and soy foods and drinks.
Addictions
Cutting down on processed sugars, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can give your adrenal glands a chance to recover. Try replacing unhealthy habits with more healthy ones to make cutting down easier. Examples might include replacing a cup of coffee with a healthy smoothie or having a piece of fruit instead of a cigarette.
Sleep
Getting enough good quality sleep can help to reduce brain fog symptoms. This means relaxing before getting into bed rather than collapsing into bed and falling straight to sleep. Having a wind down routine can be beneficial to help you get a quality night's sleep.
Exercising
Exercise is a great head clearer. Resetting your breathing through cardiovascular exercise can be enormously beneficial. This can help with mental and physical health difficulties. If you are suffering from PTSD or chronic conditions like stress or fatigue you might try less strenuous exercise while you build up your strength. Example could include, Tai Chi, Yoga and relaxed swimming.
Contact Me for PTSD Therapy
Matthew Alderton
07944 996 646
