Fatigue, lack of mental clarity, inability to concentrate. Does this sound like you? You may be facing symptoms of brain fog. Many assume that cognitive decline is a frustrating yet normal part of aging, but this doesn’t have to be the case. 

Brain fog is a telling symptom of dysfunction elsewhere in the body that affects the way the brain processes information. We uncover those dysfunctions to get to the root of your brain fog with a neurotransmitter test from a urine sample. We evaluate your levels of neurotransmitters (brain hormones) like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine, epinephrine, glutamate, and histamine.

Brain Fog Symptoms 

Maybe you frequently forget where you parked the car or left your keys, have trouble remembering the names of people you meet, or need to re-read something multiple times before the information sticks. 

The most common symptoms associated with brain fog often go untreated, especially if you’ve adapted to life with them. We look for these symptoms: 

• Inability to concentrate
• Constant fatigue
• Memory issues
• Trouble recalling information
• Forgetfulness
• Lack of focus
• Confusion
• Easily distracted
• Slow thinking 

The Cause of Brain Fog  

There are a variety of conditions that can affect cognitive performance and cause brain fog. Often, brain fog symptoms aren’t linked to other conditions. With our extensive knowledge in how our body’s systems are connected, we take the time to explore each of your symptoms and issues. 

Some of the most common brain fog root causes our patients experience are: 

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia 
• Autoimmunity 
• Hormonal imbalances (sex hormones, adrenal fatigue, thyroid disorders, perimenopause and menopause) 
• Leaky Gut Syndrome 
• Inflammation 
• ADHD 
• Mood disorders 
• Viral infections like COVID-19 

Other causes include lifestyles that don’t support healthy brain function. Brain fog can be triggered by stress and sleeplessness (we see you parents!), diets high in processed sugars and carbs, food sensitivities to dairy or gluten, and reactions to certain medications. 

COVID-19 and Post-Viral Brain Fog 

Brain fog is a common result of contracting a virus. Recently, we’ve supported patients who had COVID-19 and continue to have brain fog and other long-haul symptoms. If you had COVID-19, even a mild case, you may be familiar with brain fog symptoms like foggy thinking, memory recall issues, and increased forgetfulness. See our COVID-19 Support page here for more info.  

When you become exposed to a virus, your body mounts an immune response. Once activated, your immune system releases certain molecules to fight off the viral infection. As a side effect, the molecules can impact the nervous system (i.e., your brain and how it functions). 

Hormone Imbalances & Brain Fog 

Hormones work together to keep your body functioning. When they’re out of balance, the brain may not work at its full capacity. Women experiencing post-partum, perimenopause, and menopause are especially susceptible to hormone imbalances that can cause brain fog.  

Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone all play a part in cognition. When they shift levels during different phases of life, brain fog can be more prevalent. These shifts or rebalances of hormones are natural but can be tiresome. 

At-Home Starter Solutions for Brain Fog Relief 

You can make lifestyle changes at home that can help lessen brain fog symptoms. Our top recommendations are: 

• Stress less: While this is easier said than done, make an effort to slow down, limit overworking, and set boundaries. 
• Get regular exercise. Light workouts like regular walks, low-intensity cardio, and easing into weight training are good places to start. 
• Improve your sleep habits. Try to get at least 8 or 9 hours of sleep a night. 
• Strengthen your brain power. Use memory tricks to remember important information, complete word searches, play online quizzes, or take up enriching activities like volunteering. 

Brain fog relief is possible with The Infinity Way™ 

The solution for your brain fog is dependent on its cause. As a part of The Infinity Way™, we use advanced testing to identify the host of reasons you could be experiencing brain fog. From there, we form a custom regimen to heal the gut, correct nutrient deficiencies or address food sensitivities, and evaluate other lifestyle modifications to support healthy brain function.  

We can help you relieve your brain fog with nutrition, supplementation, testing and enhancement of the microbiome, as well as a number of fine-tuned coping strategies to better manage symptoms. 

Relief from brain fog symptoms is possible. We’ll work with you to create a custom support plan so you can live symptom-free! Make an appointment with one of our functional medicine practitioners to get to the root of your brain fog symptoms.