Fuzziness of thought: Part II
Millions of people the world over feel like their brain is on vacation. They can’t remember simple things, they have a difficult time remaining focused on thoughts or projects and their brain feels like it’s stuffed with cotton. In Part I of “Fuzziness of Thought,” we discussed the first two of three causes of brain fog, poor memory and lack of concentration.
In a nutshell, Part I covered the toxic causes: chemicals in our foods, medications, chemicalized vitamins, toxins made by our own bodies, excess pathogenic microbes in the body, and electromagnetic frequencies. Part I also discussed mental and emotional challenges that may contribute to fuzzy thinking.
This article will elucidate the third category of causes: Our health. Probably the most profound effect on our brain health is our general health. If you have allergies, it is important that you discover what they are. Simply eliminating allergens from the diet can clear your head. Elimination diets are the easiest way to discover them. Hint: check your most frequently consumed foods first!
Nutrient deficiencies are a huge contributor. Imbalanced electrolytes and mineral deficiencies, inadequate quality protein, not getting enough quality fats and several vitamins can make a big difference in the clarity of thought.
Chronic illnesses or infections can slow down brain function, creating a sensation of fuzzy thinking. You may have a hidden infection such as a dental abscess or sinus infection that just slowly grinds away at your immune system. Weakened endocrine function such as hypothyroidism, blood sugar abnormalities (such as hypoglycemia or diabetes), adrenal insufficiency, sex hormone imbalance, menopause and many other hormone related imbalances can contribute to this frustrating state of mind. Fatigue in general can make your brain feel foggy.
Other health concerns such as visual problems, poor blood circulation or oxygen levels to the brain, vertebral subluxations (misalignments in the spinal column best adjusted by chiropractors), or any organ dysfunction can make a profound impact on the thinking process.
As illustrated above and in the previous article, there can be many causes of brain fog, poor memory and a lack of concentration, and these are just beginning points! Most of the time it is not a single cause, but a combination of factors that can diminish thinking. Taking one or more of these points annotated in these articles and changing them could make a big difference. For example, moving your alarm clock, taking some mineral supplements and clearing up a dental abscess could help. Getting enough protein in the diet, which would help with blood sugar imbalances, and getting a good chiropractic adjustment would help.
Getting acupuncture treatments to help with fatigue, hormonal imbalances, pain (eliminating the need for medications for it), strengthening immune function, and helping with overall organ health is a wonderful way to get mental clarity.
Learn more, sign up for tonight’s health class, “Brain Fog, Poor Memory & Lack of Concentration,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994.
Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over three decades of experience. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about her, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.