• Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • Directory
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
The Brain Health Magazine
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • Directory
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
The Brain Health Magazine
No Result
View All Result

Turning Brain Fog Into Boosted Brain Function

Flipping the script to aid in recovery

in Brain Fog, Brain Function, Functional Neurology
September 21, 2021
0
Turning Brain Fog Into Boosted Brain Function

By Dr. Tatiana Habanova, DC, DACNB

For many, especially those with a brain injury, brain fog is like that uninvited guest who makes themselves way too comfortable at the dinner table. And once settled in, getting rid of them can be very difficult. Brain fog begins to take over the way you feel, how you think, and slowly separates you from the very fabric you called your life. By altering your cognitive functions like focus, attention, concentration, information processing speed, and initiation, you are eventually at the mercy of its subtle, but consistent influence and begin unconsciously adjusting your life to accommodate this unwanted guest, all the while not realizing your very essence is slowly slipping away.

Brain fog shows up differently in everyone. Just like snowflakes, no two are alike. For some, brain fog is transitory and mild. It comes and goes. For example, if one had one too many drinks the night before and woke up “hung over,” that’s the effect of brain fog. With adequate rest, hydration and time, the feeling of a fuzzy brain goes away. The same holds true for gluten, dairy, and other potential food items one has become “sensitive” to. Once the system is exposed to a trigger (i.e.: toxin or food item), a metabolic cascade occurs, leaving one feeling as if their head is in the clouds.

For others, brain fog is more a constant experience of haze ranging from mild to severe. It just always seems to be there. In addition to the cognitive symptoms, one can also have memory issues, light and sound sensitivity, blurry vision and eye strain, and vestibular symptoms, just to name a few. Essentially, this type of brain fog is due to the neurons (brain cells) being less stable/fit to function at the capacity they are being asked to do. For example, if one is reading, the brain must control both eyes to move in exactly the same speed, the same distance along the page, and in a coordinated fashion so accurate eye movements occur, and one does not experience blurry vision. If the nerves that control the eye muscles are unable to perform at peak state, then errors with smooth coordinated eye movements cause one to become tired (brain-based fatigue), as well as experience difficulty with reading, short term memory, and spatial awareness.

Now, let’s get to the root cause of neurologically-based brain fog.

In order for neurons to work efficiently, they need three essential nutrients. Often, this is referred to as the three Neuro Necessities. First, each neuron requires a constant supply of oxygen. The brain utilizes up to 20% of the oxygen carried in the blood and 50% when thinking hard, being creative, or under stress. Shallow breathing with minimal rib cage expansion is an indicator the quality of breath is less than ideal. To demonstrate the power of breath, take a few deep, slow, prolonged breaths in and out, and then notice if you suddenly become more alert and aware.

Second, a constant source of fuel, preferably in the form of fats and carbohydrates, is required as the brain never stops working (even when you are sleeping). Many people, unknowingly, create the effects of brain fog by not eating a balanced healthy diet, skipping meals, or ignoring underlying sugar handling issues (i.e.: insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, etc.), which hinders the availability of glucose to brain cells.

Lastly, each neuron requires appropriate stimulation (not too much and not too little — I call this the “Golidlocks Rule”). This is essential for neurological pathways to be maintained and kept viable, just like a well-walked path doesn’t allow the weeds to grow on it. When the demand placed on the neuron is greater than it can cope with, the neuron begins to undergo a slow neurodegenerative process, which leads to a slow spiraling decline in cognitive functions.

An important note: Multiple brain fog-producing mechanisms can be occurring simultaneously to create a chronic state that waxes and wanes. For example, someone can have a food intolerance (i.e.: gluten, dairy, soy) which produces an inflammatory event, which affects brain cell function, plus they may not have enough or too much neurological stimulation to a pathway causing it to undergo transneuronal degeneration (TND).

By understanding the various mechanisms that produce brain fog, assembling a plan of action to turn brain fog into boosted brain function is easier. Focusing on the three Neuro Necessities is the foundational step for this process. Working with a trained professional who can properly assess brain function, and then create a care plan that can be properly executed is extremely valuable in overcoming brain fog.

Dr. Habanova is the host of Brain Health Savvy, a weekly podcast that inspires listeners through real conversations on all things pertaining to women’s brain health. She transforms women in simple, yet real ways. Her sass, wit, and straight-from-the-hip style on women’s brain health and empowerment encourages women to seek their true potential, to be fierce and unapologetic while leading from authenticity, and to embracechange as they buck societal norms in favor of better brain health.
www.drhabanova.com

Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare Via EmailPinterest
Next Post
Playing the Hand She’s Dealt

Playing the Hand She's Dealt

SIGN UP

BLOG

Eye-Ear Connection Plays Major Role in Proprioception

Eye-Ear Connection Plays Major Role in Proprioception

By Deborah Zelinsky, O.D. “Vestibular information is integrated with proprioceptive and other sensory inputs to generate our sense of motion,” say authors of a recent study published in a 2021 issue of Current Opinion in Physiology (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cophys.2020.12.001). This explains why patients with vestibular sensory loss or other vestibular impairments find “everyday activities like walking” to […]

Read more
Proprioception and TBI

Proprioception and TBI

by James A. Heuer, PA Proprioception, simplified, is disturbed balance. Proprioception is how a person knows the position of the body, the location of their legs or arms, and how their head is held. It is the awareness of where the body is, and it is learned throughout a person’s lifespan. As muscles strengthen, they […]

Read more
Smoky Quartz for Balancing and Grounding

Smoky Quartz for Balancing and Grounding

By Kristen Brown Owning your place and space in the world takes a powerful mindset. Whether it’s navigating terrain physically or navigating situations mentally and emotionally, you will always find opportunities to see and feel where you’re at in the moment. One simple way to bring more awareness to your body, mind, and spirit is […]

Read more
This Professional Speaker & Auctioneer Couldn't Talk Her Way Out of Brain Injury Symptoms

This Professional Speaker & Auctioneer Couldn’t Talk Her Way Out of Brain Injury Symptoms

By Ed Roth Letitia Frye will be the first to tell you she doesn’t sugar coat anything. But she did try to hide a few things, namely the ocular and physical limitations her brain injury caused her at work and home. West Coast-born, East-Coast raised, Letitia doesn’t have a 9-5 desk job or a typical […]

Read more
Our Children are Our Legacy: Ensuring a Daughter's Success

Our Children are Our Legacy: Ensuring a Daughter’s Success

By Ian Hebeisen 20 years ago, Mike Lang returned home to find his house empty – not unusual, since he knew his wife Kelly and their two daughters were at a ballet rehearsal. Upon checking the answering machine, however, Mike learned that they never made it to their destination. “The message was from our friend […]

Read more
Joy Essential Oil

Joy Essential Oil

By Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief A complementary tool that can help you achieve a healthy lifestyle, essential oils are easy to use and smell great, with a variety of uses. All oils are not created equal. I personally only trust the Young Living brand because I know they maintain complete control over their product from seed […]

Read more
From Concussion to Competition

From Concussion to Competition

By Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP, Aviv Clinics Physician When 14-year-old Linden Perry came to Aviv Clinics, we asked about her expectations of our program. “I just want to be me,” she answered. It’s a response we hear frequently at Aviv Clinics, where our unique, comprehensive medical program helps people improve their brain function. Whether they […]

Read more
Proprioception: a Mind-Body Connection

Proprioception: a Mind-Body Connection

by Dr. Kassie Kaas, DC Proprioception, also referred to as kinesthesia, is defined as your ability to sense your movement or body position. That internal awareness helps you determine if you are standing, seated, in motion, or experiencing a gravitational force even with your eyes closed. Millions of special receptors located in joints, tendons, skin […]

Read more
Mexican Fried Rice

Mexican Fried Rice

by Amy Zellmer, Editor-in-chief What You Need: 7 oz. (300g) chicken breast 2 cloves garlic, crushed scant ½ cup (100g) rice 2 tbsp. coconut oil ½ red onion, chopped 1 red pepper, diced ⅜ cup (100g) sweetcorn, drained ½ cup (100g) red kidney beans, drained 1 tomato, peeled, chopped 1 avocado, stone removed, flesh diced […]

Read more

INSTAGRAM

Follow Us!

  • And these are just the reported numbers. There are estimates that this number is likely double!!! Chances are you or someone you love will experience a TBI in their lifetime. 

#tbi #braininjury #pcs #concussion #advocacy
  • Just received the newest issue of @miradormagazine …Mirador is an age-appropriate, dementia-friendly publication created for people experiencing cognitive change.

I am contributing a regular seated yoga feature in each issue … because yoga is so important for neuroplasticity and overall brain health. 

#brainhealth #neuroplasticity #dementia #cognitivedecline #braininjury #tbi #abi #concussion #pcs #dementiafriendly #seatedyoga #chairyoga #accessibleyoga
  • Today is World Disability Day, also known as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. 

As someone living with an invisible disability I take a lot of pride in educating others that not all disabilities are seen, and to never judge a book by its cover. 

Someone may look or seem able bodied, but you should never make a blanket judgement about what they should or shouldn’t be able to do. 

I use the elevator a LOT to go up just one short of flight of stairs. It’s really annoying when someone says something like “let’s just take the stairs” because they don’t want to be inconvenienced by waiting for the elevator, without taking my needs into consideration. 

I get it, I look fine and able bodied. It’s easy to forget that I’m disabled. 

But this is exactly why I take these moments to share and educate. 

If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I’ve spent hours lobbying at the State Capitol and the Nation’s Capitol for disability rights. I also started an awareness campaign called #NOTINVISIBLE (right before the pandemic hit). I take awareness and education very seriously, and am always looking for groups to speak at if you know any! 

What are YOU going to do today to celebrate? 

#worlddisabilityday #disabilityday #dayofpersonswithdisabilities #iamdisabled #invisibledisability
  • The FREE @LoveYourBrain Mindset Challenge starts now! 

Give yourself the gift of balance, PLUS a chance to win great prizes when you sign up before November 18th.

The end of the year can be filled with busyness, overload, and difficult emotions. That’s why they’re inviting you to find balance and tap into inner peace, resilience, and overall well-being this season!

When you join the challenge you
  • Look what I picked up from the printer!! It’s here and it’s almost ready to ship! There’s still time to order your copy 

www.concussiondiscussions.com/pre-order
  • Day four lineup 
@integratedbraincenters 
@drkassie_k 
@healthybrainnow 
www.concussiondiscussions.com 

#concussion #braininjury #tbi #pcs #postconcussionsyndrome #postconcussionrecovery
  • Day Three Lineup: 
@amyzellmer 
MO Functional Neurology 
www.concussiondiscussions.com

#concussiondiscussions #concussion #pcs #postcincussionsyndrome #postconcussionrecovery #braininjury #tbi
  • Day Two’s lineup:
@the_shiu_clinic 
@healthybrainnow 
@portlandchiropracticneurology1 
@northwestfunctionalneuro 

#concussiondiscussions #concussion #braininjury #tbi #pcs #postconcussionsyndrome #postconcussionrecovery
  • Today is DAY ONE of the Concussion Discussions and our lineup is: 
@healingresponse 
@integratedbraincenters 
@kaplanbrainandbody 

There’s still time to register and get in on this free virtual summit! 
www.concussiondiscussions.com

#braininjury #concussion #tbi #pcs #postconcussionsyndrome #postconcussionrecovery #functionalneurology #funcneuro

© Copyright 2019 | The Brain Health Magazine

  • Advertise With Us
  • Submission Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact Us

DISCLAIMER: THIS MAGAZINE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE - View PDF

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • Directory
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.