10 Foods That Cause Brain Fog
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Fuzzy brain? Feeling distracted or exhausted? Unable to perform at school or work?
It's common to feel this way from time to time, but if you're experiencing brain fog on a regular basis, it could be related to what you're eating or drinking.
In order to beat the brain fog are regain your competitive advantage, there are certain foods that you need to avoid. Check out the following ten common foods that cause brain fog and discover what you can do instead.
Dairy
Do you feel groggy after consuming dairy? You could have a sensitivity. Now, this doesn't mean that you're allergic, but people with dairy sensitivity may experience headaches or brain fog.
If this sounds like you, then you should consider switching out dairy products for other options like almond milk or coconut milk. Love cheese? Try almond cheese, Daiya, or cashew cheese as a dairy-free substitute.
Fish That's High in Mercury
You already know that fish is good for you, but if it contains high levels of mercury or other contaminants, it can actually do more harm than good for your mind and body. Fish that contain high levels of mercury include:
canned albacore tuna
swordfish
shark
king mackerel
Instead, opt for low mercury fish like salmon, shrimp, scallops, and flounder. Another good rule of thumb to follow is to choose smaller fish rather than larger ones, as the bigger the fish, the more likely they are to have absorbed mercury.
Sugary Drinks
You already know that sugary drinks are bad for you, but in case you're looking for another reason to avoid them, consider the effects they have on your brain. Drinks that contain lots of sugar can increase your risk of dementia. In fact, these drinks are one of the top foods that cause brain inflammation and impaired memory.
It's not just the sugar that is problematic. Sodas that contain aspartame are also a no-no. Aspartame is known to be linked to cognitive and behavioral problems.
Alcohol
This is probably a no-brainer, but alcohol should be avoided if you're on a brain fog diet. Heavy alcohol use can lead to memory loss and confusion as well as a reduction in brain volume.
People who drink alcohol excessively tend to have a vitamin B1 deficiency. Vitamin B1 plays a key role in the maintenance of brain function.
Without it, the brain doesn't work properly leading to brain fog, among other problems.
Fried Foods
Fried foods aren't just bad for your waistline and cholesterol levels. They are also some of the worst foods when it comes to brain fog. Fried foods can lead to inflammation of the brain as well as memory loss - something no one wants to experience. Instead of heavily fried foods, opt for baked options and whole foods as much as possible.
Processed Meats
Sorry bacon lovers, but processed meats are one of the top foods for brain fog. Processed meats contain sodium nitrates and sodium nitrites to preserve freshness. These can cause a multitude of health issues including headaches, dizziness, and memory loss.
The consumption of processed meats can also lead to an increase in fat around the organs. Excess fat leads to a decrease in brain tissue.
Instead of eating processed meats, add more fresh fish, meat, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. These healthier options can actually protect your brain against cognitive issues.
And when the need for bacon strikes, source out a brand that does not contain nitrates. Similarly, more natural deli meat selections that avoid these neurotoxins are becoming available. Talk to your butcher or meat specialist and make the healthiest selections possible.
MSG
While not a food, MSG is an additive commonly found in processed foods. MSG (monosodium glutamate) messes with the brain's neurotransmitters leading to major brain fog.
The good news is that you can avoid MSG - season your foods with sea salt and avoid processed foods. Stick to whole foods and add turmeric to your daily regime as it's been found to counteract the effects of MSG on the brain.
Gluten
Gluten doesn't just affect people who have Celiac disease. Gluten can cause high levels of inflammation within your body. It doesn't stop in the body, but also affects the functioning of the brain.
If you believe that gluten is the culprit behind your foggy brain, consider trying cutting out gluten and replacing it with other brain-friendly options. Cassava flour, almond flour, and coconut flour are all great gluten-free flour options.
Refined Carbs
Pasta, bread, and cereal. These food choices may taste great, but the effects of them on your mind and body are less than stellar. Refined carbohydrates have a high glycemic index (GI) which means your body digests them quickly, causing a spike in insulin and blood sugar levels.
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When someone has a high glycemic overload, they can experience impaired memory and brain function. This can occur in both children and adults. This can even contribute to dementia in elderly people.
Instead of reaching for the simple carbohydrates that contribute to that foggy feeling, opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, beans, and legumes. These foods are high in fibre and other brain supportive nutrients. The high fibre content helps stabilize blood sugar levels so you don't experience the unhealthy spikes that you would in refined carbs.
Caffeine
When you feel foggy in the afternoons, your first thought may be to head to the nearest coffee shop for an afternoon pick me up. Before you down another cup of coffee, consider a different option.
Caffeine can actually cause more brain fog. It's like a vicious cycle that just leads to caffeine addiction. Instead of perpetuating the cycle, try other options:
get more sleep
drink more water
opt for coconut water
Weaning yourself off of caffeine altogether may be the best option for you, especially if you find yourself unable to make it through the day or wake up without. If this sounds like you, there’s a good chance that you’re addicted to its effects and should take a break from it.
Avoid these Foods that Cause Brain Fog
Living a healthy lifestyle isn't just about what you look like in a bathing suit. It's also about your actual health. Avoiding foods that cause brain fog will help you live a happy and healthy life that you are present for!
Are you ready to start living a happier, healthier life? Check out our services and together we can create a nutrition plan that's tailored to your body, your brain type, your way of life, and your goals.
As always, I welcome your thoughts and value your feedback. Let me know what you think by dropping me a line or commenting below.
