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Brain fog is an incredibly frustrating experience that can be a symptom of a number of illnesses. While it is most commonly associated with a lack of concentration, trouble thinking, loss of memory, and difficulty with word retrieval, it can also just be an overall uneasy feeling. Brain fog could be caused by medications, hormonal changes, and stress, but it is also a very common side effect of food sensitivities and allergies. Your diet could very likely be the source of your brain fog, especially if you experience it regularly.
One part of your body that surprisingly has a lot of control over your mental cognition is your gut. This is because there are millions of neurons in your gut, which are responsible for producing the majority of our body’s supply of serotonin, and as much dopamine as our brains. The gut is called our “second brain” for a reason!
A diet that isn’t gut friendly could be the culprit of your brain fog, so following a diet that nourishes your diet is crucial. So what are some foods that could be irritating your gut?
“Gluten is highly inflammatory for many people,” Nutritionist Heather Hanks told SheFinds, “you may notice that you feel bloated, constipated, or want to take a nap after eating gluten.” says Hanks. Gluten is a protein most commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye, but it is also used as a preservative in everything from frozen dinners to vitamin supplements.
While the only people who should fully avoid gluten are people with celiac disease, you could potentially be sensitive to gluten without being allergic, known as a non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In this case, cutting back on foods that contain gluten and seeing how it makes you feel could be a way to see if gluten is at the source of your brain fog.
However, Hanks warns that following a diet with manufactured gluten free foods may not be worth it. “Be careful when eating gluten-free products as many contain grains, sugar, and other ingredients that also induce inflammation in an attempt to mimic the texture of gluten, which is not easily done.”
Ultimately, fighting brain fog comes down to eating a gut friendly diet. Gluten, while not an allergen for everyone, has been shown to cause inflammation in the gut in people with celiac and non-celiac sensitivity. Cutting back on glutinous processed foods, which are packed with preservatives that your body may struggle to digest, is a good way to take pressure off your gut and allow it to heal properly and work at its best. However, if you suspect that you may be sensitive to gluten, consult your doctor before making any major dietary changes.
