Have you ever thought about why some people experience forgetfulness, confusion, and dizziness after having their meals?
This happens because of brain fog after eating, which is a cluster of symptoms that hinders your ability to think clearly. Brain fog makes it difficult for an individual to focus, concentrate, remember information, and communicate. One might think brain fog is a medical disease but this is a wrong assumption because brain fog is a symptom in itself for an underlying disease. It is cognitive dysfunction also known as mental fatigue. According to the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, inflammation in the brain, shortage of brain-boosting nutrients, and exposure to toxic substances lead to brain fog which makes you sluggish.
Medical conditions like anemia, depression, migraine, and factors like stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and some specific medications can also cause brain fog. However, in this article, our major concern is to decode “Why one gets brain fog after eating” and how diet plays a role in brain fogging.
In this article
Brain Fog After Eating- Explained
As per CNBC, around 600 million people worldwide suffer from cognitive dysfunction, and brain fogging due to diet is more prevalent than one might think. People with an unbalanced diet that is not able to fulfil their nutritional value lead to brain fogging after eating. A research review of 2021 shows us that lack of B12 in the diet causes brain fog as B12 supports healthy brain functioning. You can also get brain fog if you consume foods you are allergic to.
There is evidence that shows us that gut health and how mentally sharp a person is directly related. Two prime suspects of brain fog after eating are ‘Food intolerances’ and ‘Gut bacteria dysbiosis’. Food intolerance happens in the body when there is an adverse reaction that occurs in the digestive system. Brain fog after eating in cases of food intolerance also causes constant fatigue and sleepiness.
Dysbiosis is often correlated to excessive intake of sugar, lack of fiber, and low intake of probiotic food. Good gut bacteria are crucial to prevent brain fog as brain fog has also been associated with overgrowth bacteria in the small intestine.
Solutions For Brain Fog After Eating
Consistent brain fog after eating can be depleting, exhausting, and frustrating. So, we have brought you some solutions to alleviate your brain fog after eating:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day as dehydration contributes to brain fog.
- Avoid triggering food: Don’t consume food that may cause food sensitivities like dairy, gluten, and processed foods.
- Stress management: Stress is one of the factors for brain fog, chronic stress can promote brain fog. Mind-calming activities like meditation, journaling, and breathing exercises help to gain mental clarity.
- Sugar management: Avoid food that spikes or drops sugar levels suddenly. Include fibre-rich foods, complex carbohydrates, and good sources of protein.
- Mindful eating: Refrain from overeating, keep a check on your body’s hunger and fullness as heavy meals can make you sluggish.
If your brain fog is consistent and hampering your daily routine, it is high time that you consult your health professional because brain fog can be a symptom of an underlying disease. Though brain fog is not fatal, constant dizziness, confusion, and unable to think clearly may affect your daily life and professional and personal relationships. It may be a common phenomenon but you need not make it your ‘new normal’ because it is not.
Recognize that brain fog is a symptom of many conditions like hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, chronic stress, fatigue syndrome, etc. In this article, we have explored the dietary aspect of brain fog that contributes to it and some solutions.
