Brain Fog? Here’s What NOT to Eat

Hormone balance and enough progesterone help reduce brain fog, and if you want to think clearly, also avoid these foods that might cause you problems.

Trans fats in butter substitutes and many packaged snacks contain a lot of trans fats.

You might know trans fats are bad for your heart and blood vessels, but studies show they can also harm how your brain works.

A study in the journal Neurology found older people with the most elaidic acid (a common trans fat) in their blood were more likely to get dementia.

Alcohol directly impacts how your brain sends messages. The more you drink, the harder it can be to learn new things or recall information.

While one drink won’t likely change your thinking, alcohol can also make you feel confused or sad.

Sweet drinks often contain a sugar called fructose, which can make parts of your brain shrink. If you want to keep your brain sharp, avoid very sweet drinks.

Studies show that people who drink many fizzy soft drinks, or add a lot of sugar to their tea and coffee, are much more likely to have memory problems.

Diet drinks and artificial sweeteners are often used to lose weight, but they are not healthier than sugary drinks.

Research shows that people who drink at least one diet soft drink or use artificial sweeteners daily are nearly three times more likely to have a stroke or develop dementia.

Scientists believe that artificial sweeteners may be the cause of various health problems.

If you need sweeteners, consider using natural options like Stevia, Erythritol, and Xylitol in moderation, as they taste similar to sugar.

Fried foods cause inflammation, which can damage the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and harm the brain itself.

People who eat a lot of fried and processed foods usually perform worse on thinking skills tests, so try to reduce or eliminate these foods if possible.

Doughnuts worsen inflammation because they are deep-fried and contain a lot of sugar.

Studies have linked high blood sugar levels to dementia, and most doughnuts also have trans fats, which are not good for your brain.

You might also want to check your progesterone levels, as this hormone helps manage inflammation.

Refined carbohydrates like white bread and white rice can cause your blood sugar to spike, leading to a crash that makes you feel mentally cloudy.

Research indicates that eating too many refined carbohydrates may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in those who are genetically at risk.

Instead, try switching to sourdough, whole-grain breads, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta

Red meat has a lot of saturated fat. This is not good for your heart or your brain, so it’s best to eat it in small amounts and choose organic if you can.

Meat can be a good part of a healthy eating plan. It gives you protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. But eating a lot of red and processed meats is linked to heart disease, stroke, and bowel cancer.

The best diet for brain health combines well-studied ones like the Mediterranean and DASH diets. These focus on whole grains, healthy fats, and lots of green leafy vegetables.

Spinach and kale are especially good as they are known to slow down brain ageing. Keep eating lots of berries because they have been shown to help the mind stay sharp as we get older.

Looking for a protein that’s better for your brain? Fish, lean chicken, nuts, and beans are better choices.

Dairy products like butter and full-fat cheese contain a lot of saturated fat. The diets mentioned above limit or avoid butter, cheese, and other full-fat dairy.

Full-fat choices in small amounts are usually seen as healthy. They are not as bad for heart health as people used to think. Dairy products are very healthy as they provide important calcium, protein, potassium, and vitamin B12. These help bone health, muscle strength, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and stroke.

Eating a moderate, regular amount of high-fat dairy, especially cheese (50g or more per day), is linked to a lower risk of dementia and better thinking skills in older adults.

Products like yoghurt that have been fermented are also good for the connection between your gut and brain.

But, if you can’t stop eating the ‘real thing,’ just eat smaller amounts or have them as a treat sometimes.

Reading labels is important and I am the annoying person in the supermarket standing in front of the shelf reading the back of the label to find out exactly what is in it.

It is particularly important for products like dressings and sauces because many contain a lot of high-fructose corn syrup. Look for natural products without corn syrup, and consider making your own salad dressings.

High-fructose corn syrup is also found in many soft drinks and is associated with several health issues, including memory loss and reduced brain function.

Helpful information

Brain fog is common during menopause, but it can still be distressing and concerning. Low progesterone levels can cause mood swings and memory loss related to brain fog.

Your diet can make a difference, and maintaining healthy hormone levels can help, so pay attention to any signs that you may need assistance.

If you are worried, this article may be useful.

https://blog.wellsprings-health.com/forgetfulness-brain-fog-and-ageing-whats-normal/