Why brain fog may be a sign of blood sugar instability
Who would have thought that brain fog, a condition in which we feel mentally slow, confused, unfocused, without realizing, could be directly linked to our insulin and
blood sugar levels?
Well, researchers say yes! One of the most overlooked causes of brain fog is blood sugar instability.
Since the brain is dependent upon a steady supply of glucose for energy, fluctuations in blood sugar levels, whether it is too high or too low, or constantly changing, can significantly impair cognitive function.
There might be a shortcut now! Understanding the complex relationship between our brain and blood sugar might be the key to improving our mental clarity and overall well-being.
What is brain fog
Brain fog, or mental fatigue, is a word used to define symptoms that can hinder your ability to think.
One may feel disoriented, confused, and lack focus in daily activities. It is not a medical condition in itself, but is known to stem from other medical conditions.
03:42
5 Simple ways to bring down high BP
What are the
common causes of brain fog
Hormonal changes
During pregnancy or menopause, women go through various changes in the levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. This change can affect memory and lead to short-term cognitive disabilities, leading to forgetfulness, low concentration levels, and fuzzy thoughts.
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Stress and lack of sleep
Excessive stress and lack of quality sleep may lead to high blood pressure, a weak immune system, and even depression. When our brain exhausts itself, it faces difficulty functioning optimally, which can lead to cloudy thoughts, poor retention.
Medications and certain diseases
Chronic diseases such as
Anemia
, depression,
diabetes
, and even autoimmune diseases such as Lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis can lead to brain fog.
The link between brain fog and blood sugar instability
If there is any organ in our body that is the most energy-hungry is our brain. It uses up about half of the body's sugar energy. When our blood sugar levels are too high or even too low, the brain cannot function properly, leading to cognitive issues such as mood swings, confusion and poor memory, which is scientifically called
brain fog.
High blood sugar
(Hyperglycemia)
Over time, according to the CDC, high blood sugar levels damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to reduced oxygen flow to the brain cells, which in turn leads to memory and thinking problems and eventually vascular dementia. If the brain suffers from chronic stress, it can contribute to mental fog, cognitive decline, and even sluggish thinking.
How does
low blood sugar
contribute to brain fog?
When our
blood pressure
drops below 70 mg/dL, the brain does not get enough oxygen. It creates this feeling of dizziness, confusion, and trouble speaking. In worst-case scenarios, it can cause seizures or even come.
Brain fog= A sign of blood sugar imbalance
Unstable brain function can cause:
Trouble concentrating
Memory lapses
Mental fatigue
Confusion and mood shifts
How to prevent this
Maintaining a healthy diet is the foremost step to anything. What we eat significantly impacts our body and especially our brain health.
Keep blood sugar within the target range
Get regular physical activity
If one notices mental fogginess and mood changes, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
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