Brain fog, forgetfulness and neuro-inflammation is on the rise....
Something has changed in my clinical practice over the last year, at least 90% of patients are reporting some kind of cognitive decline in the form of brain fog, forgetfulness and nervous system dysregulation. So today, I want to break down why that may be happening and what steps you can take at home to reduce the impact.
Firstly, just under half the population in Australia has had Covid -19 in the past year. Covid – 19 uses something called the RAAS system to transport infected cells around the body. This system is responsible for regulation of blood pressure, fluid & electrolytes balance and glucose metabolism. During a Covid -19 infection, that system is overstimulated, which amongst other things, puts us in a higher stress state – sympathetic dominance, increases blood pressure, thickens blood and increases inflammation of the lining of the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. So for starters that is a huge impact on the vascular system…which is an integral part of healthy cognitive function.
As I stated, an overstimulated RAAS system also impacts endothelial lining, that is the same tissue that lines the gut. What does the a gut and brain have to do with one another? Heaps, the gastrointestinal microbiota has been found to communicate via the vagal nerve with the brain, affecting brain physiology and behaviour. When the gut lining is compromised, so to is the microbiota that communicates with the brain.
Obviously, pre-existing health and age play a role in cognitive health, but essentially we all have some work to do to protect and restore our cognitive function.
Here is how you can make a start…
Stop bombing the body with more toxins and allergens:
That means minimise alcohol intake, check for exposure to environmental toxins like mould, or dietary and pharma-logical toxins. Watch the sugar intake too, glucose metabolism is interrupted during Covid-19 and high glucose intake that can’t be metabolised equals more inflammation.
Detoxify your body and allow systems to flow:
You can do this by cleaning up the diet, increasing dietary sources of zinc, C, B & E vitamins, and curcumin. Plus, hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Reduce antibiotic use:
Unless absolutely necessary, repeated use of antibiotic use has been proven to impact microbiota function and play a role in the development of neurodegenerative disease. 1
Eliminate nasty bacteria:
A stool sample can give you a very specific picture of what needs to be modified, or you can just go in with herbs like oregano leaf, black walnut, garlic & Nigella sativa. Actually the last one is a game changer for post-covid recovery… Tastes so bad it has to be good!
Eat Polyphenols and food high in Pre & Probiotic fibres (PPP):
I will post on these foods on Instagram the list is plentiful…think bright coloured vegetables, especially purple (blueberries, eggplant, radicchio, black coffee). If your diet isn’t A1 – 80% of the time, then supplement until you can make those gradual changes towards a good diet. It is a process, and it does take time. A diet like the Mediterranean is low allergen, high in good healthy fats and diverse plant sources to feed both the gut microbiota and brain. Plus it has plenty of the PPP's.
Increase BDNF - Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor
You can do this by eating more polyphenols, social interaction, exercise and participating in mental activities. BDNF helps you have that “feel good” feeling…so go for it! I’m thinking a fast walk, chat and laugh with a friend followed by a long black as you tackle the days Wordle!
If you'd like more information or have any question, drop me a line at info@threetides.com.au.
REFS:
1. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191122113314.htm