Brain Fog
Are there days when you can’t think? Do you have days when the things that would come easily are not flowing? Are there times when your memory feels irretrievably damaged?
Well, this is brain fog and yes, it is a thing. A thing that is not a medical term, nor a medical condition, but can indeed change your life. I recall having it in my younger years however thankfully due to what I want to share it has totally resolved and I have total brain clarity.
Post viral brain fog is real. So real in fact that it can have a significant impact on the quality of our lives, long after the acute viral infection has cleared. In addition to the symptoms that occur during the acute phase of a viral infection, sufferers report long-term sequelae well after the infection has cleared. Typically, symptoms can linger from weeks to years, with sufferers failing to make a full recovery.
One of the most common symptoms of post-viral syndrome may be brain fog or cognitive impairment and may be associated with the aftermath of numerous viruses including Epstein-Barr Virus, Ross River, Enterovirus, Human Herpes Virus 6, parvovirus and influenza viruses.
It has now become very prevalent issue and increasingly common with the conversation being forced onto centre stage after the world-wide COVID -19 pandemic.
Brain fog can also occur in response to mould exposure; however this article is focusing on viruses.
Bioresonance is able to identify the likelihood of your brain fog being viral or mycotoxin driven or both.
Brain fog may be characterised by:
Lack of focus and mental clarity
Deficit in attention
Mental slowness
Lack of memory
Difficulty to learn and articulate
General mental fatigue
Confusion
Lethargy
Why does this happen?
Your brain may feel like it's full of cotton wool or you are disconnected.
Brain fog may be the result of neuro-inflammation, a process triggered by an attack on the immune system leading to inflammation in the brain and a decrease in cognitive processes.
Our immune system has an impressive mechanism that is capable of fending off viruses and other pathogens.
Cytokines are signalling proteins that help control inflammation in your body. They are an essential part of this process, create conditions that make it difficult for viruses and other pathogens to survive by regulating the immune system, inflammation and haematopoiesis (blood building). Too many cytokines can lead to excess inflammation and conditions like auto-immune disease.
Part of treating viral infections is managing this pro-inflammatory cytokine response and normalising the immune system: this balance being vital in supporting homeostasis (balance) of the immune system.
If any of these mechanisms are inhibited or upregulated or, as the case of COVID-19, accompanied by abnormal or exaggerated response, the result will elicit a cytokine storm, contributing to the severity of the infection.
Whilst the mechanism of viral pathogenesis behind cognitive impairment can differ with each virus, the changes are associated with an invasion of the central nervous system (CNS) via the blood supply with direct passage across the blood-brain barrier, or indirectly migrating through the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Neuroinflammation is driven by the production of cytokines causing systemic inflammation and this immune system challenge leads to significant impacts upon cognitive processes.
Studies show that despite the resolution of acute infections there are still clinically significant symptoms linked with COVID-19, fatigue and cognitive impairment being the most common and burdening.
Immune related inflammation leading to brain inflammation may be the driving force behind post-viral syndrome brain fog.
How do I manage it?
Besides our immune strengthening herbs, and all the measures we can take to optimise immune function, there are some beautifully effective herbs that protect and improve our CNS and brain function.
They are also wonderfully synergistically alongside immune and anti-viral herbs such as Astragalus, Baikal scullcap, Japanese knotweed, Licorice, Rhodiola and Turmeric.
Additionally, it is vital to balance and consolidate any formula with synergistic herbs that not only enhance the activity but also the delivery of the primary herbs included in the formula.
The synergistic herbs selected can vary. Consideration is given to your presentation, intention, the energetics of the mix, the body systems involved such as sinuses and lungs and areas targeted. In the case of post-viral brain fog, Rosemary is ideal as it can cross the blood-brain barrier, has an affinity to the head and is believed to enhance delivery of herbs to that area.
Turmeric may also play a crucial role in any formation for orders of an inflammatory nature as it is a potent anti-inflammatory phytomedicine and similar to Rosemary can cross the blood brain barrier.
Below are the key CNS phytomedicines we may use in the management of post-viral syndrome brain fog. Each of these herbs are potent phytomedicines in protecting the nervous system and brain.
Neuroprotective: A phytomedicine that protects the different parts of the nervous system against damage.
Neurotrophic: A phytomedicine that promotes growth and regeneration of neurons.
Nootropic: A phytomedicine that improves cognitive function, including executive functions such as memory, concentration, learning and motivation.
Examples of herbs which have all these effects are Bacopa, Gingko, Lions Mane, Tremella, Reishi, Withania and Korean ginseng. Turmeric and Rosemary may also be considered depending on other factor
Please note, it is essential these herbs are checked with your medication as there is the potential for drug herb interactions. I do this with every client.
Another important factor in resolving longterm brain fog, particularly if this has been a long-term issue is strengthening your mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of each cell in order to restore your energy.
This is the topic of another blog coming soon.
