The brain is an extremely malleable organ that is constantly being influenced by our environment, diet, experiences, thoughts, and emotions.
What makes the brain vulnerable is the process of inflammation. This is because the inflammation in the brain slows down communication between neurons. Inflammation in a knee, ankle, or elsewhere in the body typically results in pain. An inflamed brain, however, does not necessarily hurt. Instead, a common symptom of brain inflammation is brain fog, and people complaining that their thinking feels slow and disconnected. Other symptoms of brain inflammation may include memory loss, depression, anxiety, and other types of neurological disorders.
Brain inflammation
The factors that cause brain inflammation are often the same factors that cause inflammation elsewhere in the body, and stem primarily from poor diet and lifestyle choices. If you have any digestive disorders—stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, gas, bloating, multiple food sensitivities—you may be at risk of brain inflammation.
The following are some of the common factors:
- Food intolerances, particularly to gluten. The brain has been found to be the tissue most often affected by a gluten sensitivity.
- A diet high in sugar
- Blood sugar imbalances (low blood sugar, high blood sugar, or diabetes)
- Leaky gut (a damaged gut wall that allows undigested food, bacteria, and other pathogens into the bloodstream)
- Unmanaged autoimmune disease, such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
- Chronic inflammation elsewhere in the body
- Hormone imbalances. Estrogen deficiency in a woman can exacerbate brain inflammation. While progesterone has been shown to be very therapeutic after a brain injury.
- Poor blood flow and oxygenation. Factors that can reduce oxygenation of the brain include anemia, smoking, poor circulation, blood sugar imbalances, chronic stress, and high or low blood pressure.
Supporting brain health
The factors that support brain health are the same factors that support your body’s health:
- whole foods diet rich in antioxidants
- essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fats
- sufficient vitamin D
- regular physical activity and adequate sleep
- healthy social activity
- stress management and healthy lifestyle choices
Contact us to learn how we can help improve your brain health, reduce inflammation, and support your health process.
