Brain fog describes the inability to focus, remember things, use logic, or solve problems. Conventional medicine views psychological stressors as independent from the rest of the body. In reality, our brains are inextricably tied to our gastrointestinal tract. If you think you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, your doctor can order a blood test or you can test B12 levels in the privacy of your home through a service such as My Labs For Life.
- Alcohol serves as a depressant, which means it slows down the activity of the central nervous system.
- For most of us, brain fog is related to lifestyle or temporary stressors.
- Linda has years of invaluable experience as a volunteer and as a nurse.
- Previously, she led human resources at Mayo Clinic and Tenet Healthcare.
- Alcohol brain fog refers to a range of cognitive impairments that occur during alcohol consumption or in the aftermath.
- Your provider will also discuss any side effects to look out for while you’re taking a new medication.
Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School
Dr. Anand stresses the importance of drinking in moderation, if at all. If you drink for long periods of time, it can cause depression, and when you abruptly stop drinking, it can cause anxiety,” says Dr. Anand. The toll that frequent alcohol use can have on your body can be severe but in some cases, the damage can be reversible.
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
In addition, about 40 to 60 percent of people who experience chronic alcohol misuse also experience alcohol-related myopathy. This condition can be acute, affecting people for a short period of time before resolving, or chronic, lasting for a longer period of time. The best way to combat this issue is to reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
Ways to Reduce Brain Fog After Drinking Alcohol
It even helps to protect your gastrointestinal lining and works with your immune system – it’s everywhere! That’s why it’s so important to do what you can to stay healthy and make sure your body is making enough of it and using it efficiently. Key information for professionals who are supporting patients with suspected alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD). As brain fog is common after COVID-19 infections, getting the COVID-19 vaccine is beneficial to reduce your risk. Without treatment, DT can be fatal in more than one-third of people whom it affects.
It’s made by the adrenal gland, just like epinephrine and norepinephrine – the hormones that act behind your fight, flight, or freeze response. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that works with the reward center of your brain, making you feel pleased, satisfied, and motivated. Whenever you get that rush of pride after accomplishing something, alcohol brain fog dopamine is probably surging in your brain. In fact, it’s there after you do anything that makes you feel rewarded, like earning money, eating good food, or having sex. Sometimes, these symptoms will build gradually and could be noticeable to family and friends long before the person with ARBD realises that something is wrong.
Prioritize sleep
