Brain fog is characterized by cognitive impairments to memory, attention, executive function, and the speed of cognitive processing. It is not a medical condition itself but rather symptomatic of an underlying condition that can range from poor nutrition or illness to undiagnosed food sensitivities or sleep deprivation. When aspartame is ingested, it breaks down into three different compounds: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. When consumed in isolated and large amounts, as in aspartame, they then are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, excite the brain cells, and trigger their death. Even worse, methanol further breaks down to formaldehydes, which are neurotoxic and carcinogenic. Common symptoms of aspartame toxicity are headaches, mental confusion, problems with balance, and numbness. Although the use of these additives is approved by the Food & Drug Administration in regulated amounts, these chemicals are classified “Group 1 Carcinogen” by World Health Organization (WHO) experts. A large number of health complaints have been reported by consumers: among them skin issues, respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and brain fog. The best way to avoid these additives, commonly found in bacon, jerky, hot dogs, pepperoni, and sausages, is to read the labels and choose to eat unprocessed foods. Here is a list of the ingredients in wine, beer, liquor, and spirits that may be worsening your brain fog: Other foods considered major allergens are gluten, soy, egg, shellfish (two kinds: crustacean and mollusk), tree nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews), peanuts (in the legume family), certain types of finned fish, and sesame. For people with sensitivities or allergies to these foods, the body sees the proteins as a threat and produces antibodies to chase them out. If you experience symptoms of brain fog, headache, or digestive discomfort when you eat a specific type of food, you may have a sensitivity but not necessarily an allergy. With either situation it is best to avoid those foods altogether, and be careful when reading labels, as there may be hidden ingredients, especially milk and eggs. To help get rid of brain fog, you may want to check out these herbalist-approved herbs; plus, the six best foods for getting you clearheaded, stat.
