“Brain
Fog is the right word, too…a feeling that clarity, memory, and focus are just out of reach, beyond a misty veil in my brain. I know the good stuff is there because I can glimpse it — but not very well or for very long.
I find this to be one of the most frustrating symptoms of midlife. How about you?
Investigating why brain fog is so prevalent in today’s society (and particularly for women at midlife) has led me to some interesting theories about the second brain — our gut.
The more I read and research, the more I’m coming to believe that the health of our bodies AND our minds begins with the complex biome of our bellies, often called our “2nd Brain.”
Turns out, what we put into our bodies might be one of the most important things we can do for healthy bodies and our minds. I’ve learned that probiotics improve the health of my 2nd brain. In addition, 
There are many foods that trigger brain fog and chances are, you already know what those are. It can differ for everyone, but I know that gluten and dairy are big “foggers” for me. Stress and sugar are also nasty culprits.
All added together, you’ll find me staring off into space, struggling to find the right words, forgetting what someone just said to me, or wondering WHY DID I WALK INTO THIS FRIGGIN’ ROOM and WHY IS MY PHONE IN THE BUTTER COMPARTMENT OF THE FRIDGE??!
Exercise, good sleep, and stress reduction are vital to great brain function, but what if I told you that our health is actually 80% what we put into our body and 20% physical movement? Turns the 80/20 health thinking on its head, right?
I had to ask myself: Am I willing to give up foods that I love in order to sweep away the fog? What’s it worth to me to be able to think clearly, focus for longer periods of time, and be more creative and innovative?
IDEA: Keeping a food diary for a few days can help you determine which foods trigger negative reactions in your body and/or brain.
What’s it worth to you?
When I eliminate my food culprits and keep my good-gut-bugs well-fed I notice a HUGE difference in my thinking and productivity! I’m now wishing I’d made those changes permanent. In fact, I’m coming to believe that my quality of life and the quality of the work that’s so important to me depend on me doing so.
I LOVE the Trader Joe’s brand probiotics. Sometimes, probiotics can give you a bit of tummy upset but I’ve never had an issue with this brand at all.
Disclaimer: This is an affiliate link, which means I will receive a small commission if you choose this product. This in no way affects the integrity of what I recommend. I ONLY recommend products that I’ve used and loved.
