9 Little Known Foods Causing Brain Fog and How to Replace Them for Enhanced Focus and Boundless Energy

Take Back Your Energy and Focus

For my whole life, it felt like I had a veil over reality.

I couldn’t think straight.

My memory was shot.

And I couldn’t enjoy the simple things.

I had major brain fog

Until

I recognized that the food I was eating was my problem.

Once I cleared out these foods and replaced them with healthy alternatives, I became clear on my goals, experienced boundless energy, and started living.

We’re going to cover 7 food groups that cause brain fog and replace them. Let’s go!

Histamine and Oxalate-Containing Foods

Histamines are compounds released by mast cells, triggered in response to immune system actions, such as a scrape, leading to inflammation and histamine-induced inflammation.

Excessively high amounts of histamine can cause brain fog and headaches, and it’s easy to overdo them.

Foods with the highest amounts of histamines include:

- Fermented beverages like beer, wine, and kombucha.

- Vinegar.

- Dried fruit.

- Aged cheese.

- Peanuts.

I'm not trying to take all the fun out of eating, but if you feel like you have brain fog and constant headaches, I highly recommend eliminating foods with the highest histamine content.

Instead, opt for low-histamine foods and drinks like:

- Freshly cooked meat and fish.

- Eggs.

- Fresh fruits.

- Fresh vegetables.

- Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.

- Leafy herbs such as parsley and cilantro.

- Herbal teas.

Try this for a week and see how you feel. Then gradually bring back the cheese board:)

Glucose-fluctuating foods

Even though the brain accounts for 2 percent of your body weight, it uses 20 percent of your energy.

When your brain is exposed to high amounts of glucose, it causes neuroinflammation through astrocytes.

This is akin to a bunch of crazy dogs running off in your brain, guns blazing.

This neuroinflammation induced by eating too much sugar can cause neuronal damage and lead to serious issues down the road, like Alzheimer's.

Although the brain needs glucose to survive and thrive and uses 150 grams per day, you only need to consume 20-30 grams.

The brain uses gluconeogenesis to get glucose to the neurons.

Avoidance of Starchy Foods and Ultra-Processed Foods:

1. White Bread

2. Sweets and Pastries

3. Highly Processed Snacks

Replace with:

1. Homemade Treats: Prepare desserts at home using natural sweeteners and whole ingredients.

2. Fresh Snacks: Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts as convenient and nutritious snack options.

If you're going to eat carbs, pair them with protein and fat to slow down absorption.

This was a game-changer for me.

Artificially sweetened foods

Loads of research are coming out, showing that artificially sweetened foods are neurotoxic.

Coke Zero is not better for you.

Here's a list of the top 5 artificial sweeteners

1. Aspartame

2. Sucralose

3. Saccharin

4. Acesulfame potassium

5. Cyclamate

Read the ingredients and if you see these on any labels, avoid them like the plague.

Artificially Sweetened Foods:

1. Diet Sodas

2. Sugar-Free Snacks

3. Artificially Sweetened Beverages

Replace with:

1. Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetened Products: Choose products sweetened with natural alternatives.

2. Water with Natural Flavor: Infuse water with slices of fruit or herbs for a refreshing drink.

3. Homemade Beverages: Prepare your beverages using minimal amounts of natural sweeteners if desired.

Trans fats

Trans fats are manufactured oils found in margarine, frosting, or vegetable shortening.

These contain extremely volatile and highly oxidative properties.

High blood levels of trans fats are associated with poor cognitive function, low brain volume, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, immune issues, and more.

Top Culprits:

1. Margarine

2. Canola, Soybean, and all seed oils

3. Frosting

4. Vegetable Shortening

Trans fats increase oxidative endothelial dysfunction. Leading to erectile dysfunction and even heart attacks. FUN!!

Replace with:

1. Healthy Oils: Opt for cooking oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil.

2. Natural Butter: Use real butter in moderation as a substitute for margarine.

3. Nut Butter: Choose natural nut butter without added trans fats as an alternative to processed spreads.

Processed Meats and Deli Meats:

Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, and deli meats often contain additives and preservatives that can contribute to inflammation and exacerbate headaches.

But there are still ways to enjoy the Fourth Of July without a heart attack.

Processed Meats and Deli Meats:

1. Sausages

2. Hot Dogs

3. Deli Meats

Replace with:

1. Fresh Poultry: Choose fresh chicken or turkey as a lean alternative.

2. Unprocessed Cuts: Opt for whole cuts of 100% grass-fed beef, pork, or lamb instead of processed variations.

3. Homemade Options: Prepare sandwiches with home-cooked meat to avoid additives present in deli meats.

There are loads of hot dogs, franks, and deli meats that are great for you you just have to do your research and opt for the ones above.

Sugary Snacks and Pastries:

Sugary snacks and pastries can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, contributing to neuroinflammation.

Top Culprits:

1. Candy Bars

2. Pastries

3. Sugary Cereals

Replace with:

1. Fresh Fruit: Choose whole fruits for a naturally sweet snack.

2. Nuts and Seeds: Enjoy a handful of nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch.

3. Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate with minimal added sugars as a dessert alternative.

You can still have dessert.

I eat it almost every day and feel no guilt when I know it’s healthy and nourishing.

High-Caffeine Beverages:

We like to think that more is better but that is not the case.

While a moderate amount of caffeine can be fine, excessive consumption from sources like energy drinks and strong coffee can trigger headaches and contribute to brain fog.

High-Caffeine Beverages:

1. Energy Drinks

2. Excessive Coffee

3. Some Colas

Replace with:

1. Green Tea: Choose green tea for a moderate caffeine boost with added health benefits.

2. Herbal Teas: Experiment with various herbal teas for a caffeine-free option.

3. Organic Coffee: Most coffee has mold and containment. Opt for organic.

4. Water: Stay hydrated with plain water to reduce reliance on caffeinated beverages.

Artificial Flavorings and Colorings:

Foods with artificial flavorings and colorings may contain chemicals that can potentially impact brain health.

They’re everywhere too.

Top Culprits:

1. Processed Snacks

2. Sugary Drinks

3. Candy

But there are plenty of ways to still enjoy these items without the guilt.

Replace with:

1. Whole Foods: Consume snacks made from whole, unprocessed ingredients.

2. Naturally Flavored Water: Infuse water with fruits or herbs for a refreshing drink.

3. Homemade Treats: Prepare desserts at home using natural flavors like vanilla or cocoa.

Lots of companies are making candy that is good for you.

Go to Whole Foods and check them out.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption:

Alcohol, especially in large quantities, can disrupt neurotransmitter balance and contribute to headaches and cognitive issues.

Top Culprits:

1. Regular Beer

2. High-Sugar Cocktails

3. Sweetened Spirits

Replace with:

1. Light Beer or Wine: Opt for lower-calorie alcoholic beverages.

2. Tequila or Vodka: Choose spirits without added sugars or excessive flavorings.

3. Mixer Alternatives: Use club soda, sparkling water, or natural fruit juices as mixers instead of sugary options.

Try ranch water or a vodka soda next time you go out

In Conclusion

Choosing a diet rich in fresh, unprocessed foods, low in histamines and other potential triggers, can positively impact your overall health and help alleviate symptoms like brain fog and headaches.

Your body and mind deserve the best nourishment for a vibrant, headache-free life.

With Love,

Jack