Brain Fog

[Corkdarrr]

Does anyone else experience brain fog as a symptom of a food intolerance/allergy OTHER than gluten?

And after you've glutened yourself, how long does your brain fog usually stick around for?

Thanks

- Courtney

[CarlaB]

Courtney, I get brain fog for 8 days after glutening.

I also have adrenal burnout (common with those who have been chronically ill), which also causes brain fog. Right now the fog is constant and unbearable. But at least now I know the problem, so hopefully it will lift soon!

[Ursa Major]

Courtney, I get brain fog after eating rice or eggs as well, and it will last for several days.

[jerseyangel]

I get brain fog with all grains. If I get glutened through CC, the brain fog seems to hang on forever!

[Corkdarrr]

Thanks -

It's just that after going gluten-free, the brain fog lifted so noticably...and now it's kinda back pretty bad. And I don't know if it's from one of my ignorant self-glutenings because i'm still so new at this, or if it has to do with something else.

Either way, as we all know, it's incredibly frustrating. It's very difficult to be proactive with your health when you have so many lingering symptoms mixed together from so many sources.

[CarlaB]

That's what happened to me. I got significantly better just getting off gluten and casein, but after a few months, I felt bad again. For me, it's adrenal fatigue. You might do a search on adrenal fatigue and adrenal burnout and see if it's your problem, too. I guess it's pretty common for those who have been ill because of the stress of constant inflammation. I'm reading a book on it called Tired of Being Tired that I recommend if the symptoms seem to fit. It's by Jesse Lynn Hanley, M.D.

[elonwy]

I find it very interesting that one of the recommendations for adrenal fatigue is a low-gluten or gluten free diet. Fascinating.

Elonwy

[num1habsfan]

Open Original Shared Link

I just took that mini quiz, and I got 13 out of 16

Maybe its something worth mentioning to my doctor??

~Lisa~

added: I took this quiz...Open Original Shared Link

.. I got 25 points!

[Corkdarrr]

Hm. I also got 13 out of 16 on that quiz...

Although maybe it should be 14. I don't DRINK any caffeinated beverages, but I do take enough Excedrin to constitute a caffeine problem!

Thanks CarlaB. I'm finding a new dr. so I will definately mention this in my interviews. I mean consultations.

-Courtney

[CarlaB]

Hm. I also got 13 out of 16 on that quiz...

Although maybe it should be 14. I don't DRINK any caffeinated beverages, but I do take enough Excedrin to constitute a caffeine problem!

Thanks CarlaB. I'm finding a new dr. so I will definately mention this in my interviews. I mean consultations.

-Courtney

Most docs don't recognize it as a problem ... mine is an MD who also practices alternative medicine. If you read the book, you will find it enlightening!!! It also has the solutions for getting better. However, I would not just blindly take the supplements she says, I would go to a naturopath and get specific supplements that you need.

Docs typically recognize it only when your adrenals are actually diseased.

I find it very interesting that one of the recommendations for adrenal fatigue is a low-gluten or gluten free diet. Fascinating.

Elonwy

Very interesting, isn't it?

[Kat-Kat]

Does anyone else experience brain fog as a symptom of a food intolerance/allergy OTHER than gluten?

And after you've glutened yourself, how long does your brain fog usually stick around for?

Thanks

- Courtney

Yes! I brain fog very bad. How bad is your brain fog? I have a seizure if I get to much gluten in me I try to stay far away. The seizures are better now that the doctors and that is S many of them found out oh you have celiac that must have been what has made you sick your whole life!!!!!

If I get a small amount now that I have been on a gluten free diet I will brain fog for a day befor I knew what to eat I went into a seizure within 20 min. that is if I ate a slice of bread. I would be gone. When I was young I just went off into space. It just kept doing damege to my nerves as I was told. Now My parents were not told anything except that I was a sick child. They would have to put me in and out of the hospital because I could not keep food down.

how old are you and how long has the brain fog been there? I have been reading everything I can find. The more info You know the Better life you can live.

[num1habsfan]

Most docs don't recognize it as a problem ...

Yeah, and I know for a fact that mine would sure never even consider it, so I honestly think I'm gonna bring it up when I go see my family doc on thursday, and maybe even when I go see a specialist in a couple weeks...

~ lisa ~

[Corkdarrr]

Yes! I brain fog very bad. How bad is your brain fog? I have a seizure if I get to much gluten in me I try to stay far away. The seizures are better now that the doctors and that is S many of them found out oh you have celiac that must have been what has made you sick your whole life!!!!!

If I get a small amount now that I have been on a gluten free diet I will brain fog for a day befor I knew what to eat I went into a seizure within 20 min. that is if I ate a slice of bread. I would be gone. When I was young I just went off into space. It just kept doing damege to my nerves as I was told. Now My parents were not told anything except that I was a sick child. They would have to put me in and out of the hospital because I could not keep food down.

how old are you and how long has the brain fog been there? I have been reading everything I can find. The more info You know the Better life you can live.

I'm 24, and mine clearly isn't near as bad as yours. No seizures or anything like that (poor thing!!).

I just get SO spacey. I mean, to the point where it really is dangerous for me to drive a car. And the weird thing is that I KNOW I'm spacing out. But I just can't focus. It happens while...well pretty much while I'm doing anything. Homework. Class. Watchign Tv. Working. Conversating (I made that word up).

It had gotten really bad before I went gluten-free, and the first time I glutened myself, brain fog was one of the most noticable symptoms. I got REALLY concerned before going gluten-free and had a CT scan done because I couldn't concentrate on things, was having even worse memory retention than usual, and I'd gotten severely dizzy a few times. They didn't find anything, but now that I know how glaringly incompetent my doctor is... Anyways, the brain fog seems to have crept back up to standard in my life. It's driving me insane!

I agree. I spend at least an hour a day on this forum and googling things...and by now I'm sure I'll never be able to find a doctor that meets my standards when it comes to celiac!

[Kat-Kat]

I'm 24, and mine clearly isn't near as bad as yours. No seizures or anything like that (poor thing!!).

I just get SO spacey. I mean, to the point where it really is dangerous for me to drive a car. And the weird thing is that I KNOW I'm spacing out. But I just can't focus. It happens while...well pretty much while I'm doing anything. Homework. Class. Watchign Tv. Working. Conversating (I made that word up).

It had gotten really bad before I went gluten-free, and the first time I glutened myself, brain fog was one of the most noticable symptoms. I got REALLY concerned before going gluten-free and had a CT scan done because I couldn't concentrate on things, was having even worse memory retention than usual, and I'd gotten severely dizzy a few times. They didn't find anything, but now that I know how glaringly incompetent my doctor is... Anyways, the brain fog seems to have crept back up to standard in my life. It's driving me insane!

I agree. I spend at least an hour a day on this forum and googling things...and by now I'm sure I'll never be able to find a doctor that meets my standards when it comes to celiac!

most of the doctors think it is just a little thing that makes you sometimes sick to your stomach they know nothing I was sent to UVA in Virginia they did not get it at all made my husband so mad that the last time I was there He said I would never go back.

I have to be careful of shampoos and soaps and lotions are you reading everything

read all food labels stay away from the frozen food section. if you can't say it don't eat it no pizza don't eat Mcdonalds fries sheets icecream or shakes chip dips salad dressing somethings does not say wheat but wheat is not the only grain in foods look for gluten free statements try to be very hard on your self and very careful. see if it changes or makes a differents it took me about a month then it got better but you must stay away from glutens all of them.

there are alot of things to eat just you have to change your taste

[Guest ~jules~]

Wow, I took the quiz and I got 15, I've been reading around here and there at the posts on this adrenal fatigue, and I think its something I may mention to my doctor the next time I go. Before this diagnosis I have been under constant stress for almost 10 years in one way shape or form, not just oops I burnt dinner stress, I mean horrible relentless life stressors. Anyone else?

[aikiducky]

This is kinda interesting, I got 6 out of 16, but... I could have answered yes to every single question a couple years ago. And a lot of them were still close enough that I hesitated whether or not I should say yes or no... like for instance, I'm not dizzy a lot, but often enought that I don't think it's completely normal, and my dark circles under eyes have gotten much less noticeable during the time I've been gluten free, but they're still there to some degree. I think I'm going to look into this, maybe there are still some things in my life style that I can adjust...

Pauliina

[Phoenix73]

Before this diagnosis I have been under constant stress for almost 10 years in one way shape or form, not just oops I burnt dinner stress, I mean horrible relentless life stressors. Anyone else?

In my situation I had been constantly stressed my whole life , especially the last 3 years (which was as you described horrible and relentless), I now realise how silly it was to put my body and mind through all that BUT I believed I would get off scott free and took my health for granted. I stressed over the most pathetic things, then some really serious stuff hit 3 years ago in hindsight I know I completely burnt myself out emotionally but thought i was doing okay physically, til all these weird health problems started popping up a year ago, which doctors had no answers for and tests kept coming up clear for.

I scored 14/15 on the adrenal exhaustion test, it would have been 15/15, but i quit the 5 cup a day cafeine habit 2 months ago. Thank God the changes i have made to diet, and the way that I have started to handle stress now have made a difference, i believe i'm getting stronger slowly and i have finally learnt the importance of health and learnt not to exceed my emotional threshold.

Hope i can reverse the damage I've done, and will definately go hunting for that book that was mentioned in the previous posts, Yikes sorry for post being so long.

[CarlaB]

I've been under a lot of stress, too. If I look back over the past, I can see whenever I was under a lot of stress, the adrenal fatigue would show and I'd become sensitive to foods. I think the two -- gluten intolerance and stress -- seem to aggravate each other for me.

When talking to your doc, remember that most do not accept adrenal fatigue/burnout as a problem. It's a sub-clinical issue that is corrected by lifestyle and dietary changes, so they don't even recognize it. If you wanted a specific supplement program designed for yourself to make up for deficiencies, see a naturopath. They're more likely to be open to the idea of adrenal fatigue.

[Guest ~jules~]

Good point about dr.s not recognizing adrenal function. I can't imagine going to my family (quack) and bringing that up. This is the guy who looked at me sideways for wanting my thyroid and diabetes screening, both run in my family. Rediculous really....

[myserenityprayer]

aside from acid reflux and constipation, i'd say brain fog is my number one symptom. since going gluten free it has gotten a little better but i am still suffering from some anxiety and lately depression which may be associated with brain fog as well. prior to my diagnosis i remembering telling my boyfriend that i just felt so "dumb". it was hard for me to come up with the right words to fit into sentences and communicating professionally at work was quite difficult without sounding like a complete burnout. i sometimes also feel like i have a short attention span when normally i am extremely patient. i had trouble following conversations and my mind would wonder into nothingness. my brain fog has definitely gotten noticeably better however since being gluten-free. i also have insulin resistance and hypoglycemia and i do notice that i get brain fog occasionally because of my blood sugar levels as well.

[num1habsfan]

it was hard for me to come up with the right words to fit into sentences and communicating professionally at work was quite difficult without sounding like a complete burnout. i sometimes also feel like i have a short attention span when normally i am extremely patient. i had trouble following conversations and my mind would wonder into nothingness.

This has really been happening to me lately. I wonder if any of the other stomach diseases cause brain fog? usually gluten-free it wasnt that bad until I had consumed some gluten..I guess breathing it in the air sure doesnt help me.

Right now during classes, the teacher will ask me to answer a question or explain something in my own words, and even though I just READ it in the textbook and understand what it said, I can rarely answer his question! I've also been having issues paying attention to what the teachers are saying.

The worst part of course is that 4 of my 6 teachers have never even heard of Celiac! So they probably think i'm full of it when I explain the brain fog

~lisa~

[Phoenix73]

If I look back over the past, I can see whenever I was under a lot of stress, the adrenal fatigue would show and I'd become sensitive to foods. I think the two -- gluten intolerance and stress -- seem to aggravate each other for me

This makes so much sense.

Another question when you had the adrenal fatigue, did you change physically, there are days when i don't recognise myself in the mirror, my face and body seem to age overnight, ?

[Corkdarrr]

This has really been happening to me lately. I wonder if any of the other stomach diseases cause brain fog? usually gluten-free it wasnt that bad until I had consumed some gluten..I guess breathing it in the air sure doesnt help me.

Right now during classes, the teacher will ask me to answer a question or explain something in my own words, and even though I just READ it in the textbook and understand what it said, I can rarely answer his question! I've also been having issues paying attention to what the teachers are saying.

The worst part of course is that 4 of my 6 teachers have never even heard of Celiac! So they probably think i'm full of it when I explain the brain fog

~lisa~

I haven't even thought of attempting to explain this...phenomonen to teachers. Once it really gets to be a problem I suppose I'll just say that I have some 'medical problems' that I'm dealing with. Which I am. The problem being is that I'm trying to figure out what the heck is wrong with me!

I'm a few weeks in, so I think I've got a pretty good read on people. There's a few who won't look at me cross-eyed if I went in depth.

Haha...this whole brain fog thing reminds me of the semester I went back to school after being in a fairly serious auto accident in which I suffered a concussion. (My dr. wouldn't let me work for a few months, and I got bored and decided to give school a shot.) I couldnl't remember a THING. My short term memory was just gone. I am a career student (24 and still going) and I have never read everything given to me and attended every class. (Basically I've always been able to cut a lot of corners and still do extremely well.) It was the most frustrating thing I think that I have ever experienced. I suppose that it was just preparing me for this constant, yet less severe, gluteny brain fog.

"prior to my diagnosis i remembering telling my boyfriend that i just felt so "dumb". it was hard for me to come up with the right words to fit into sentences and communicating professionally at work was quite difficult without sounding like a complete burnout. i sometimes also feel like i have a short attention span when normally i am extremely patient. i had trouble following conversations and my mind would wonder into nothingness."

serenityprayer, this is an excellent description. just plain dumb. at a loss for words. and a sentence structure in which to use those words. and, ooh! look! something is shiny over there in the distance....i think i'll just stare that way for a while.........shiny.

-Courtney

[dionnek]

yes, I think myserenityprayer said it exactly - I feel so dumb! Of course, I didn't know what was going on 4 months ago (before my dx) - I used to always be so smart and organized and could remember everything, and then for the past year and a half I've just been plain dumb ("blonde moments" as my husband calls it)! I seriously thought I had dementia (alzheimers is in my family) at the age of 32 (that's another funny story - I really could not remember how old I was and was telling people the wrong age!). Where's my sign

(not sure if that was the right "smile" - I still don't know what most of these mean).

[CarlaB]

This makes so much sense.

Another question when you had the adrenal fatigue, did you change physically, there are days when i don't recognise myself in the mirror, my face and body seem to age overnight, ?

Actually, going gluten-free has changed my face more. Sometimes people don't recognize me. They say I don't look as gaunt as I used to. I looked at a picture of myself taken back in 1999 and I looked older than I do today. Hopefully, getting my adrenals working right again will make me look even younger!