Are you finding that your brain just doesn’t seem as clear as it used to be? Poor memory, difficulty concentrating, inability to recall words, just feeling foggy? There are many things that can contribute to “foggy thinking” (as I’ll refer to all of the above collectively), and there are several things you can do to combat it. Some authorities say that foggy thinking precedes dementia, something we all want to prevent. So what are the contributing factors?

Brain energy is at the top. ATP is a chemical response within the cells that make the energy we need for cellular metabolism. It needs enzymes, minerals, carbohydrates and fats and breaks these down to produce the energy where we need it. Inadequate amounts of these nutrients reduce the body’s ability to generate energy. Likewise, excesses (such as carbohydrates) also can cripple it.

The brain also needs good fuel to it via blood circulation and a good oxygen supply. If the blood is thickened because of excess cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose or other factors, the delicate vasculature of the brain may lose out on the life-giving nutrients. Additionally, if the blood doesn’t contain sufficient oxygen-carrying nutrients, it may lose out on that level as well. Anemia, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure can prevent the brain from getting enough fuel.

The brain is comprised of about 60 percent fat. If we fail to provide enough healthy dietary fats, the brain doesn’t have the basic raw materials to make new brain cells. An area of scientific investigation currently, is that some of the energy supply comes from the myelin sheath. This sheath that covers the nerves (like the plastic insulating covering over wiring in your home and cords) is made of fats — fats only provided by the diet.

Excess sugar consumption has been linked to foggy thinking, and many people who drop their sugar intake experience sharper mental functioning. A big part of improving brain energy is taking out the foods that reduce brain energy, and increasing those that nourish it.

Other things that contribute to foggy thinking include alcohol, inadequate exercise, iodine deficiency, hormonal imbalances, B vitamin deficiency, chemical exposure, toxicity, adrenal weakness, altered thyroid function, depression, anxiety, allergies, lack of sleep and many medications. Certain illnesses and especially advanced disease processes such as auto-immune disorders can be problematic.

With many of the above issues, acupuncture can help resolve. Acupuncture has been used to help energy, focus, improve blood circulation, and strengthen digestion (so the good nutrients you add to your diet get digested and utilized by the body) for thousands of years. With the addition of nutritional therapies, there is so much that can be done to help you feel on top of your game again! If you are experiencing poor memory, difficulty in concentration, inability to recall words, or fogginess in your head, consider acupuncture.

To learn about acupuncture and many other tools you can use to clear your head, come to tonight’s class, Brain Fog, Poor Memory & Lack of Concentration, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, at Vital Health in Coeur d’Alene. Fee: $10. RSVP: (208) 765-1994

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Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with nearly four decades of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling’s website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.