Sleep Disturbances And Non
Difficulties to fall asleep and altered day-night rhythm may result directly from enhanced catecholamine release in activating noradrenergic nuclei of the brain stem like the locus coeruleus as a consequence of desensitized 2-autoreceptors and stress causing arousal and increased vigilance. Stimulus overload just explained above could be an indirect cause of sleep disturbances. In sleep medicine it is considered an important cause of insomnia.
Poor sleep can certainly worsen fatigue and symptoms in ME/CFS, but even a perfect sleep could not abolish mental and skeletal muscle fatigue because the main causes of fatigue are unrelated to sleep. Mental and muscular fatigue are related to insufficient blood flow and, concerning skeletal muscle fatigue, there is an additional energetic disturbance, namely mitochondrial dysfunction. At least the term non-restorative sleep should therefore be used with caution and in the knowledge that disturbed sleep may worsen fatigue but it is not the main cause of it.
Get Aerobic Exercise Regularly
Exercise is essential for brain health. It increases blood flow to the brain, helps reduce stress, and strengthens your central nervous system.
Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week to get the most benefit. Some great exercises to try include:
If youre struggling to get enough exercise, tag an accountability partner, it could be a friend or a family member, so that youll have a support system who will exercise with you or push you on days you dont feel like getting some movement.
What Is Fatigue Exactly
Fatigue is a general feeling of tiredness or exhaustion. Its different from drowsiness, which is the desire to sleep.
While drowsiness can come and go, fatigue is more constant and can last for days or weeks without relief.
Fatigue can be physical, mental, or both. A medical condition can also cause it, such as anemia or sleep apnea.
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Immune Disturbance Is A Clue Not An Answer
With some cytokines at lower levels and a few at higher levels, the study results indicate a markedly disturbed immune signature akin to patterns seen in cases of autoimmunity, the study authors concluded.
But a disturbed immune processes isnt specific enough to pinpoint the cause of the condition. It could be a virus or an allergy that sends the immune system off course, according to Hornig.
Theres still work to be done, in other words.
What we aim to do with this research is to fill up the empty toolkits of clinicians, Hornig said. There are no clear diagnostic tests, and there are no treatments in those toolkits either. We want to get some traction so that there isnt a disincentive for physicians to diagnose this illness.
Metabolic And Chemical Changes
Studies have also investigated metabolic and chemical changes in the areas of the brain involved in cognitive function. One examined the molecule acetylcarnitine as well as assessing blood flow . Analysis showed a decrease in both of these factors in the ACC, which could reflect a disturbance in signals conveyed by the neurotransmitter glutamate.
Another study found a decrease in a serotonin transporter in the ACC , which could also affect cognitive processing.
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Disturbed Local Blood Flow Regulation And Neurovascular Coupling
A reduction of global CBF is not the only cerebrovascular finding in ME/CFS. Consistent observation of sluggish fMRI signals suggests abnormal neurovascular coupling meaning that local blood flow regulation is also disturbed . Endothelial dysfunction may play a role in the disturbance of neurovascular coupling. The question is whether the inflammatory mediators released from skeletal muscle can also affect neurovascular coupling, the local regulation of blood flow adjusting local perfusion to local neurophysiological activitiy. We think that influx of vasodilators, which otherwise also regulate local perfusion in other organs, into the cerebrovascular bed being under excessive vasoconstrictor influences via heightened sympathetic tone , dysfunction of ß2AdR and endothelial dysfunction can only disturb a highly regulated fine tuning of vascular regulation and local blood distribution .
What Vitamins Are Good For Brain Fog
It would be wise to get the B-12 Vitamin since it has to do with the production of serotonin in your brain and improve immune system. Other vitamins that help you deal with the situation would be vitamin C, thanks to its antioxidant actions in your brain cells.Furthermore, vitamin E has recently proved to be efficient in oxidation reactions to the human brain, so it could help you prevent the appearance of Brain Fog.Finally, vitamin K can induce the production of sphingolipids that are present in the cell membrane of your nerve cells. These lipids are of high importance for the right function of your brain and vitamin K can speed up their secretion rate.
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How Is Me/cfs Diagnosed
There’s no single test to detect ME/CFS. A diagnosis is made after other possible known causes for symptoms have been excluded.
The earlier the illness is recognised, the sooner you can get help to manage your symptoms. Many people with ME/CFS find it helps to keep a diary of their symptoms so that they can take this to their GP or specialist.
Your GP will usually:
- do a physical and mental examination to rule out other conditions
- ask about recent travel, tick or insect bites, unusual infections, and drug and alcohol use
- review current medication
They may be able to make a diagnosis after 3 or 4 months of seeing a pattern of symptoms. Anyone suspected of having ME/CFS should be considered for routine blood tests to identify other possible illnesses. More investigation may be needed if the diagnosis remains in doubt.
Some people with ME/CFS also have another long-term condition and it’s important that you talk to your GP about how to manage the symptoms of the 2 conditions.
Get Enough Sleep During The Night
Sleep is essential for brain health. If youre not getting enough sleep, it can lead to chronic mental fog.
There are many different things you can do to improve your sleep quality. Some of the most effective include:
- Sticking to a regular sleep schedule
- Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Creating a relaxing bedtime routine
- Turning off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed
- Making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and comfortable
If youre struggling to get enough sleep or if you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor. They can help you identify the underlying cause of your sleep deprivation and develop a treatment plan.
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Common Brain Fog Causes
- Medical conditions
Each persons experience with brain fog is unique so that brain fog can be caused by a number of different factors.
In this blog post, I am going to focus onnatural brain fog remedies that have been shown scientifically to help with brain fatigue and other symptoms associated with brain fog, including poor concentration, mental confusion, and lack of memory recall.
Its important to note that brain fog can be a symptom of other underlying health conditions.
So, if you are experiencing brain fog and it does not go away after trying some of the remedies listed below, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.
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Focus On Creating A Chronic
Work, unfortunately, tends to cultivate super unhealthy habits. For real just take a look at those vending machine options.
In our corporate headquarters, we had a Starbucks every 50 feet , a Dunkin Donuts, and two full-fledged cafeterias that sold breakfast cereal, candy, and no main-menu options that were gluten-free .
Specifically for those of us managing autoimmune conditions using a diet and lifestyle like the Autoimmune Protocol, it is vital to carry these principles over into our work life.
What I mean is, if you exercise, decrease your stress, eat well, etc., when youre at home then make sure you also incorporate ALL of these practices into your work day. This could include:
- Packing your lunch with healing, nourishing foods and only eating those foods not a snack from the vending machine
- Letting go of the pressure to participate in office pizza parties or restaurant lunches. I always chose to attend, but opted for socializing while sipping on some water or other beverage instead of eating.
- Taking all possible action to reduce your workload and work-related stress level
- And my personal favorite that deserves its own section:
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Recovery From Gerd And Fatigue
I feel free! Except for the days that I forget to take my pills – one missed day can throw me into a bad week. The contrast of having a bad week now, compared to my new energy level, is so stark. I dont know how I dealt with fatigue so quietly for so many years.
My body behaves differently than my brothers and my moms because I have different immune issues and health history than they do. As Ive come to understand, immune disease can take so many forms and affect people in vastly different ways.
Connecting with the chronic illness community on Instagram has helped me discover more about myself and put into words what I have been feeling inside but was too afraid or embarrassed to share. Fatigue is nothing to feel guilty about. And Im so fortunate that I now have the language to talk about it.
The Experience Of Brain Fog In Cfs As A Collection Of Physiological Cognitive And Perceptual Factors
Over the past 20 years, research has answered many questions regarding cognitive symptoms in CFS. The experience of brain fog in those with CFS appears to be the conscious perception of cognitive impairment and is related to mental fatigue. Individuals with CFS do not exhibit complete cognitive disability or dementia. However, they may experience deficits in working memory, information processing, and attention, which then may translate into a longer reaction time during tasks. It is logical that the perception of such deficits would be described as mental cloudiness and difficulty thinking.
To date, treatment of CFS has been focused on improving the physical fatigued state rather than the cognitive impairment. Meta-analyses demonstrate that cognitive behavioral therapy and graded exercise therapy effectively treat CFS in many individuals . It would not be surprising if mental fatigue also is improved with such therapies, but future studies are necessary to formally determine this.
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome May Be Caused By Mini Blood Clots
Microclots that block blood and oxygen flow are a possible explanation for long covid symptoms like exhaustion and brain fog. Now it seems they may be to blame for chronic fatigue syndrome too
Persistent exhaustion is characteristic of chronic fatigue syndrome
Shutterstock/Just dance
People with chronic fatigue syndrome may have tiny clots in their blood. These microclots could be responsible for the main symptoms of the condition, which include persistent exhaustion, pain and brain fog.
It is estimated that chronic fatigue syndrome, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis or ME, affects up to 2.5 million people in the US alone, but little is understood about what causes it or how to treat it.
Microclots are clumps of blood platelets under 200 micrometres in diameter that are difficult
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My Wish For Youhealth Happiness And A Better Quality Of Life
If you would like more information about functional medicine and integrative medicine or Dr. Sexton go to napervilleintegratedwellness.com
Do your own research, inform yourself and ask lots of questions. When collecting information, you MUST consider the source. There is no shortage of false, misleading, outdated, profit-driven and utterly biased information in healthcare today even from the most respected sources and organizations.
This approach to healthcare is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. This article is for information purposes and is not a substitute professional healthcare services. Contact our office for more information.
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Brain Fog Part : Cognitive Function And Me/cfs
This is the second article by Dr Eleanor Roberts looking at brain fog, the range of cognitive difficulties experienced by people with ME/CFS.
Read part 1 here, which introduces cognitive function and the areas of the brain involved.
Cognitive dysfunction can be one of the most distressing symptoms for people with ME/CFS. This includes decreases in working memory, attention, ability to monitor errors, organisational skills, problem solving, verbal fluency and reasoning.
Thyroid Gland Insufficiency Or Hyperactivity
The thyroid gland is important for your metabolism. It produces the T3 and T4 hormones that are responsible for the exchange of energy between cells. In case you have a thyroid gland insufficiency your hormones can also get affected.
The altered levels of the thyroid hormones can make you have a brain fog constantly. That is why it would be better to ask your doctor to prescribe you hormones to ease the brain fog symptoms.
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Implications For Diagnosis And Treatment
Diagnosis of ME/CFS is now based on clinical criteria. Our findings offer the hope of objective diagnostic tests for disease as well as the potential for therapies that correct the imbalance in cytokine levels seen in people with ME/CFS at different stages of their disease, adds W. Ian Lipkin, MD, John Snow Professor of Epidemiology and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity.
There is precedent for use of human monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune response in a wide range of disorders from rheumatoid arthritis to multiple sclerosis. However, the researchers note, additional work will be needed to assess the safety and efficacy of this approach.
The study was supported by a grant from the Chronic Fatigue Initiative of the Hutchins Family Foundation and the Edward P. Evans Foundation.
Additional authors include Andrew F. Schultz, Meredith L. Eddy and Xiaoyu Che at the Mailman School C. Gunnar Gottschalk and Daniel L. Peterson at Sierra Internal Medicine in Incline Village, NV and Konstance K. Knox at Coppe Health Care Solutions in Waukesha, WI, and Simmaron Research in Incline Village, NV.
When Should I Worry
Brain fog has undoubtedly been experienced by everyone, one day or the other, or one minute or the other. It starts to become a worry when it becomes long-lasting, and the effects become very intense. This includes when a persons memory becomes worse day by day, or when someone forgets very important things on a regular basis. When a person gets intense anxiety, or cant complete simple daily tasks. This becomes a worry and should be checked
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Increase In Intracranial Presssure
A more recent finding is an increase in intracranial presssure based on neuroradiological signs in an MRI study. Signs of intracranial hypertension can be shown in 83% of the patients with ME/CFS . A further argument for a raised intracranial pressure is a higher prevalence of perineural or Tarlov cysts in the spinal cord in ME/CFS patients compared with healthy people . These cysts are nerve root dilations resulting from pathologically increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure. They initially affect sensory neurons and axons in dorsal root ganglia and produce sensory symptoms consistent with paresthesias and radicular pain as does the increased cerebrospinal pressure itself. IH can also be a cause of headache . A rise in intracranial pressure is at the expense of cerebral perfusion pressure which may have the strongest effect at the level of capillary blood flow. Possibly for this reason, IH is also associated with cognitive impairment .
Take On The Mindless Tasks That No One Wants To Do
I know what? Especially after tip #5 of clearing the clutter, this might seem confusing. But every job has these types of tasks they are necessary in some way, they may not be efficient because there is no way to make them go faster, and no one wants to do them because they are boring and mindless.
Perfect for brain-foggy times.
Remember, I couldnt think. I continuously asked my boss if I could do the data-entry type of tasks that required zero brain power. At one point, it was my favorite type of work. They kept me busy and productive even when I was totally discombobulated.
Id plug in my favorite tunes and just type away, sipping on some tea and enjoying the therapy of mindless work . By taking on these tasks, I really stood out from my peers because no one else asked to do them.
And, since I needed to go easy on the brain, it was ideal for my sanity.
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Disturbances Of Reflexes And Autonomic Function Hypervigilance And Hypersensitivity To Sensory Stimuli Such As Light Noises And Smells And Brain Fog
Neuroinflammation of the brain stem has been discussed as a possible cause of dysautonomia but no clear evidence has been provided so far . If neuroinflammation of the brain stem was the primary cause of dysautonomia the question would still have to be answered of how such a disturbance could cause the myriad of symptoms and objective findings like muscle weakness, pH changes in skeletal muscles, PEM and cardiovascular findings like hypovolemia with low RAAS activity. Our unifying hypothesis allows to explain how dysautonomia independent of its primary cause can cause the myriad of symptoms and enigmatic findings of ME/CFS.
Possible desensitization of the 2-adrenergic receptor located in the noradrenergic nuclei and in cardiovascular centers of the medulla oblongata should be added to the possible brainstem pathomechanisms involved in dysautonomia. Dysfunction of the 2AdR autoreceptor could cause overshooting sympathetic responses by enhanced catecholamine release that may contribute to orthostatic dysregulation, cause disturbances of respiratory control and affect other autonomic functions.
Take Breaks During The Day
If youre struggling with chronic brain fog, its important to take breaks during the day. Taking a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate can make a big difference in your energy levels and focus.
There are many different ways you can take a break. Some of the most effective include:
- Getting up and moving around every hour or so
- Taking a few minutes to do some gentle stretches
- Listening to relaxing music
- Eating healthy snacks
- Drinking plenty of water
Talk to your boss or supervisor if youre struggling to take breaks during the day. They may be able to give you some flexibility with your work schedule to help you regain focus and improve your mental clarity and productivity.
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