“The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine.” – Hippocrates
It’s essential to understand that foods reflect how we feel and this is especially true for those who struggle with brain fog (depersonalization) and other anxiety reactions. Some foods fuel the system and help maintain stable serotonin and blood sugar levels. This leads to a keen sense of well being. Other foods do the exact opposite and often trigger anxiety, panic attacks, feelings of brain fog and even phobic reactions. This is why it is important to learn which foods will work for you and which foods to avoid if you suffer with anxiety reactions.
Foods to Avoid:
1. Sugar: Sugar will temporarily induce pleasant sensations in the brain and body but within a short period of time these feelings will subside and crash, leaving the individual feeling foggy, anxious, irritable, hungry and lethargic. Anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety or brain fog will notice that sugar is their number one enemy. It will also disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate feelings of OCD and Panic Attacks. Giving up the excess use of sugar provides one with such dramatic relief that this in itself proves out the fact that sugar is detrimental to anyone suffering with feelings of brain fog and anxiety. Remember, that chemical sugar substitutes are equally as detrimental.
2. Alcohol: Alcohol is known to many as “liquid sugar” since it is rated highest number on the glycemic index. It will temporarily lift one’s spirits but a steep price is paid for this for this fleeting illusion. Alcohol also affects one’s blood sugar levels, sense of well-being, serotonin levels and results in feelings of intense brain fog, anxiety, sleep interruption, irritability and inability to maintain stable blood sugar levels the day after imbibing. One often experiences spikes and drops in blood sugar levels the following day as the body tries to restore stable blood sugar levels. This produces discomfort and enhanced brain fog along with a plethora of anxiety symptoms for anyone who has experienced this effect.
3. Caffeine: Unfortunately, caffeine, found in a multitude of substances, is a very difficult chemical to endure if one is sensitive to brain fog and anxiety reactions. It is speeds up metabolism, increases heart rate, creates irritability, enhances anxiety reactions and is found in many foods we normally eat. Yes, we all know that coffee and tea contain caffeine and substituting these drinks with decaffeinated versions is essential, but there are some decaffeinated brands that still have a degree of caffeine within. Certain coffee shops that offer decaffeinated substitutes have had their decaf tested and some still rate high on the caffeine chart. Your best proof is the way you feel after using these brands. Believe me, your body will alert you. Also, herbal teas, for the most part are caffeine free but there are many that are not. Check out your green teas and make sure you are selecting the one’s that are decaffeinated since even small dosages of caffeine will have an effect on a sensitized body. Chocolates also carry a caffeine load, some more than others. Avoid dark chocolates as they are higher in caffeine.
4. Certain Food Additives: Sorbitol, Xylitol, Mannitol are chemicals used to sweeten foods and products we often use on a daily basis. They are in drinks, desserts, cereals, mouthwash and toothpaste. They not only create problems with brain fog and anxiety but also upset the stomach and add to IBS symptoms as well, even if you’ve never experienced IBS in the past. They are best avoided because they have zero benefits to those with brain fog or anxiety.
5. Low Fat Products: Whenever you see “Low Fat” on labels you will know the fat has been replaced with SUGAR. This is easily recognized by reading the labels of all low fat foods. Do not be fooled by “low fat” claims because the sugar which replaces the fat will do a good job of adding fat to the body and in some cases more so than the original fat.
6. Healthy Juices: Juices are delicious and often provide high levels of Vitamins, essential for good health, especially Vitamin C. This is why I’m not stating to avoid juices altogether but instead suggesting to add water to your 100% breakfast juice and by doing so will avoid the huge sugar rush connected with this product. You will still reap the benefits of the juice without the side effects of too much sugar.
7. Healthy Snacks: Read labels carefully. Most of these “healthy snacks contain far more sugar and chemical products than you want to ingest. For years people were eating products such as low fat granola bars and rice cakes, believing they would maintain a good figure and feel healthy as well. Not true. Their blood sugar levels soared and so did their feelings of brain fog and panic episodes.
There are so many “clean” foods that one is able to obtain which help maintain a healthy mind and body. Also, learning how to use proteins to produce balanced and stable blood sugar levels is essential. One is actually able to choose the way they wish to feel once they learn the basics of good eating, especially for feelings of brain fog and the anxiety condition. Shop smart by steering your cart to the peripheral of the market. This is where all the fresh foods are placed. Avoid those center aisles filled with processed and refined foods.
Eating correctly, in conjunction with learning how to think correctly, will allow you the benefit of eliminating all sensations of brain fog and anxiety reactions.
Take the time to learn which foods work for you. It is well worth the effort because you deserve to feel your best. It is your choice and by doing so, you are able to create a clear mind and body that remains calm and relaxed. It is always your choice, so take responsibility for your good health by learning the natural path to an increased sense of well being.
