{"id":127358,"date":"2021-06-20T02:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-20T09:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=127358"},"modified":"2024-04-11T23:45:24","modified_gmt":"2024-04-12T06:45:24","slug":"brain-fog-a-lingering-symptom-from-covid-19-illness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/brain-fog-a-lingering-symptom-from-covid-19-illness\/","title":{"rendered":"Brain Fog: A Lingering Symptom From COVID-19 Illness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
During the COVID-19 pandemic, health organizations and officials made many common symptoms aware to the public. Coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, muscle aches, and new loss of taste or smell were\/are common physical symptoms. Roughly 25% of people who contracted COVID-19 developed several neurological symptoms, the primary of which was brain fog.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brain fog is not a scientific or medical term. People use this term to describe feelings of sluggish or fuzzy thinking. When a person experiences brain fog, it\u2019s very common to feel like the mind is slipping, or it simply isn\u2019t as sharp. Many people experience it from time to time, for example, after a long flight or getting over the flu. Brain fog typically goes away and thinking returns to normal. But what if it doesn’t? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people who survived COVID-19 illness entered an acute recovery phase. They still experienced symptoms for weeks, or even months, after initial infection. Many reported lingering brain fog, which negatively impacted memory, focus, and overall cognition. There are those who survived COVID-19 infection and continue to experience brain fog. Compared to other viral infections, the novel coronavirus infection seemed to have a higher rate of mood or cognitive slowing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers continue to investigate the cause of brain fog in people who\u2019ve had COVID-19. A preliminary theory is that the physiological and psychological factors contribute to this phenomenon. Once the virus enters a person\u2019s system, it enters cells through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Because the virus is neuro-invasive, it can enter brain tissue. Some studies found that COVID-19 survivors developed encephalopathy, which is a general term that refers to brain damage or disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study in January 2021 found that some COVID-19 survivors had higher levels of inflammatory cytokines in the fluid surrounding the brain. This study examined cases several weeks after COVID-19 infection. The immune system produces cytokines, and too many can cause chronic inflammation<\/a>. Some post-COVID-19 brains even had changes to the hippocampus, which may impair cognitive abilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One researcher believes that the higher levels of inflammation created by the immune system are more responsible for brain fog than the virus itself. Researchers found that an overactive immune response was indicative of COVID-19 infection. That led to breathing problems or hospitalization from infection. By theorizing that inflammation is more so the culprit than the virus, inflammatory levels in the body would have to be so high that they reach the brain. Perhaps the immune cells chase the virus into the brain, but this is merely a theory. It\u2019s also possible that the virus reaches the brain after entering the nose. It then crosses the blood-brain barrier. Again, more research is necessary on this theory. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In order to remedy brain fog that results from COVID-19, it\u2019s best to make healthy lifestyle<\/a> changes. There are several activities and habits that promote healthier cognitive function<\/a>. The following tips may help improve mental function if you experience ongoing brain fog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep researchers say that it\u2019s best for adults to sleep between seven to eight hours every night. During sleep, the body and brain can eliminate toxins and work towards repairing and healing. Make sleep a priority!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alcohol and tobacco products tend to raise inflammatory levels in the body. If the belief is that inflammation is the primary culprit of brain fog, eliminate these substances to decrease inflammation<\/a>. Additionally, they can have adverse effects on the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s possible that you won\u2019t be able to accelerate to full throttle right out of the gate. Take your time and start slow with different aerobic exercises. A few minutes at a time will eventually turn in to 30 minutes a day, five days per week. There is a direct connection between regular exercise and improved brain health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Brain Fog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
COVID-19 Brain Fog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Does The Brain Fog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can Anything Clear Up Brain Fog?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get Sufficient Sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Alcohol & Tobacco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Engage In Aerobic Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Follow A Mediterranean Diet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n