Nature Knows and Psionic Success

We are all familiar with coffee and caffeine. What you might not know is that caffeine belongs to a wider category of chemical compounds called methylxanthines. These compounds — abundant in cocoa, tea, and coffee — may protect the heart and brain, improve physical performance, boost metabolism, and more. However, their over-consumption can be harmful. Read on to learn the potential benefits, safety precautions, and best natural sources of xanthines. What are Xanthines?

Methylxanthines are chemical compounds derived from the purine base xanthine. Some well-known natural xanthines include caffeine , theobromine , and theophylline .

At least half of the world’s population drinks tea, which contains caffeine and small amounts of theophylline and theobromine [ 1 ].

Cocoa and chocolate, derived from the seeds of Theobroma cacao , contain theobromine, which is the main chemical responsible for their health benefits. Also, some caffeine is present [ 2 , 3 ].

Coffee , the most popular source of dietary caffeine, is extracted from the Arabica coffee and related species.

Caffeine is mainly broken down by the liver and, interestingly, one of its by-products is theobromine [ 4 ].

Methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine, are the main factors responsible for particular chocolate cravings, revealing their huge impact on taste and food preferences [ 5 ].

If your interest is mainly in caffeine, jump to this post . Mechanisms of Action

1) Mobilization of intracellular calcium

2) Inhibition of phosphodiesterases (PDEs)

3) Inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors

4) Inhibition of high affinity ATP-dependent cyclic nucleotide transporters

The predominant health effects that stem from these mechanisms are increased wakefulness and alertness during the day. Methylxanthines also have other effects such as relaxing smooth muscles, stimulating urine production and fluid loss, and increasing heart muscle contraction [ 16 ].

However, much higher doses may be required to mobilize intracellular calcium, inhibit PDEs or modulate GABAA receptors, or to unselectively inhibit ABCC5 and ABCC4 transporters [ 8 , 17 ].

This leaves the action on adenosine receptors and inhibition of cAMP-degradation as the primary mechanism behind the effects of dietary methylxanthines.

To give a practical example: when adenosine accumulates in the brain and saturates adenosine receptors, we feel dizzy and sleepy. Xanthines bind to the same receptors as adenosine (antagonism), which prevents this effect and keeps us alert and awake.

Also, maintaining a high level of circulating cAMP may increase heart rate and promote fat metabolism [ 18 ]. Xanthines Health Benefits

1) Respiratory Conditions

Whether dietary cocoa consumption or methylxanthines are significantly effective in preventing cough or diminishing cough intensity is yet to be determined, however, the evidence is promising [ 19 , 20 ].

Theophylline is an active component of different FDA-approved drugs for asthma and other respiratory conditions [ 21 ].

Theobromine may be helpful for asthma, cough, and other respiratory tract problems, too.

A clinical trial of 289 subjects (DB-RCT) showed a mild improvement in a persistent cough with the use of a theobromine-based compound [ 22 ].

In a study of 21 young adults with asthma, theobromine capsules increased bronchial diameter, which increased airflow to the lungs [ 23 ].

The anti-inflammatory potential of theobromine may be responsible for this effect. It can reduce the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-y and TNF-a [ 2 , 24 ].

According to a review of 7 clinical studies, caffeine can help open the airways and relieve bronchitis symptoms including wheezing, coughing, and breathlessness [ 25 ]. 2) Attention and Alertness

Multiple clinical reviews have confirmed the potential of caffeine to increase mental alertness in low-to-moderate doses (40-300 mg). The effects were even more pronounced in non-regular users and during sleep deprivation [ 26 , 27 , 28 ].In a study of 36 participants, caffeine exhibited dose-dependent effects on alertness and attention. When people who usually do not drink caffeinated products consumed high doses of caffeine, they had a higher increase in brain function. Regular and tolerant users may still feel the same effects, but to a smaller extent [ 29 ].A lack of sleep can cause delays in reaction times. In a study of 20 sleep-deprived participants, a total daily dose of 800 mg of caffeine helped improve reaction speed and accuracy [ 30 ].In one study, twelve young adults either had sufficient sleep (9 hours) or a lack-of-sleep (4 hours). 100 mg of caffeine improved both groups’ coordination, judgment, memory, and reaction time during a driving task [ 31 ].However, some reviews have underlined the tolerance to its stimulant effects, abuse potential, and a potential toxicity that comes with higher doses [ 32 , 33 ]. 3) Physical Performance A comprehensive clinical review summarized 21 meta-analyses on caffeine and physical performance. A large body of evidence suggests that “ caffeine ingestion improves exercise performance in a broad range of exercise tasks .” It showed beneficial effects on [ 34 ]: Muscle endurance Muscle strength Aerobic endurance Anaerobic power Caffeine particularly helps anaerobic exercises like sprinting or jumping. This effect may arise from its anti-fatigue effects and by improving endurance, physical strength, and power output [ 35 ].In a small study of 10 healthy subjects, theophylline delayed the onset of fatigue during intermittent high-intensity exercise [ 36 ]. 4) Heart Disease A recent review of 14 studies found that moderate chocolate consumption (up to 6 servings or 180 g per week) reduced the risk of heart disease and stroke [ 37 ].Two different reviews found a protective role for cocoa and its major compound, theobromine, in metabolic and heart health [ 38 , 39 ]. Circulation (Blood Flow) High cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, and blood vessel stiffness are common in postmenopausal women. Chronic consumption of flavanol-rich cocoa enhanced blood circulation in postmenopausal women with high cholesterol [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].Methylxanthines are able to increase the blood concentration of a particular chemical compound called (-)-epicatechin, which may also improve blood circulation [ 44 ].Theobromine, abundant in cocoa, may cause blood pressure to decrease by widening the blood vessels and stimulating urination (diuretic) [ 45 ]. Cholesterol Levels […]

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Every year the number of people who have Alzheimer’s rises, especially for people over the age of 65 years and in women. This disease affects the brain, causing memory loss and deterioration of the brain’s tissues. Alzheimer’s is more than misplacing a favorite pair of gloves or losing the car keys. An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be unnerving for everyone involved.

Many family members give up their lives to become full-time caregivers to parents or relatives with this progressive disease. A caregiver’s health may become jeopardized due to the constant attention needed which can also place great strain on a relationship. Taking some time as a patient and provider to unwind and relax may help relieve anxiety and increase mental health and awareness. Here are some ways holistic methods may work well with your current Alzheimer’s program.

Holistic approaches are natural ways to help boost connect with your mind and body. Some ways to do so that benefit people are meditation, yoga, and taking natural medicines in conjunction with traditional methods. For example, some diseases or conditions such as Alzheimer’s is progressive and there currently are no cures. However, CBD products may help in a few different ways to alleviate the physical and mental changes caused by this disease. CBD has been shown to reduce pain, inflammation, and lessen muscular tremors.

After discussing any contraindications with other medications, utilizing CBD may help slow down deterioration. It has anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerating properties which may prove helpful for a few reasons. For example, the attack on brain cells caused by Alzheimer’s disease may be slowed by the cannabidiol, the non-psychotropic property in CBD. It can also reduce nausea caused by some traditional medications, increase mental clarity, and lower anxiety. There are a variety of ways to consume CBD, such as in the form of tablets, CBD oil vape , or tinctures.

Coping with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be mentally and physically taxing for everyone involved. For a caregiver (especially when related to the patient), responding to all types of situations around the clock can create a strain on their mental health. Take time out to recharge by joining a meditation class or finding an app to take along with you to help calm your anxiety anywhere. A few minutes of gentle yoga, music, or white noise can help center you and bring your blood pressure and heart rate down.

Playing music during your time with your loved one with Alzheimer’s can benefit both of you too. There might be a particular song a patient listened to in their youth that they enjoyed. Listening to familiar tunes can soothe and reduce stress and might trigger some memories from the past. For those with Alzheimer’s, this can bring back a piece of their life which may have begun to slip away. Caregivers can record any memory activated down in a journal to read back to the patient or for other family members to share in.

Another holistic and natural way for Alzheimer’s patients to find some benefit is with the ancient practice of acupuncture . By using thin needles on the surface of the skin, acupuncture is believed to pinpoint specific parts of the body to, for example, reduce pain, some sleep disorders, inflammation, and mental health issues. Many believe this practice can stimulate particular ailments and even diseases of the body. For example, in Alzheimer’s patients dealing with moderate symptoms, it may help daily mental functions and improvement with cognitive clarity.

For patients, family members, and caregivers, Alzheimer’s is a life-altering experience. However, finding something beneficial to relieve stress is crucial for mental health. Trying new natural and holistic activities and treatments may lead you to one that helps immensely. Together, you can discover what works best to alleviate or temporarily stimulate mental clarity in a positive direction. In conjunction with a team of doctors and specialists, a program can be created to gain a healthy daily balance between traditional and holistic practices.

Read more at www.dailycardinal.com

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Originally Posted On: https://mindzymes.com/l-theanine/ In 1949, Japanese scientists identified l-theanine benefits while studying green tea leaves. Their actual purpose in doing this research was to find a source of umami… In 1949, Japanese scientists identified l-theanine benefits while studying green tea leaves. Their actual purpose in doing this research was to find a source of umami found in other foods such as fish, mushrooms, some vegetables, and some meats. They discovered that l-theanine is the source of the umami, which is the savory, frothy flavor found in Earl Grey Tea.

However, in searching for umami, they made some other interesting discoveries. They believe umami to be instrumental in decreasing the risk of obesity in some people. Additionally, it stimulates the metabolism while giving a feeling of being full. Moreover, the time before the sensation of hunger returns lengthens considerably.

Interestingly, their findings also indicate that when you drink tea with l-theanine, it might change your taste buds, in that it diminishes bitterness in foods like grapefruit or dark chocolate.

Ayurvedic medicine uses green tea for its abundant antioxidant qualities, but the caffeine in green tea is not good for everyone. This practice also believes that green tea balances out stimulants and stress.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses green tea to improve many illnesses, including; alertness, ability to support immunity, balance body fluids, and can promote healthy digestion.

L-threonine is an amino acid that affects the release of neurotransmitters in the brain, including GABA. The effectiveness of this supplement includes its ability to quickly cross over the brain barrier, and carries with it proven neuroprotective qualities. Incidentally, this compound can be found not only from tea leaves, but you will also find it in some types of mushrooms.

L-theanine benefits include a reduction in anxiety, hyperactivity, and sleep-related issues. You will also see reference to it as theanine or r-glutamyl-ethyl amide. Interestingly, it works by impacting nerve impulses in the human brain with the release of neurotransmitters, one of which is GABA .

Furthermore, l-theanine is a natural anxiolytic, which means that it not only delivers a calming effect, but it also does it without the side effect of drowsiness.

Unlike other amino acids, it doesn’t form protein in the body, and it doesn’t contribute to enzyme production. Additionally, it isn’t available in most of the foods that people normally eat. Unfortunately, that means many people have unhealthy levels of l-theanine in their bodies.

The most readily available sources of l-theanine are green, black, and white teas. However, supplements are also available, and effective, in reducing stress, supporting good heart health, and protecting the brain.

Its relaxing qualities come from its ability to inhibit, or block, cortical neuron excitation. More specifically, it affects the two areas of the brain, the amygdala, and the hippocampus, that control memory and responses to fear.

Alpha brain waves are what the brain produces when you meditate or reach a certain state, during aerobic exercise. Because l-theanine promotes a healthy, relaxed state of mind, some believe that it also aids in the production of alpha brain waves for deep relaxation, and meditation.

One of the best l-theanine benefits is its antioxidant effects. As an antioxidant, it prevents oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This gives excellent protection for the cardiovascular system.

A lot of research is available showing l-theanine’s ability to relieve stress, and improve relaxation. You won’t feel tired or lethargic from taking this supplement, but you will enjoy relaxing, while remaining alert.

If you suffer from stress issues, such as anxiety and depression, this supplement is worth further research. That’s because l-theanine reduces stress-related blood pressure spikes. However, it’s not suggested for the treatment of extreme anxiety or depression.

As mentioned before, l-theanine is also found in some types of mushrooms. In one study with the Bay Bolete mushroom, when used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, it worked to increase their effectiveness. These findings also give researchers hope that l-theanine might also improve chemotherapy drugs’ ability to fight cancer.

Another study performed in China, showed greater longevity of life for women with ovarian cancer, who drink at least one cup of green tea per day.

Additionally, a study that compares tea drinkers, to non-tea drinkers, showed a 37 percent less chance of developing pancreatic cancer among the tea drinkers.

The number one source of l-theanine is green tea, and research shows that it greatly reduces inflammation, and supports good heart health. Interestingly, experts attribute this protection to theanine, rather than catechins or theaflavins found in green tea.

Additionally, stroke victims may also get great l-theanine benefits. A study on rats suggests that subjects given l-theanine, 12 to 24 hours after a stroke, showed damage reduction.

Amazingly, in a study that used roundworms, it’s shown to increase the longevity of life, when exposed to high concentrations of l-theanine. However, an increase in thiamine did provide more benefits, while a lower dosage was found to be the most effective.

If your immune system is showing signs of damage due to stress, you might find yourself getting sick more often. That’s because stress affects immune cells, and activates others. However, l-theanine gives a big boost to immune system cells.

Research also suggests the improvement of the body’s immune system. A study showed that upper respiratory tract infections decreased with the use of l-theanine.

In another study , patients were given a combination of green tea extract and theanine (LGNC-07). The results indicated that memory and recognition were improved, with no negative side effects on visual-spatial working memory.

It’s no secret that many people drink green, or black tea, to boost their mental focus. In fact, a study done in 2012, showed evidence of this. One group who took 100 mg of l-theanine, they found better focus and fewer errors.Additionally, in that same study, focus showed improvement when drinking 50 mg of caffeine, and when taking a combination of caffeine and l-theanine.But, there’s another way this supplement helps protect the brain. Interestingly, it prevents glutamate over-stimulation of brain cells, also known as excitotoxicity.Sadly, excitotoxicity is associated with schizophrenia, stroke, and other neurodegenerative disorders. The good news […]

Read more at www.abc-7.com

Oxidative stress has significant role in pathophysiology of any kind of depression through actions of free radicals, non-radical molecules, and unbalancing antioxidant systems in body. In the current study, antidepressant responses of fish oil (FO), Neptune krill oil (NKO), vitamin B12 (Vit B12), and also imipramine (IMP) as the reference were studied. Natural light was employed to induce stress in the animals followed by oral administration of the drugs for 14 days. The antidepressant effect was assessed by tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST), antioxidant enzymes and oxidative stress markers were then measured in the brain tissue of the animals. The administration of FO and NKO could significantly reduce the immobility of the animals; while, increasing climbing and swimming time compared to the normal saline in CUS-control group in TST and FST, similarly to IMP but not with Vit B12. Vit B12 could not effect on SOD activity and H 2 O 2 level, but, cause decrease of the malondialdihydric (MDA) level and CAT activity, as well as increased the GPx and GSH activities. The rest treatments led to decrease of MDA, H 2 O 2 levels and CAT activity and increase of GPx, SOD, GSH activities. Introduction

Depression is a chronic and devastating psychological complaint that millions of people suffer. Since 1950s up to the present time, antidepressants only have treated this disorder based on serendipitous alteration through the monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or noradrenaline. However, fundamental patho-physiological mechanisms of such illness are not fully understood 1 , 2 , but different pharmacologic therapeutics have been recently developed for managing depression 3 . It is demonstrated that administration of natural antidepressants in induced stress rodents are able to alleviate related symptoms 4 , 5 . Physicians are encouraged to search for natural compounds as effective drugs due to their lower side effects compared to the chemical drugs. For instance, recent findings show that omega-3 fatty acids are able to improve depression and anxiety, effectively without having serious adverse effects 6 . In addition, it is well understood that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) which include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), possess some bioactivity effects, such as, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, antioxidant, anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-cardiovascular, etc. 7 , 8 . For instance, brain is made up to 60% of different lipids which are mostly made of PUFAs, particularly, DHA 9 which contribute to healthy brain and improve variety of brain functions, such as memory and learning 10 , 11 . Bloch and Hannestad 12 demonstrated that EPA and DHA contain only a little or even no-significant antidepressant effects, without having any noticeable differences. However, Sublette et al . 13 suggested that only those supplements which consist of EPA ≥ 60% of the total EPA and DHA possess an effective anti-mild-depressant activity. It is reported that either fish oil or krill oil which is extracted from small shrimplike planktonic crustacean of open seas, possess high level of essential polyunsaturated lipids, EPA and DHA 14 . In addition of fatty acids, some vitamins have shown to possess mild antidepressant effect and are prescribed by physicians to improve patient’s depression and anxiety. As an example, administration of Vit B12 as an exogenous antioxidant at dose of 1 mg/daily to those patients suffering from depression [20] can improve variety of symptoms of mental and depression disorders 15 .

To study effectiveness of drugs as antidepressant in rodents, some distinctive and clear depressive like behaviours before and after treatments have been suggested to be assessed with some reliable tests, such as tails suspension (TST) and forced swimming tests (FST). In FST, novel antidepressant drugs in comparison with the control group could reduce immobility in animals. Also, some other behaviours, such as swimming and climbing are strongly suggested to be scored separately 16 . Swimming time is increased by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, on the contrary, climbing is motivated by selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. In both tests, the immobility time of animals is related to the state of depression which is expected to decrease by using effective antidepressants 17 .

The role of ROS, such as H 2 O 2 or MDA which are formed from lipid peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in depression is strongly highlighted 18 , 19 , 20 and show to associate with lowering antioxidant defence or failure to repair oxidative damage. In order to eliminate the harmful effects of oxidative stress, body can get benefit from both endogenous and exogenous antioxidant systems 21 , 22 . Studies show that antidepressants affect antioxidant systems in brain to subside of free radicals to alleviate the symptoms of such disorders 23 , 24 .

In the present novel work, antidepressive-like-effects are evaluated in four different groups of animals which are treated by IMP, FO, NKO, Vit B12 to find their different actions against depression. Also, SOD, CAT, GPX, and GSH activity (major endogenous antioxidant enzymes) and also MDA and H 2 O 2 level (oxidative stress markers) of the hippocampal of the experimental animals are assessed. Also the effect of the compounds on the enzymatic systems is evaluated to find out their connection to antidepressant-like effect. Furthermore, the aforementioned activities of FO and NKO are compared together and to a moderate natural antidepressant (Vit B12) and also to imipramine as a strong chemical antidepressant.

Read more at www.nature.com

High blood pressure can cause heart attack, stroke, heart failure and memory loss. There are several ways to naturally lower blood pressure, which you can easily apply.

High blood pressure is a dangerous cardiovascular disease known as a “silent killer” because the overall progression of the disease usually occurs silently without symptoms.

Hypertension (or hypertension) is a chronic condition when the pressure of blood on the walls of arteries increases. Elevated blood pressure causes more pressure on the heart (increases the burden on the heart) and is the cause of many serious cardiovascular complications such as: stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease,, myocardial infarction heart,…

So, let’s learn some natural ways to lower blood pressure , which you can easily apply at home. How to lower blood pressure quickly and safely at home? 1. Exercise daily to combat hypertension

Exercise is very effective to prevent hypertension, so maintaining regular exercise is extremely important.

“Set goals for daily exercise – Philippa Hobson, senior nurse at BHF, said – be it walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, gardening, walking dogs go for a walk, about 10 minutes or more. ” 2. Keep a reasonable weight to reduce blood pressure to normal levels

Also according to BHF, for overweight people, losing weight is sometimes all they need to be able to lower blood pressure to normal levels. Slowly, one step at a time, exercise control of your daily diet with 30% of fruits and vegetables, and another 35% from starchy foods like bread, rice, potatoes, 15% dairy, 12% from meat, fish, eggs and legumes, only 8% for high fat or sugar foods. 3. Cut back on the salt in your diet to avoid hypertension

As recommended by the British Blood Pressure Association, the amount of salt you eat has a direct effect on your blood pressure. Salt makes your body hold water. If you eat too much salt, the excess water in your body will cause hypertension. So, the more salt you eat, the higher your blood pressure will be.

BHF recommendations include not using salt when cooking, adding food during meals and avoiding (or limiting) high salt foods like cheese, butter, some sauces (soy sauce and water). Particularly salty fish sauce).

Watch next: How To Reduce High Blood Pressure Naturally 4. Do not drink alcohol – effective way to lower blood pressure naturally

Too much alcohol can cause high blood pressure, so drink it slowly and little by little. BHF recommends a limit of three to four units a day for men, and two to three units a day for women (one beer contains about two to three units, and one glass of 250ml respectively with nearly 3 units) 5. Track the amount of caffeine you consume each day to avoid high blood pressure Experts point out that caffeine contributes to high blood pressure, but whether or not people with high blood pressure should drink it is still a controversial topic.

However, the official advice of the NHS is: drinking more than four cups of coffee a day can cause you to have high blood pressure. If you’re a fan of coffee, tea, or other caffeinated drinks, like colas and some energy-generating drinks, consider cutting back on quantity. It is good to drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet. However, it must be emphasized that these beverages should not be the main or only source of liquids. 6. Avoid stress – effective way to lower blood pressure

Stress is another known factor in high blood pressure. A recent study conducted by the American Physiological Association found that meditation can reduce heart anxiety and stress. “Our results show a clear reduction in anxiety during the first hour after meditation,” said Professor John J. Durocher from Michigan Technological University. “Participants also reduced the mechanical stress on arteries an hour later. This could help relieve stress for organs like the brain and kidneys, and help prevent diseases like high blood pressure.” “. 7. Blood pressure drops immediately after quitting

“Although smoking is not a direct cause of hypertension, it may increase the risk of fat deposits (plaque) inside arteries,” according to heart.org. This process causes increased blood pressure. According to a report on the Health News page, blood pressure drops almost immediately after stopping smoking. 8. Sleep more – effective way to reduce blood pressure

Although this has not been officially concluded, getting at least 6 hours of sleep a night is thought to help lower blood pressure. Sleep regulates stress hormones, keeps the nervous system healthy, and the body’s blood pressure drops while we are sleeping.

In the long run, a lack of sleep can affect the ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to high blood pressure.

Watch next: Everyday ways to lower your blood pressure

Read more at break.com

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that damages all the organs in the body, including the brain. “Lupus brain fog” refers to cognitive problems, mood imbalances, and the fatigue people experience. It’s common but infrequently talked about. In this article, we bring up some possible symptoms and potential complementary strategies to discuss with your doctor. What is “Lupus Fog”?

Many people with lupus suffer from “brain fog,” mood disorders, and fatigue. The term “lupus fog” was coined to describe all these symptoms [ 1 ].

Research suggests that about 10% to 80% of people diagnosed with lupus experience cognitive problems at some point. The range is so large partly because different criteria are being used to define cognitive decline and low mood [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Lupus

Systemic lupus ( systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE ) is a chronic autoimmune disease that often affects women more than men [ 7 ].

In lupus, white blood cells incorrectly identify the body’s own tissues as a threat. These cells become hyperactive and produce antibodies against healthy tissues. The tissues under attack — including the brain, skin, muscles, bones, and lungs — become inflamed and less functional [ 7 ].

Symptoms of lupus vary from person to person and include fatigue, fever, and weight loss [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].

Research suggests that when lupus affects the central nervous system — the spinal cord and brain — people may begin to experience “lupus brain fog” and/or headaches , depression , anxiety , seizures, and strokes [ 7 ].

Lupus fog is “brain fog” experienced by people with lupus. It’s thought to be a result of autoimmune inflammation. “Brain Fog”

“Brain fog” is a broader term used to describe a constellation of cognitive symptoms, the most common ones being [ 13 , 14 ]: Reduced mental clarity (“mental fogginess”)

Slower thinking

Inability to focus

Reduced ability to multitask

Long- and short-term memory loss

People subjectively describe feeling forgetful, confused, and scattered — enveloped in what is felt as a “thick mental haze.” They feel their brain is slower and less agile than it should be. Thoughts become sluggish, blurred, and draining [ 15 ].

According to one theory that has yet to be verified, “brain fog” might be caused by inflammation in the brain (as in lupus). Scientists hypothesize it might be triggered by [ 14 , 13 , 16 ]:

It’s important to partner up with your doctor to uncover the underlying causes of your symptoms.

People say “brain fog” is so frustrating because, for one, it is not a diagnosis. It’s a set of subjective symptoms. You may have “brain fog”, but it could be too “mild” or “unspecific” to be labeled as cognitive impairment . Likewise, “lupus fog” is not a diagnosis, though doctors accept its existence.

While only people with lupus get “lupus fog,” anyone can experience “brain fog.” Inflammation is hypothesized to contribute to it, but the exact cause is unknown. Symptoms of “Lupus Fog”

According to the research and clinical data, the main symptom of “lupus fog” is cognitive dysfunction : people may experience long- and short-term memory problems, have difficulty forming abstract thoughts, and feel like their sense of judgment is off [ 1 , 17 ].

Some people also feel like they can’t understand and express speech ( aphasia ) or plan movements. Others find it difficult to recognize familiar objects ( agnosia ) and may also undergo personality changes [ 1 , 17 ].

“Lupus fog” can take a large toll on day-to-day life. It may reduce productivity by 20-80% [ 1 ].

Studies point out that it often arises alongside depression , fatigue , and anxiety early on — each of which can worsen “brain fog” [ 1 ].

People with “lupus fog” may also experience a “ clouding of consciousness ” that intensifies at night. They often find it hard to focus and have reduced awareness of their physical environment. It can get frustrating, and people describe feeling like they’re losing control, becoming agitated, or even aggressive [ 18 ].

Additionally, about 5% of people diagnosed with systemic lupus will experience episodes of psychosis. These episodes can cause a loss of self-control, delusions, and hallucinations [ 1 , 17 ].

The main symptoms of lupus fog evolve around difficulties remembering, thinking, focusing, understanding language, and recognizing familiar objects. Why Does “Lupus Brain Fog” Happen? Proposed Mechanisms

The exact cause of “lupus brain fog” is unknown. Scientists hypothesize it happens when the immune cells attack the brain and cause inflammation. Inflammation appears to slow down or stop brain cells from properly working [ 19 , 3 ].However, research is still in the early, experimental phases. Therefore, all the factors and biochemical processes outlined below are experimental and their contribution to disease development uncertain. The aim of this section is to outline research findings for informational purposes only. Potential mechanisms shown here are commonly associated with “lupus fog.” Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.Also, have in mind that complex disorders like lupus and its associated cognitive symptoms always involve multiple possible factors – including brain chemistry, environment, health status, and genetics – that may vary from one person to another. 1) Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown Might Let Toxins In According to one unverified theory, one of the reasons “lupus brain fog” happens might be blood vessel disease. Scientists hypothesize that the barrier between the bloodstream and brain might start breaking down (i.e. “ leaky brain ”), allowing harmful substances to sneak in. Antibodies also purportedly enter the brain this way, potentially increasing inflammation, damaging brain cells, and triggering memory problems [ 20 , 21 ]. 2) Antibodies Against Brain Cells May Worsen Cognition Directly connected to blood-brain barrier damage, one analysis of 41 studies compared antibody levels in lupus patients with and without “brain fog.” Patients experiencing “lupus fog” had more antibodies targeting brain cells and their key components (i.e. ribosomes) [ […]

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