It is time again for “Ask the Doctor.” I particularly enjoy this monthly feature because it gives me an opportunity to answer your questions and help you on your path to health and wellness.
If you have a question or health concern that you would like me to address, please visit the Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page and send me a private message. Mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line.
Brain Fog in Men
I’m a 45-year-old man with a great career in finance, however, lately I’ve not felt on top of my game. I’ve lost my motivation and initiative, and I’m having a hard time keeping up with my work. I have been forgetful, sometimes depressed, and this is not like me. I used to listen to you on your radio show on KSEV and heard you talk about testosterone and vitamins for men. Can they really help me? I’m desperate to get my old self back. -Ken
Ken, the short answer is yes. Testosterone and vitamin supplementation can help. Thank you for your question. It’s more difficult for men to talk about their health issues than for women, and this is a common occurrence as men age. As you get older and your hormone levels decline, it can commonly affect all aspects of your mental function.
Men, do you experience any of the following symptoms?
- Difficulty concentrating at work or performing basic tasks
• Trouble remembering people’s names or simple words
• Feeling like you’ve lost parts of your memory
• Feeling like you’re in a fog and state of confusion
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Unable to focus
• Short term memory loss
• Feeling depressed
Click here to watch my podcast on the importance of hormones for brain function in men. I discuss the importance of maintaining optimum hormone levels as men age, and you will also learn my secret to increased energy, vitality, drive, and better moods in men.
10 Tips to Help Keep Your Brain Sharp
Here are a few of my recommendations to help you keep your brain in tip-top shape:
- Maintain Optimal Hormone Levels
Because the brain uses so much energy, individuals with hypothyroidism (slowed metabolism and less energy) tend to experience a decline in their mental sharpness. It becomes difficult to maintain focus, sharp memory and clarity. Low thyroid function is a common cause of brain fog, depression, difficulty concentrating and short-term memory loss. Hypothyroidism is often associated with mood disturbances and cognitive impairment, implying that thyroid hormones are critical for normal brain functioning.
Testosterone is also important for your brain and it improves cognitive function. Low testosterone levels can also lead to depressed moods.
- Candida
Your gut health affects your brain health. Candida, or yeast overgrowth, can cause inability to concentrate, brain fog, headaches, depression, and anxiety. If you have a leaky gut, then the numerous toxins produced by Candida can travel to the rest of your body through your bloodstream, affecting your different tissues and organs, including your brain.
- Healthy Eating
It is important to cut out the bad stuff, such as sugar and simple carbs, and eat organic fruits and vegetables, grass-fed meats, healthy fats and nuts. Vegetables, for instance, are full of antioxidants and vitamins that fight oxidative stress and help prevent brain damage. Be sure to eat enough protein, as well. Eating processed and packaged foods only contribute to inflammation, not to mention the fact that your body, and brain, aren’t getting the nutrients they need to function well. Remember, sugar is inflammatory.
- Correct Any Allergies and Food Sensitivities
Inflammation and swelling caused by allergies and food sensitivities can affect the brain, causing symptoms throughout the body, including headaches, migraines, depression, anxiety and memory problems.
- Correct Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Here are a few vitamins that are important for brain and memory support:
Fish Oil – Fish oil supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response. Omega-3’s help improve brain function and help prevent memory loss.
GABA – GABA helps regulate brain and nerve cell activity and helps you to focus.
B Vitamins – A good B vitamin complex promotes nerve health and optimal brain function.
- Get Quality, Sound Sleep Each Night
As simple as this sounds, you know how much better you feel after a really good night of sleep. Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep leaves you tired, and therefore your brain is also tired. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
- Avoid Unnecessary Prescription Drugs
There are numerous prescription drugs that negatively affect your brain function, here are a few:
Cholesterol lowering drugs
Anti-anxiety medications
Sleep medications
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Beta-blockers
Narcotic painkillers
Cold medicines
Some pain medications
Muscle relaxants
Note: Please DO NOT ever stop taking a prescription drug on your own. Please visit with your doctor first. Many drugs need to be weaned off of slowly and safely.
- Get Out and Exercise
Regular physical exercise helps keep your brain sharp and protects your memory. Exercise also improves mood, sleep, and reduces stress, which can help improve brain function.
- Avoid Artificial Sweeteners
Believe it or not, artificial sweeteners can wreak havoc on your brain. Please think twice before using them. Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose (Splenda) and Aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal) can have devastating effects on your brain, as well as your overall health.
Splenda can cause a spaced-out sensation, brain fog, depression, migraines, headaches, seizures, dizziness and anxiety. Aspartame is a neurotoxin that destroys brain cells. Forty percent of aspartame broken down in the digestive tract is aspartic acid, a known “excitotoxin” that excites brain cells literally to death. It causes problems such as epileptic seizures, headaches, migraines, dizziness, unsteadiness, confusion, memory loss, severe drowsiness and sleepiness, severe slurring of speech, severe hyperactivity and severe tremors.
- Stop Smoking
If you are a smoker, this goes without saying. Smoking cigarettes negatively affects your whole body. But did you know that smoking reduces the amount of oxygen to the brain, which can impair your memory? It is noted that smoking can shrink a critical part of your brain – your cortex. Smoking accelerates the thinning of this outer layer of your brain.
Start today and take action to protect your mental health, naturally.
Be sure to subscribe to my Wellness Revolution Podcast so that you can stay up to date on the latest health information. Visit Dr. Hotze’s Wellness Revolution Podcast today.
Could a decline in your hormones be the cause of your symptoms?
Take the Symptom Checker Quiz on my website to find out. Contact my Wellness Consultants today at 281-698-8698 for a complimentary consultation. Don’t wait, it’s time to feel your best and get your life back!
Keep Your Questions Coming
I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and to others who are dealing with these common problems. Keep your questions coming! Send me a private message on Hotze Health & Wellness Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HotzeHWC/. Don’t forget to mention Katy Christian Magazine in the subject line. And remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
To learn more about the Hotze Health & Wellness Center and schedule a Free Wellness Consultation, call us at 281-698-8698 or visit hotzehwc.com.