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Many people get brain fog every now and then, but for some people, mental lethargy, “spacing out,” is a constant everyday struggle, and often a sign of an underlying condition requiring immediate treatment. Listed are 7 helpful treatments for brain fog, including vitamin B12 supplementation.
As mentioned in the previous article, Brain Fog- 7 Likely Causes, there are many reasons why you may be having trouble focusing on work, finding your car keys, or remembering names for things that used to be on the tip of your tongue.
Brain fog may be a sign of chronic pain, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a number of other underlying illnesses. Brain fog may also signal the need to change your diet or reduce stress.
Listed are some helpful treatments for brain fog:
What helps brain fog?
1- Vitamin B12
If vitamin B12 deficiency is the cause of constant brain fog and other signs of cognitive impairments, then only quick and immediate supplementation of vitamin B12 will reverse the symptoms.
Often, several consecutive doses of vitamin B12 shots or other forms of non-dietary vitamin B12 are required, followed up with a lifelong regimen of monthly vitamin B12 supplementation.
Other excellent nutrients that support healthy brain functioning include zinc, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
2- Exercise
Daily exercise is one of the best natural treatments for most ailments, especially brain fog caused by stress, depression, or chronic pain. Talk to your doctor about choosing an activity that boosts energy and promotes healthy circulation without causing stress on your joints.
Brain fog is comorbid with many types of emotional instability, including depression. Ask your doctor to suggest an antidepressant which complements your specific needs. Alternatively, ask your doctor about natural mood enhancers, such as SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine).
4- Take melatonin
If insomnia or lack of restorative sleep is behind chronic brain fog, then ask your doctor if taking melatonin supplements are a good option for solving your sleep problems.
5- Wean off caffeine and alcohol
Excess amounts of caffeinated beverages and frequent alcohol usage are both common causes of daily fatigue and brain fog. As a rule of thumb, limit yourself to two cups of coffee each day, and don’t drink any in the afternoon. At parties, try alternating between alcoholic drinks and tall glasses of water.
6- Avoid artificial sweeteners
Fake sugar, artificial preservatives, and chemically-produced flavorings are all toxic to our system, as our body doesn’t recognize them as verifiable food items. Brain fog, headaches, and respiratory problems are sometimes symptoms of toxicity from artificial ingredients.
7- Slow down
To prevent brain fog from overstimulation, try not to plan too many activities in one day. Relieve stress by practicing relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing, positive affirmations, and mindfulness. Schedule meetings, pickup times, and other important dates in a daily calendar; that way, you won’t feel pressured to keep them on your mind the whole day.
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Many people get brain fog every now and then, but for some people, mental lethargy, “spacing out,” is a constant everyday struggle, and often a sign of an underlying condition requiring immediate treatment. Listed are 7 possible causes of brain fog, including vitamin B12 deficiency.
With brain fog, you often have difficulty staying alert and “on the ball.” You keep forgetting where you left your cellphone, and you find yourself looking for things that were right in front of you all along.
Lack of spatial awareness, memory loss, and the feeling that your brain is always in “autopilot” are all signs of episodic brain fog.
Brain fog is a common symptom of most chronic illnesses, including chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, and depression.
Additionally, there are several other factors that may contribute to constant mental fatigue and disorientation, underlying conditions that may escape your doctor’s attention.
What causes brain fog?
1- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Brain fog is one of the earliest signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, a type of anemia that may linger undetected for years. In most cases, physicians don’t test for vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia until the signs of severe depletion of vitamin B12 levels become apparent.
Symptoms of early vitamin B12 deficiency often include:
Brain fog
Depression
Anxiety
Memory loss
Painful tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
Stress, anxiety, and even electronic media devices can contribute to a prevailing feeling of brain fog. Our brains can only handle so much stimulation before our nerve cells call it quits. As a result, our brains go in autopilot, or brain fog mode, when stress levels are high or we have spent an inordinate amount of time in front of the television or computer.
3- Chronic pain
Chronic pain is distracting- when you suffer from constant headaches, aching back muscles, or frequent stomach cramps, then obviously, you have a hard time focusing on anything else.
Brain fog is a comorbid condition of illnesses such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and many other forms of chronic pain and autoimmune disorder.
4- Lack of restful sleep
Another side effect of chronic pain, and consequently a cause of brain fog, is the inability to sleep peacefully throughout the night.
People with chronic fatigue often wake up already feeling exhausted, and rarely feel refreshed in the morning, even though they slept a good six or eight hours the night before.
Lack of restorative REM sleep, more so than insufficient sleep time, directly affects your ability to think clearly and stay alert throughout the day.
5- Depression
Brain fog is often a comorbid condition of emotional illnesses such as depression and severe anxiety disorder.
As many conditions are comorbid of each other, it’s worth noting that depression and brain fog are also common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, and are sometimes misdiagnosed as chronic mental illness. A simple vitamin B12 blood screening usually indicates if low vitamin B12 levels are a factor.
6- Medication side effects
Sometimes, brain fog is a result of a medication’s side effects, or occurs when two or more medications are used at the same time.
7- Dementia from old age
Brain fog is also one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease dementia, or other forms of brain atrophy. Often, symptoms of early aging and dementia are exacerbated by plummeting levels of vitamin B12, as evidenced by several scientific studies on vitamin B12 deficiency in patients of age-related dementia.
Your turn!
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Memory loss doesn’t always mean the D-word: dementia. Cognitive decline can also affect the young. If you’ve been suffering from frequent forgetfulness, brain fog, or disorientation, then it could signify an underlying condition that requires medical attention.
So you’ve been having a hard time remember things, like what you had for breakfast this morning, how much your monthly cable bill is, or your bank’s PIN. If you’re young or at least middle-aged, and it seems like you’ve been struggling with memory loss for several months or years, then it’s not your imagination, and you’re not alone.
Because memory loss isn’t just for the elderly; there are many causes for forgetfulness in young people under the age of 65, ranging from fatigue and medication usage to vitamin B12 deficiency and chronic illness.
It’s one thing to forget your laundry at the dry-cleaning…but if it seems like you’re constantly losing your train of thought, forgetting people’s names, or having a hard time remembering numbers, and if these symptoms are unusual, then it’s a good idea to have it checked out, even if you think you’re too young for memory loss.
Symptoms of cognitive decline, including memory loss, include:
As mentioned, dementia isn’t the only cause of severe memory loss that requires treatment. You may be suffering from a vitamin deficiency, you may need to get more rest, or you may be getting too much rest…the list goes on.
This does not constitute medical advice- you should see your doctor immediately and discuss your options.
Here is a list of common causes of non-dementia memory loss:
Vitamin B12 deficiency, either due to autoimmune disorder, genetic predisposition, vegan dieting, gastric bypass, medication usage, or gastrointestinal disorders
Cardiovascular illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Organ dysfunction (kidney, liver)
Depression
Chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia (closely related)
Extreme stress
Medication side effect, including antidepressants, statins, or painkillers
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Memory loss happens, and not just to the elderly. The most common causes of severe memory loss are dementia (Alzheimer’s disease), drug abuse, brain damage, and neurological illness. Even minor memory loss can be debilitating, if it goes on for years. Reduced cognitive skills- brain fog, mental fatigue, irritability, lack of focus, and yes- memory loss are usually symptoms of an underlying condition that require medical attention.
Here are 6 unusual causes of memory loss that you haven’t considered:
Not getting your vitamin B12
One of the many symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency is cognitive impairment. Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is necessary for red blood cell distribution. If you have low levels of vitamin B12, then your brain is not receiving enough oxygen, and the results are symptoms like memory loss, decreased mental focus, irritability, fatigue, and difficulty understanding new concepts.
A recent study published by the Mayo Clinic reveals that elderly individuals who eat between 2,100 and 6,000 calories each day are twice as likely to suffer mild cognitive impairment (MCI) than people who don’t overeat.
Survey information collected from 1,233 elderly residents of Olmstead County, Minnesota found a direct link between high caloric intake and memory loss.
Study participants were asked to submit a questionnaire regarding their eating habits, including calorie intake.
While none of the participants suffered from dementia, 163 did experience symptoms of cognitive impairment such as memory loss.
After reviewing survey results, scientists noted that most of the people who had MCI overate, making them twice as likely to suffer from short-term memory loss.
Being a male
In a recent report by the Mayo Clinic on aging, researchers found that elderly men are more likely to suffer from memory loss than women of the same age. In a study of 1,450 test subjects, 296 showed signs of mild cognitive impairment, with an incidence rate of 7.2% for males and 5.7% for females.
Being stressed out
When you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed, you become fatigued. Your brain becomes overstimulated, and unless you give it a break, you’ll suffer signs of cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and disorientation. There exists a high correlation between many types of mental illness (bi-polar disorder, severe depression, and anxiety disorder) and attention deficit disorders.
Autoimmune disorder
“Brain fog” is a common complaint among people who suffer from autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, and celiac disease. If you also suffer symptoms like severe stomach pain, diarrhea, constant muscular soreness, or daily headaches, then consult your doctor immediately.
A recent study published by Neurology indicated that people who are low in omega-3 fatty acids have significantly less brain mass and more symptoms of cognitive impairment than people who eat healthy amounts of omega-3’s.
Using MRI testing and blood samples, researchers observed 1,500 elderly individuals who had no prior history for dementia.
Participants who had the lowest levels of DHA omega-3 fatty acids had the least brain mass, putting them in the bottom 25% range.
Also, subjects with the lowest omega-3 intake performed poorly on cognitive skill testing, including visual memory, abstract thinking skills, and executive function.
Overall, low omega-3 levels accounted for accelerated brain aging and atrophy by two years.
Please tell us…
Do you have trouble remembering words that used to roll off your tongue?
Do you find yourself forgetting to do things unless you write yourself a memo?
Have you been tested for vitamin B12 deficiency?
Please let us know your thoughts by commenting below!
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Part I of Brain Fog: 20 Causes and symptoms covered reasons some people get brain fog, and the many ways brain fog interferes with daily activities. Part II of Brain Fog covers ways to deal with chronic forgetfulness, fatigue, and disorientation that make up brain fog from B12 deficiency, fibromyalgia, or other illnesses.
How to deal with brain fog
Obviously, the most important thing to do in dealing with brain fog is to treat whatever’s causing it. If you think you have vitamin B12 deficiency, then get a blood screening. You could have pernicious anemia resulting from low B12 (cobalamin) levels, or fibromyalgia, which is correlated with vitamin B12 deficiency. In that case, the simple answer is to supplement with extra vitamin B12.
Here are some excellent lifestyle tips for getting around brain fog:
Take your vitamins and minerals. Besides getting enough vitamin B12, you should also be getting enough of all the other B vitamins, in addition to vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium.
Sleep. Avoid naps, but stay regimented in your nighttime habits.
Treat your pain symptoms. This one’s a no-brainer. The fact is, pain distracts you, even when you don’t realize it. If you suffer migraines, and your current migraine treatment isn’t working, then explore other options. The same goes for chronic pain like fibromyalgia- never give up on lasting pain relief!
Exercise! This is difficult when you have chronic pain, but even small efforts at maintaining a fitness plan can be therapeutic. Try to incorporate stretching into your morning routine, or take small walks. Tai chi and yoga are particularly helpful for people with fibromyalgia.
Try an elimination diet. You never know- your brain fog could be a result of allergic reactions like gluten intolerance or milk allergy.
Eat brain food. Some foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and nuts. Stick to lean proteins and plenty of fruits and veggies.
Check your blood sugar. Brain fog is a common symptom of diabetes, so make certain that you’re not getting type 2 diabetes.
Limit caffeine. The rush you get from drinking strong coffee is only temporary. It is always followed by fatigue, or for some, brain fog.
Avoid processed foods. There is a substantial body of evidence indicating that cutting out white flour, white sugar, processed snack foods, and stripped grains (white rice) from your diet prevents chronic fatigue and brain fog, in addition to promoting healthy weight loss.
Try alternative medicine. Holistic and homeopathic medicine is becoming more mainstream as an alternative to some prescribed medications in treating chronic illness symptoms like pain and brain fog. Some good ones to try include acupuncture/acupressure, herbal supplements, and biofeedback.
Look into cognitive training. Researchers are finding that exercising your thinking skills is an effective way to reverse cognitive dysfunction, or brain fog. Examples of cognitive training are video games, websites, or programs like Wii that promise to improve your memory, regain mental clarity, and think quicker.
Think ahead. Sometimes, it helps to be prepared in life’s situations, especially if you have brain fog on a daily basis. Always think out a scenario in your head beforehand, and imagine ways you might make things easier on yourself. If you’re worried about going on a job interview, look up tips for landing a job and creating a good impression.
Rehearse what you’re going to say. Back to the job interview- go over the basic questions that people ask you when you’re interviewing for a position, and decide what you’re going to answer, ahead of time. This way, you won’t be put on the spot when your future-boss asks you what traits you like the least about yourself. (Hint: There is no real answer to this one.)
Take it slow. Don’t try to cook a dinner for five in five minutes. Even if it means running late, pace yourself. People with brain fog are more susceptible to serious injury when they try to do things in a hurry, so give yourself extra time to do things.
Stay organized. This is the secret to success with brain fog. If you have one place where you always keep your scissors, then you won’t waste valuable time searching all over your house every time you need to open a package or cut the tags off a new outfit.
Keep a good perspective. A good sense of humor can get you through chronic pain, brain fog, anxiety…anything. In fact, some studies have been done which show that chronic illness sufferers who try to achieve happiness and look for the “sunny side” in life are more successful at eventually conquering their symptoms and healing their pain than those for whom the glass is always half-empty.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s okay to admit that you don’t understand something- even if it’s been explained to you three times already. Don’t pretend to “get it” when you don’t. The results can be social awkwardness, feelings of isolation, and worse- injury. (Know how the electric meat cutter works before you lose a finger!)
Tools are helpful, so use them. If you have a smartphone, iPad, or other tablet device, then make it work for you. You don’t have to remember phone numbers, dates, directions, shopping lists, passwords, or birthdays. That’s what your Android is for!
Relax. Another no-brainer: learning how to relax is instrumental in relieving stress, which is a common cause of brain fog.
Seek counseling. If things seem too overwhelming, and you don’t know what to do about it, talk it out with a professional. Everybody who visits a shrink every now and then isn’t mentally ill…just human.
Please tell us…
Do you have anything to add to this article? We would love to know! Please comment below, and share this with your friends.
For some, brain fog is what happens when you drink too much cough medicine or stay up late at night. For others, people with vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, or fibromyalgia, brain fog is part of everyday life. In fact, many people who experience brain fog have had it all their lives, and don’t remember a time when they didn’t have trouble remembering numbers, responding with clever banter, or finding their way out of a parking lot…
This is Part I of Brain Fog, which focuses on causes and symptoms. Part II is Brain Fog: 20 ways to deal
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is a lot easier to describe than it is to define, since scientists are not sure exactly what causes it, and most doctors don’t recognize it as a medical condition, but rather a symptom of other illnesses.
Here are some terms people use to describe their brain fog:
Mental fuzziness or confusion that is caused by a primary illness, condition, or other stimuli like food, drugs, or lifestyle habit
Cognitive dysfunction
Fibro haze
Brain drain
Brain farts
Space case
Stupid- This is wrong! Having brain fog does not mean that you are less intelligent than others are. It only means that you have a real disorder with real symptoms, and brain fog is one of them.
What are the symptoms of brain fog?
Most people who suffer brain fog say that they feel tired all the time, even after getting a good night’s rest. But there are lots of other seemingly unrelated symptoms that indicate brain fog besides feeling like you always have a dark cloud over your head.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of brain fog:
Fatigue
Short-term memory loss- forgetting recent reminders, shopping lists, things you talked about a few days ago
Difficulty with math- adding in your head, sequencing, remembering numbers
Forgetting what you were going to say in conversation
Difficulty concentrating or focusing while reading
Difficulty recalling words that should be on the tip of your tongue
Low attention span
Easily confused
Getting lost easily, even in familiar places
Difficulty thinking clearly
Difficulty with multitasking
Difficulty solving problems
Depression
Anxiety
Low spatial awareness- stepping on others’ feet, for example
Absentmindedness
Low learning curve
Difficulty learning new skills
Low energy
Loss of creativity
What causes brain fog?
Since brain fog is not really a medical or psychiatric term, we likewise don’t have a specific answer as to what causes it. Brain fog is linked with lack of sleep, dementia, chronic pain, brain disorders, vitamin deficiencies, and unusual blood flow to the brain.
Here are 20 conditions and illnesses that correlate with brain fog:
It’s mortifying when you can’t remember people’s names, especially when other people always seem to remember yours. “Brain fog” caused by chronic fatigue, vitamin B12 deficiency, fibromyalgia, or other chronic illnesses makes it difficult to remember people’s names.
Name forgetfulness can be socially awkward, especially if that person works in your office, or goes to the same daily aerobics class as you. Here are some helpful tips for remember names and boosting your memory, even when you’re in the middle of a brain drain.
Use it or lose it
As soon as somebody introduces himself, make a concentrated effort to remember his name the first time. Turn your attention to the person, repeat his name back, and make sure that you heard correctly. Repeat the name (quietly) to yourself several times. Take every opportunity to introduce your new friend to other people, and use her name while conversing. Your earliest attempts to remember a name are always the most successful.
Look for distinguishing characteristics in every person you meet, and link them with the person’s name. It’s okay to let your imagination run wild this this one- Lenny from Human Resources need never know that you think he looks like a lion cub. Another good association is connecting names with hobbies or occupations, like Arthur the Attorney, or Daphne who likes dolphins.
Put it in the dictionary
Sometimes, it’s easier to remember somebody’s name if you associate it with a real word that’s in the dictionary. For example, Justin’s name will be easier to remember if you think of justice, or “just in time.”
Play the spelling bee
Some people are visual learners- they need to see something in their mind in order to absorb its meaning. When you are introduced to somebody new, spell her name out (to yourself). This will further establish her name in your memory.
Rhymes have been used for centuries to remember things like instructions, moral codes, and historical facts. Today, they’re effective for remembering names, which is helpful if your job requires you to meet new people every day. Some good rhymes are “Tracy shops at Macy’s,” or “Ellen eats melon.” It doesn’t have to be a perfect rhyme, just as long as it sticks in your memory.
Forget remembering
Have you ever written a “cheat sheet” before a test in high school, only to find out during class that you didn’t even need it? Writing down important details cements them in your mind. So, why not follow a scaled-down version of that practice? Keep a small notepad in your purse or messenger bag, and jot down people’s names before you can forget them. Not only will you be more likely to remember their names the next time your meet, but you’ll have a handy book of names to refer to later.
Despite your best efforts to seal somebody’s name in your memory, you will still have moments when you just can’t remember somebody’s name. Instead of calling them “Hey you” or “What’s-your-name,” just come out and ask. People would rather be asked to repeat their names- it tells them that they are important and worthy of your attention.
Think fast!
“Oh no, here she comes, and I don’t remember her name!” Don’t panic. If you’re standing next to somebody you know, casually initiate an introduction. “Hey Dan, have you two met?” More often than not, she will probably pipe up with her name in introduction, and you’re home free.
This isn’t just a good pick-up line; it’s also a great way to remember somebody’s name. Sometimes, we associate names of people with places. You may not recall Shawn’s name, but you probably remember that you spent three hours with him while waiting in line at the DMV.
Fibromyalgia sufferers, listen up: It’s no secret that forgetfulness is one of the many symptoms of chronic pain syndromes. “Brain fog” makes it hard to remember important schedules, to-do lists, and…what was I going to say? You have enough on your plate without having to worry about whether or not you took all your fibromyalgia pain medications, what time the pharmacy opens, or what website you used to order your vitamin refills.
If you’ve got an iPhone or iPad, then use it to your advantage! Here are some great tricks that let you get the most chronic pain management out of your iPhone, iPad, or iPod without spending a cent.
Trick #1: Pimp your home screen!
Dilemma: “My favorite website doesn’t have an app!” Let’s say that you like a website, and you use it often to order vitamins, prescription refills, or other necessities that you can’t live without. You want to be able to access this site immediately from your iPhone home screen…but there isn’t an app for that. You can make your own custom icon and stick it on your home screen! Here’s how it’s done:
Go to your favorite page.
Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen.
Now, choose “Add to Home Screen.”
The official title of the home page is Vita Sciences but you can change it; just remember to keep it short and easy to identify.
That’s it! Now you have a shiny new custom-designed icon on your home page that you can’t get at the iTunes store. This is a great trick that you can use for any and all websites. Use it for pages that you use often, or just for something that you want quick access to in case of emergency. Pretty nifty, huh?
Trick #2: Set up vitamin and medication alerts!
The iTunes app store offers lots of daily reminders that are inexpensive. You can track everything from your menstrual period, to your food diet points, to your bill schedule. Sure, you could buy a pill reminder for 99-cents, but why bother? Your iPhone already came with an excellent calendar, and it’s just humming to remind you to take your pain medications, vitamin supplements. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to program it, either. Here’s how:
Go to your calendar. Click the “+” sign at the top right corner to add an event. (Question: When did remembering to take your pain medicine become an event? Answer: Since brain fog became one of the symptoms.)
Okay. Type in all the important details, like name of event, location (Behind the ear), repeat sequence (weekly), and most importantly, alert time. Steve Jobs must have foreseen that fibromyalgia patients would need to use it, because he cleverly programmed two alerts to remind you to take your vitamins; one initial reminder, and then another one, in case you already forgot the first warning. This is an essential tool for people who are forgetful, which is anybody who suffers from:
Fibromyalgia
Pernicious anemia
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Alzheimer’s disease
Motherhood
And here’s your gentle reminder to take your vitamin B12!
Trick #3: Get these great apps!
Here are some free iTunes apps that are worth a second look:
This is the Chronic Pain Tracker Lite: This free app lets you document your pain history in a way that is simple and functional. You can keep track of pain triggers, pain severity, location of pain, medications, and even add your own personal notes. This free version allows you to list up to 20 entries. If you really like it, then you can get the paid version for $14.99, which is still cheaper than getting a health coach.
Also free, the Medscape app is a great tool for accessing up-to-the minute information on pain treatments, breakthrough scientific research, and common pain symptoms. It’s like having a medical encyclopedia in your pocket, only much lighter. ;-)
Trick #4: Use Google Maps to find your nearest pharmacy- quick!
Google Maps is another excellent iPhone tool for people who have trouble remembering where their closest pharmacy is, even if you’ve been using them for prescription refills for the past 15 years.
Bingo! I knew Walgreens was somewhere around that neighborhood, give or take a few miles.
Trick #5: Follow the leaders on Twitter!
Finally, you don’t like to be in the dark. 24-7, people are talking about things that importantly impact your life; things like
You want to join in on the conversation, and be “in the know,” right? The best way to do that is to follow them on Twitter. This way, if the Fibromyalgia Society decides to coordinate an impromptu Occupy Fibromyalgia sit-in, you’ll be one of the first to respond.
We won’t be leading any protests any time soon, but we do keep you informed on the many topics related to vitamin B12 deficiency, like pernicious anemia symptoms, gastrointestinal disorders, gastric bypasses, diabetes, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disorders, and of course, fibromyalgia.
What’s the difference between fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)? Health experts often differ in diagnosing fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue symptoms, as they tend to overlap. Judge for yourself- here are some facts on symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a condition that causes pain, tiredness, and stomach upset in its sufferers. FM is somewhat of a medical phenomenon, as scientists are still unsure exactly what causes fibromyalgia. Theories abound, and researchers continue to conduct studies on possible causes of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia symptoms:
The most prevalent symptom of fibromyalgia is chronic pain: About 70% – 80% of fibromyalgia patients suffer severe muscular soreness. Pain occurs mostly along the spine, the shoulders, hips, and neck, but can also happen in other parts of the body. FM sufferers may also experience joint stiffness similar to arthritis pain.
Other common symptoms of fibromyalgia are gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea), severe fatigue, sleep difficulties, and “brain fog” (concentration problems).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention, approximately five million US citizens suffer from fibromyalgia.
In order to diagnose fibromyalgia, a doctor must confirm eleven out of eighteen fibromyalgia “tender points” in his patient.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) goes by a few other names: immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). CFS is another “invisible disease” that affects the body and the mind. Like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome is also an illness for which scientists are still attempting to determine the cause. The leading theory is that CFS is an autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system.
What are the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome?
While fibromyalgia symptoms center on pain, CFS symptoms are primarily related to extreme unending tiredness. Symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:
being tired all the time, despite getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and generally taking good care of yourself,
complete exhaustion after low-impact exercise, examinations, or long periods requiring mental focus, followed by a recuperation period,
poor short-term memory,
brain fog,
waking up fatigued, and never feeling fully rested,
flu-like aches and pain,
headache,
sore throat,
poor reading comprehension,
difficulty grasping appropriate words while communicating,
anxiety
What’s the difference between CFS and FM?
The fact that symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia so often overlap makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose, and confusing for patients to understand. Here are some basic similarities and distinguishing facts of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:
Not all people who have chronic fatigue syndrome also suffer from chronic pain symptoms such as those with fibromyalgia. However, most fibromyalgia patients live with extreme, persistent fatigue every day- approximately 50% – 70%, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
About one million people have chronic fatigue syndrome, compared with five million fibromyalgia sufferers.
While some physicians believe that fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are two separate conditions that often overlap in one patient, others believe that chronic fatigue is one of many symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome, and not a disorder in its own right.
Stress and physical exertion are both common triggers of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
Other illnesses share similar symptoms with FM and CFS, causing yet more confusion in diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, other conditions like pernicious anemia may occur at the same time as CFS, and may go undetected as a result.
A high correlation exists between vitamin B12 deficiency and fibromyalgia. Any condition that causes gastrointestinal problems will likely also result in poor digestion of vitamin B12. Untreated, B12 deficiency can escalate into severe nerve damage.
Symptoms of B12 deficiency may include nerve pain (tingling, pins and needles) in the hands and feet, numbness in the hands and feet, decreased energy, loss of mental focus, fatigue, depression, anxiety, sore tongue, altered sense of taste, short-term memory loss, clumsiness, and difficulty walking, running or jumping without stumbling.
Other disorders and illnesses linked with vitamin B12 deficiency are inflammatory bowel disease (IBD- Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), lupus, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, autism, celiac disease, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
Because vitamin B12 deficiency shares so many symptoms with chronic fatigue syndrome, it might go untreated. For that reason, it is advisable for people suffering from CFS or FM to get their vitamin B12 blood levels checked routinely.
Read more about fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome:
“Fibro Haze” isn’t an acid rock band from the 70s- fibromyalgia brain fog is what happens when when your physical, emotional, and biochemical elements get together and decide to wreak havoc on your nervous system.
Oftentimes linked with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), the symptoms of fibromyalgia are confusion, tiredness and forgetfulness.
Do you have trouble remembering somebody’s name about one minute after she introduced herself?
Do you often forget where you parked your car, or which side of the mall you entered from?
How’s your math- do you have trouble adding up simple calculations in your head?
When you try to read, do you get distracted by every outside noise?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of different factors which can cause fibromyalgia and fatigue, making it all that much more difficult to get to the root of the problem.
1) Insomnia: If you’re not getting enough sleep, then it’s all downhill from here. Sleep disorders make it difficult for your body to produce enough serotonin, which is important for memory. Stick to a rigid sleep schedule, and don’t spend time on the computer less than 1 hour before bedtime. Try to avoid long naps in the middle of the day; twenty minutes should be your limit. If fibromyalgia nerve pain is what’s keeping you up nights, then test out an orthopedic support pillow, test-drive a different mattress, or ask your doctor about safe, gentle sleeping aids. B12 Deficiency Linked to Cognitive Decline, and more
2) Emotional upset caused by nerve pain: Chronic pain takes up a lot of your brain’s attention. It’s hard to focus on all the things that are happening around you when inside, your nerves are on red alert from constant pain signals. Some prescription pain medicines are helpful for alleviating aches. Ice compresses or heating pads are effective, as well. Many fibromyalgia sufferers are also finding that practicing tai chi helps relax their nerves and soothe muscular soreness. Why More Fibromyalgia Patients are Taking Tai Chi
3) Stress, anxiety and depression: Chronic stress and anxiety attacks lower your immunity and tire out your nervous system. If you can’t remove yourself from a stressful situation, then learn to cope- your health depends on it. Try yoga, deep breathing, light exercise and a healthy diet. If necessary, ask your doctor about antidepressants which help to prevent panic disorder. Chronic Depression, Chronic Pain- It’s All the Same, say Experts
4) History of child abuse: Recent studieshave noted a strong link between people who suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms and personal history of physical or mental abuse.
5) Family history: Ask your family members if chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain or fibromyalgia symptoms run in the family. If anything, at least it will help solve the mystery. Teens are No Stranger to Chronic Fatigue
6) Diet: An increasing number of CFS and fibromyalgia patients are finding that switching to a gluten-free diet has helped reduce some of the fibromyalgia symptoms, such as stomach problems, headaches and fatigue. Try seeking out some great non-gluten breads, mixes and sweets in the health food section of your supermarket, and see what happens! Can a Gluten-Free Diet Ease Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?
7) Vitamin B12 deficiency: There is a strong correlation between fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and vitamin B12 deficiency. Scientists haven’t determined exactly why this phenomenon exists, but they have proven that fibro patients who take B12 supplements experience a surge in stamina and overall well-being. Suffering from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue? B12 to the Rescue!
