"Brain fog"--trouble with focus, memory, and concentration, is a common but little-discussed issue with PCOS. I believe that for many of you, it impairs your ability to follow through with changes you genuinely wish to make because you simply don't remember to do them.
This is more than just an annoying little problem. Women with PCOS are at high risk for developing diabetes, and people with diabetes are at high risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
So while you may be more focused on how to feel better right now, look better soon, and become pregnant in the near future, I've got my eye on the big picture.
The good news is that the nutrition recommendations we make here are good for all of the problems you might have with PCOS--weight, skin, fertility, mood...and brain function.
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Fish oil is one of the biggest tools you have. Eating a variety of foods, not forgetting the fruits and vegetables, and getting enough sleep, are all very important to do.
Yesterday I mentioned choline, a chemical that the brain uses to make acetylcholine, the memory neurotransmitter. If you've given up egg yolks because you are afraid of their cholesterol, take note: it's likely not the cholesterol in those yolks that are causing you trouble. And, you're throwing valuable choline down the drain that your brain wants and needs.
This coming week at The inCYSTem, I've put together a week's worth of menus incorporating foods high in choline, some seafood, and good omega 6 to omega 3 balance. A four week subscription to this new program is $15; if you'd like to participate and experience first hand what eating well can do for you...contact me at monika@afterthediet.com.
1 comments:
I used to live my life in a perpetual brain fog. I just thought I was a space cadet and that was it.
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 17 and have gone on to do many things I set my mind to (have a masters in music) but the fog was always there.
What fixed the fog for me was what you always preach-
NUTRITION!
I switched my diet to a more Paleo approach, cutting out all refined carbohydrates and getting the majority of my carbs from fruit and vegetables. Basing every meal on a good protein source was another huge shift for me. I've been eating this way for two years and the brain fog is gone. I get so much more done in a day and I can make it through late night rehearsals with a focus I never knew I had. When I slip up and have bread or a cookie, I feel the brain fog come on right away. It's not worth it and that makes it easy for me to continue eating clean!
Thanks for your work on this blog!
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