The Connection Between Brain Fog and Liver Health

June 5th, 2012

Understanding cognitive impairment makes the link between brain fog, fatigue and chronic liver disease apparent.

By Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Most of us take our ability to think, remember and process information for granted. We consider our brain to be the headquarters of our intelligence and personality, that is, unless something interferes with our mental acuity. Generally termed ‘brain fog,’ the dulling of cognitive function is a familiar, but unwelcome sensation to a majority of people. For some, brain fog is a mild, transient occurrence; but for others, brain fog can be a major source of strife. Although there are several possible reasons for this condition, those with chronic liver problems are especially susceptible to brain fog.

What Is Brain Fog?
Despite the lack of information in most medical and psychological texts, brain fog is a valid, sometimes debilitating complaint. Describing mental confusion or a lack of mental clarity, brain fog can include feeling spacey, forgetful, lost and fatigued. It is also associated with having trouble thinking, concentrating and focusing. The frequency and severity of someone’s brain fog can vary significantly – and have a host of different causes.

Although the following three etiologies are not the only reasons someone experiences cognitive impairment, they do account for a sizeable proportion of brain fog episodes:

1.    Low on Fuel – Requiring a lot of energy, the brain consumes approximately 30 percent of our caloric intake. Anything that impairs energy production can lead to insufficient fuel for optimal brain function.

2.    Low on Fluid – As a major constituent of the human body, nearly every human function requires water. About 70 percent of the brain is composed of water. If the brain’s cells are not properly hydrated, cognitive function declines.

3.    Excess Toxins – The brain requires a lot of blood flow to function, making it one of the first organs to be affected by toxins in the bloodstream. Any condition that impairs the filtering of toxins out of the blood encourages brain fog.

Liver Disease and Brain Fog
Despite being frequently dismissed as a vague, unimportant complaint, brain fog is one of the more common symptoms of chronic liver disease. This is likely due to liver disease’s tendency to impair energy production and blood detoxification.

•    Detoxification – One of the liver’s most vital responsibilities is filtering toxins out of the blood. When battling chronic liver disease, the liver can accumulate scars – some of which may become permanent. The more scarred a liver becomes, the less effective it is at removing toxins from the blood supply.

•    Energy Production – Another prime responsibility of the liver is its role in carbohydrate metabolism. The liver converts carbohydrates into glucose and glycogen. Glucose is used instantly for energy and glycogen is stored by the liver to be used later for energy. The more damage to the liver incurred from chronic liver disease, the less able this organ is to produce and store energy.

A combination of toxins in the bloodstream and lowered energy levels make brain fog a likely consequence of chronic liver disease. Thankfully, there is hope for those affected. For the majority of folks, strategies to stay properly hydrated, minimize toxin exposure and provide the brain with sufficient energy are crucial to having a clear head. In addition, those with liver concerns can benefit from supporting the liver’s ability to detoxify and produce energy – a solid recipe for easing the fatigue, disorientation and frustration characteristic of brain fog.

References:

http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html, The Water in You, Retrieved May 6, 2012, US Department of the Interior, 2012.

http://www.brainharmonycenter.com/brain-fog.html, Brain Fog, Retrieved May 3, 2012, Brain Harmony Center, 2012.

http://www.energywellnessproducts.com/hepatic-system.htm, Hepatic System: Liver and Gallbladder, Steven Horne, Retrieved May 3, 2012, Energy Wellness Products, 2012.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-teitelbaum-md/brain-fog-in-chronic-fatigue_b_872531.html, Brain Fog in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, Retrieved May 6, 2012, thehuffingtonpost.com, Inc., 2012.

http://www.naturalnews.com/035435_gluten_brain_fog_diet.html, Eliminating Gluten from the Diet can Relieve Brain Fog, Sarka-Jonae Miller, Retrieved May 6, 2012, Natural News Network, 2012.

http://www.newliving.com/issues/sept_04/articles/liverhealthy.html, How to Keep Your Liver Healthy and Happy, Melissa Palmer, MD, Retrieved May 3, 2012, New Living Magazine, 2012.

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  • sandra

    Has anybody found a natural treatment for edema…my legs are swelling up and my feet get so bad I can’t get in my shoes. I tried acupuncture and it helped a lot but it’s $100 a time. I took the diuretics my doc prescribed but for some reason it made my heart hurt, my chest heavy and my breathing felt funny…so I quit. I just tried one dose again and those symptoms came back. Looking again for a food, a tea, herb, homeopathic, anything natural. Sometimes I feel great and sometimes I feel like it’s just time to die.

  • steve

    Can someone please let me know what kind of Alpha Lipoic Acid they use and where they purchase it from ? Also where is a good / less expensive place to but selenium from ? I am a 56 year old male carrying Hep C for over 35 years and I do have cirrosis. Thanks- Steve– My e-mail address is deanandstephen@msn.com

  • zolar5

    TO: oldcardude. You sound just like me. I am in bed most of the time. My doc just stated giving me morphene also. I am in early stage 4. I agree the Morphoine? Dalauid, helps me get what I need to do, done, it helps for a few hours. I am having a new PAIN Stomach area, left quadrant, above the belly button. It is stabbing pain. I have an Ultra sound Tomorrow morn.

  • Robin Kerr

    Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture recognises Hepatitis under the conditions of DAMP HEAT. Like compost. The dampness causes the brain fog. It obscures the clear energy/mind. It is the relationship between Earth/Wood elements. To support the Earth to not succumb to Dampness avoid excessive sweet, raw, cold food. Dairy seems to aggravate. Barley helps drain damp especially in slow cooked stews that have pumpkin, sweet potato to give natural sweet flavor for Earth..  Acupuncture is great to help support the Liver and clear damp. I have repeatedly seen ALT’s decrease with treatment. To understand how it works is to open to another paradigm, but well worth the journey. Using wisdom from all disciplines is empowering

  • Corek

    I have Hep C & am geno 2b & have treated x2 & relapsed both times.My liver biopsy showed me @ Grade 2 & Stage 4 (severe) with fibrosis & cirrhosis plus I have a lot of scarring but believe it or not my liver is still compensated so I am one of the lucky ones.
    Thank you so much for your article did help me.
    Take care

  • Gene

    I can’t believe they didn’t include Encephalopathy.  This is extremely common in those with Liver disease.  The liver is the primary organ for removing toxins from the blood stream.  When the liver fails there is a buildup of ammonia and it goes direcrtly to the brain resulting in fog and far worse.  I’ve been there and it’s no fun.

    It’s known as hepatic encephaloathy.

  • Noah

    My doctor says pain killers do not work because of my impaired liver function (hep c + cirrhosis). Would milk thistle work in this condition?

    • sandra

      Milk Thistle has been proven to support liver function. Google PubMed for information.  The book I started out with is the HepC Help Book by Dolan.  It’s not totally up to date unless there’s another edition out but it has the most thorough overview with easy to understand explanations of the liver, its functions, the virus and what it does, all the possible treatments and what things seem to be universally helpful.   By the way, I really like Nicole Cutler’s articles and want to thank her.

      • Stp Rowland29

        Milk thistle is actually a mandatory part of the treatment of hep c in some other countries. Not in the USA tho because herbs and vitamins are not standardized by the government. I wouldn’t bother buying from anyone except maybe a GNC or herb shop. When I was first diagnosed with hep c I made sure I took milk thistle every single day for the next 5 years straight and in my case I never got any benefits from it. Nothing I could tell. 

        • sandra

          (I think in Canada it’s covered by insurance!)  Milk Thistle is not a cure…it helps protects the liver. If you hadn’t been taking it your liver may have become more damaged more quickly. I feel the UltraThistle from this site has been the best for my body…and everyone is different. I’ve tried Liv52, various mushroom decoctions, different brands of milk thistle and, just like conventional treatments, I get negative responses or no response to many of them. I wish for us all the information and IMAGINATION to see ourselves living a long time with fewer symptoms.

          • Stp Rowland29

            Thank you Sandra. I just wasn’t looking at it right. I bet the 5yrs of milk thistle did help protect my liver. I didn’t get any worse. Just last 2yrs I can tell I’ve passed stage 2 cirrhosis. I just can’t think right anymore. I lost my right kideny last yr. Cancer. Don’t think I’m able to try tripletherapy. I’m at a point now where I’m going to try anything natural. Anything to get me thru another couple yrs. I’m not ready for what I know is coming. I can’t imagine a liver transplant! The 1st 2 treatments I tried were pure hell. I still shake and my eyes are all out of whack. My brain just can’t absorb all this info. All I know for sure is I’m going to get the ultra milk thistle and more vitamins and herbs and start eating healthier. I have a grandbaby now and I have got to stick around longer. It’s just so damn hard. 

  • Doogie

    I would like to recommend a supplement that is an immune booster and for me, has made the difference between being almost unable to work and being able to function once again.I have hepatitis C and experienced extreme dizzy spells, extreme fatigue, and just all around bad feeling. I read about an immune booster called Noxylane 4. It can triple your NK cell activity. NK cells target viruses and cancer cells in particular if I am understanding properly. Hep C is a virus. This product is expensive but search for the best buy and try it. I felt 1000 percent better after just 3 days. I’ve been taking it for seven straight years.
    Everything else I’ve been reading from these postings is good stuff, but nothing is addressing the cause of the problem, and that’s the virus. The immune system has to be helped in killing it. Try this stuff…you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.   

    • sandra

      Thanks for that!    and thanks to Kiki for the research on mitochondrial disorder.

  • Kiki

    My husband w/Hep C had Ribavirin/Interferon first in 1992.  After that, he was always cold.  He had a transplant in 2000.  in 2007 at age 68, he had Ribavirin and interferon again.  He wasn’t fat, lost 40lbs, and seemed to age 15 years.  Couldn’t tolerate heat or cold, couldn’t exercise, cognitive problems, would fall asleep, memory problems.  The treatment had caused mitochondrial toxicity.  DO NOT DO THIS TREATMENT IF YOU ARE A SENIOR CITIZEN.  Especially don’t do it if you are genotype 1b, as it’s the worst responder.  Older people already have compromised mitochondria.  At his clinic, two healthy active 70 year old women died on the treatment.  The FDA does not require drug companies to report mitochondrial side effects of drugs.  Before the treatment, he could chop wood for hours.  Afterwards, he could barely do any handyman things around the house without becoming fatigued and having to rest for nearly a day.  He takes tons of supplements including ALA, milk thistle, acytyl carnintine, CoQ, omega 3s.  I agree that when well-hydrated, he doesn’t have as much pain, cognitive problems and doesn’t feel cold all the time.  If you aren’t getting enough omega 3s (certain fish and leafy green veggies), then you should supplement, but it’s best to get everything through whole foods.  He has 70% of mitochondrial disorder symptoms from the treatment.  When I told his clinic doctor, he nearly bit my head off.  I can’t find a single neurologist to help me, so I learned from doing research.

  • Thunt7662

    I had a liver transplant 2 yeas ago and had brain fog befoe the tansplant. Ever since then i have had trouble concentrating. i used to be an avid book reader and i havent been able to read a complete book since then. i just cant stay focused on any thing more than a minute or two. i thank God for my second chance but the brain problems are more than i bargenened for.i am now back in end stage due to my HCV, i could not take the interferone treatment, it almost killed me.  

    • Stp Rowland29

      Thunt7662-I’m so sorry for the struggles you have faced and still have to face in life. What a tragedy to end up the same after the transplant! Or maybe worse? I made it about 6 months through peg int and ribovarin then made it another 6 months thru pegasys and ribovarin. No response from either then there are all the horrible after effects now as well as liver disease. I know exactly what you mean by not being able to keep your mind on reading a book through anymore. I only lately read about brain fog trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. For me this is more devestating than the hep c and the cirrhosis. I had some hope before but what good is hope if you can’t even think right anymore? Good luck to you. My heart goes out to you.

  • Aj Memo

    In my close on thirty years of being aware that i was Hepatic i have not been able to liase with a Dr or Specailise.

    • Aj Memo

      There is not enough support in the liver department and it would be best looked into I mean seriously taking a more realistic look at atitudes and this is a problem that I feel isnt readable is going to fail us.

  • Dualdivinity

    Forgot to say that SLF and Ultra Milk Thistle both by Integrative Laboratories is amazing. Along with Vitamen B 75 and Devil’s Claw by DeVinci Labs. SLF has tumeric and dandelion in it.

  • sandra

    My heart goes out to all of you who have not found help. FIRST: 
    APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY RIGHT NOW. You will get turned down first and have to apply again. Brain fog and confusion is a basis for receiving disability insurance.  Everyone deserves health care. Even though I don’t take meds I rely on the labs and supportive MDs who let me research the herbal alternative to what they prescribe.   SECOND: My doctor has me on 5000 Vit. D per day for a month at a time, then 1-2000 per day. They prescribe D2. D3 is better and cheaper. This has CONQUERED DEPRESSION for me which is something I’ve battled with for years. THIRD:  Live a healthy way. NO NO NO alcohol. Maybe 2x a year I party and take lots of alpha lipoic acid first. Eat healthy–no fast food, not too much meat, lots of veggies and beans and salads and fruit (if it’s fresh or frozen). LAST:  Research. Learn how to take care of yourself. I found a medical journal article from Germany that reports a physician treated 4 people who were told they were too sick to receive treatment or get a liver transplant. They had last stage cirrhosis. For a year they took Selenium, Milk Thistle, and Alpha Lipoic Acid. They all reversed cirrhosis in varying degrees, improved greatly and were able to return to work.(I can give you the title if you want) BELIEVE YOU ARE HEALING!
    I know there are several clinics like the Gerson clinic that apply natural healing. YES MOST OF THE GOOD ONES SUCCEED. Get a personal recommendation and look at all the press positive and negative. I know three people who have cured their cancer this way.  Bless us all.

    • Statcha

       would like info re article from Germany…please post, thanks!

    • Tindana

       Thanks sandra. Kindly give the title of the book you spoke of.

    • Brtmoorbob

      Thanks for the encouraging words, Sandra!

      Bob

    • ladonna

      Thanks so much for your help have applied for disability i live in alabama have went thru the whole process and was turned down by ssa disabilty 3 times because the judge said i didnt meet ssa disability criteria, have went thru 3 diff. treatments and praise god in sept. 2011 started the new treatment 3in 1 combo incivek/ribaviron/pegasys injection weekly and praise god at 3 mos of treatment i was undected at 6mons undetected and almost finished the treatments only 6 to go i have genotype 1a the hardest to treat, the most devestating thing to me is i have never drank, smoked, or used any drugs and have on body tatooes and somewhere somehow i have come in contact with this horrible virus. My faith has been strong thru this whole ordeal and God has shown me how mighty and powerful he is i have chronic fatigue, anemia, forgetfulness, sleepless nights, fever,chills, nervousness u name it i have experienced it thought i was just getn older but its definitely the medicine and disease..If God were not with me every moment of my life i would not be here today, becuz the devil has truly tried to destroy me , I have overcome by the blood of Jesus all this trial in my life. Praising his name because he is almighty…Hang in there for those of you who are still hanging on there is always Hope. Just keep your FAITH>>>

    • Markpbutler

      lovely post Sandra, and spot on. I was given 12 months nearly three years ago, unless i had a transplant. Positive thinking does so much good, though lost my wife to hep. c 1 year ago. I’m in the Uk and our treatment centres are second to none, thank God for the N.H.S.i’m no longer on the list as i feel fine. One similarity between USA and Uk is the benefit sytem, they make it so hard for hep sufferers to claim disability. In most cases i feel they think – self inflicted, so tough, but so many have never drunk or taken drugs. Best to all sufferers x

      • renee

        what does N.H.S. mean?

      • sandra

        Thanks for speaking out Mark. We HepC folks have a constant battle with the pharmaceutical bias in the US, lack of financial support (Medicare doesn’t cover any herbs or supplements), depression, and friends and family who don’t understand the impact of the “invisible” symptoms. We need to encourage each other and remember there are many who survived the INF/rib treatment in good shape. I’ve met them. They just don’t hang around the chat rooms because they’ve gotten their active lives back. I’m a little jealous but very happy for them. I never would have chosen this, but HepC has been my greatest life teacher. It keeps me humble.

  • Stephanie_raines

    My father started with “brain fog” around this time last year. He had a liver transplant february 1998. We thought maybe it was just “old age” (he was 58 at the time). He then started falling, we then thought, it was sinus or ear infection. In October of 2011, he fell and the truck ran over his leg, that’s when we knew there was a problem. He also passes out with position changes. In early 2000s he tried interferon and it made him so sick he could not tolerate it. At this point he’s on Xifaxim 550 twice a day along with 30ml of lactulose. He was officially diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy January 2012, which he “slips in and out of”. He has good days and bad, sometimes his good days are close to a month, then we end up in the hospital with dehydration and confusion. Lately though, his good and bad are closer. Now, we count everyday as a blessing. The point is, don’t procrastinate, I feel as though we waited too long. We think, “what if” daily. Don’t miss “brain fog”.

  • Tiger

    Have had hepC for 30 years and in the last 10 I have experienced the most difficulties with the fatigue and brain fog. Never been treated and do my best to eat natural foods, no drinking or drugs, and exercise regularly. Last year I finished college and became a teacher. Brain fog has become my worst nightmare. I have to eat a good breakfast and lunch and a small snack about every hour to keep the fog at bay. I also sip on a mixture of Agave syrup and water.  The Agave drink has been my best defense against keeping my blood sugar from dropping and preventing bouts of brain fog. 

  • norman troy

    REALLY LIKE.

  • Pat

    My husband was diagnosed with cirrohis of the liver 3 years ago. He uses
    a grear probiotic and vitamins along with Live52 and  the Ultra Milk Thistle. We believe all are working in his favor.  We don’t know the extent of the cirrohis but we know the vitamins have been proven to be absorbed by the body up to 95%’ along with this he also takes another great product by our company with the
    cold water Omega 3.  I love receiving this information and appreciate it greatly. My name is Pat and my husband’s name is Wayne.

    • Leelikesred

      Hi, what company do you get these supplements from ? leelikesred@yahoo.com Thanks from Sonja

  • sandra

    After 12 years of managing on herbal treatments I tried interferon…I lasted 6 weeks and it almost killed me. I took me a year to recover from the illnesses resulting from the INF/ribavirin. I’m back on milk thistle, NAC, selenium, dandelion leaf tea, Vit.D, C, and probiotics. If I really need something to stop inflammation or pain I use ibuprofen.    USE GOOGLE.  My magic search method is to use whatever I need= “pain killer” + ” hepatitis C”      You can use that for diet info: ” best foods for Hepatitis C” .  For symptoms:  fatigue + hepatitis C    etc.     I RECOMMEND USING:  ”alternative treatment for fatigue + hepatitis C”    A good Naturopath or Osteopath in your area can be a godsend. Acupuncture is nice if you get it through a Traditional Chinese Medical Dr. (medically trained acupuncturist)  I’ve met many people who went through INF/RIB treatment with no trouble, I hope that’s you but it wasn’t me. I always feel much better NOT taking pharmaceuticals–prescription drugs–and sticking with natural medicine. 
    STRESS MANAGEMENT–Doctors will now tell you how important a role stress plays in kicking up symptoms. I find it’s the hardest thing to control and it can send my body in a tailspin. Worries about money, liver condition, depression etc. make everything worse. I learned to meditate, appreciate nature, listen to quiet music, think about how much better I have it than others, appreciate being alive. That’s hard sometimes; takes effort, but it pays off.  I wish the grace and support of divine love enclose us all.

    • Gorman_w

      Hi Sandra, I too went thru the interferon/ribavirin. 50 weeks of hell and negative results. I have HEP C and wont take any more of any doctors’ bullshit. I have expierienced many BAD side effects from the various meds I have been prescribed. They all are crap. After weighing all the possible side effects vs. the meds, I chose no meds. My family too. has been thru hell and back. ESpecially my wife. STRESS is a KILLER! Anything and nearly everything sends me reeling. I can’t explain how come for me , the stress is so bad. But, its killing me. I really cant deal with medication (Anti-depressants)that make me feel detached and give me an I don’t give a shit additude. The only thing I am reling upon is  B-12 and other vitamins. I too, wish for the grace, and love of God, to help me with this affliction. I wish that for everyone who has this burden to carry and especially their loved ones. bg

      • Donnaco

        Keep your faith in God and read his word and he will get you through this. I have hep-c also and that is where I draw my strength.Jesus suffered an awful death and when I get discouraged I just think about what he endured and know that his grace is sufficent and he will take care of all us that believe in him.

    • Woodpeckerbjf

       than you for reinforcing my beliefs about interferon ,i also meditate pema chodron  a buhdist  monk has been a life saver for me ,how many mil. of vitamin c do you take a day? brian

    • Qbst Johnsplace

      I was under the impression that ibuphrophen was bad for yyour liver

    • Bone51

      I’ve turned to natural alternatives instead of the medication that is used to treat hep c.  I already know I couldn’t handle it.  The depression alone would kill me. I’m going to check out the vitimin D3 you mentioned. I’m suffered with depression for years also.  You might want to check out Lloyed Wright on the internet.  He has successfully treated his hep c with alternative, natural, suppliments.  His story is incredible and worth checking out for anyone who is suffering with hep c.

      • sandra

        Hi Bone…I’ve read the Wright book and I say right on to the people who have benefited. I’ve just never met anyone who has used that protocol.  I’ve been on at least three chat sites over the years and nobody has spoken up and said that’s what they use. Also, because it’s a little pricey to use everything he suggests I’ve never tried it. Good luck with depression…I notice the difference within 3-4 days if I stop taking the D.

  • sandra

    MMM–If you look at the research on any PubMed or NIH site, they show a very low chance of getting the virus through vaginal sex. Anal sex carries a higher risk because of tiny tears that occur in the more fragile wall of the colon. There is a very low rate of transmission at birth.

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