6 Biological Causes of Depression Symptoms

As you understand your triggers better, you will learn to cope with them more effectively. Meanwhile, structured aftercare and relapse prevention programs offer continuous support as you transition into sobriety. However, it doesn’t address the patterns and behaviors that prompt alcohol dependency. To help you maintain sobriety, specialists employ comprehensive long-term strategies. Depression often causes a loss of interest in your favorite activities and persistent sadness.

This Rare Condition Makes Some People Get Drunk, Even When They Haven’t Touched a Drop of Alcohol

If you’re suffering from Candida overgrowth or SIBO, avoid fermented foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol above all else. While you heal your gut, you can still focus on supporting the optimal health of your brain. The key to overcoming brain fog is recognizing that most psychological symptoms are rooted in the gut, not alcohol withdrawal brain fog the brain. The goal should be to restore the balance of your intestinal flora by treating bacterial infections and avoiding problematic foods such as gluten and dairy. To identify which foods are a problem for you, try an elimination diet. Candida is a form of yeast that lives in your mouth and intestines in small amounts.

Wernicke-Korsakoff’s Syndrome

• Research has found that painful symptoms make sleeping difficult and increase fatigue, which may worsen brain fog.
• Certain nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory properties—including omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin—have been found to decrease depression symptoms in those with chronic inflammation.
• By promoting the release of these feel-good neurotransmitters, alcohol temporarily amplifies feelings of joy and lightheartedness.
• If you don’t have heart disease, take steps now to prevent cardiovascular issues.

Severe head injuries may even be fatal because they affect the brain’s ability to control essential functions, such as breathing and blood pressure. Doctors have not yet established a safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, so the best strategy for preventing fetal alcohol syndrome is to abstain altogether from alcohol at this time. If a pregnant woman cannot abstain, she should aim to reduce her alcohol consumption as much as possible. Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) can interfere with your mental health, even if you never blacked out or were diagnosed with a concussion.

For more information about alcohol and brain health, please visit the Alcohol and the Brain topic page.

Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and regularly exercising may help alleviate fibro fog. Still, some evidence suggests that widespread inflammation in the brain may be the culprit. As a result, people with CFS often have brain fog symptoms like difficulty concentrating and sluggish thinking. A healthcare provider may advise cognitive rehabilitation, exercise, and meditation to help manage chemo brain. Cognitive rehabilitation involves activities like doing word puzzles or using a planner to improve brain function. Physician Georg Greiner was one of the first to use “brain fog” in the 1800s to describe delirium, a mental state that causes an inability to think clearly.

• Some evidence suggests that some people with hay fever report brain fog-related symptoms like memory problems and trouble concentrating.
• Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.
• If you want to learn more about brain fog and how to battle brain fog more effectively, check out these helpful articles and feel free to join this online community of mental health enthusiasts.
• Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.

Biological Causes of Depression Symptoms

These programs involve working with a team of mental health professionals in a group and individual setting. Millions of people join support groups to help stop drinking and stay stopped. Studies show support groups play an instrumental role in helping people develop healthy social networks that result in continued sobriety. Tap into your social network to help support you through alcohol withdrawal. Find a supportive friend or family member to be with you while you withdraw and support your new non-drinking lifestyle. People with alcohol use disorder should be monitored by a medical professional when withdrawing from alcohol.

One way to let go of nit-picking or ruminating thoughts is to channel your energy into a creative activity, like drawing, needlepoint or cooking. For example, if you have anemia, iron supplements may increase your production of red blood cells and reduce your brain fog. For example, someone with hypothyroidism may have brain fog along with hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, or brittle nails. If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog is a known side effect of certain medications, such as certain sleep and pain medications. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.

Alcohol Use Disorder

Chemicals, fumes, pesticides, and other products may contribute to mood swings and psychological distress. Certain nutritional supplements with anti-inflammatory properties—including omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin—have been found to decrease depression symptoms in those with chronic inflammation. Furthermore, treatment should never consist only of antidepressant medications.

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