5 Foods That Are Making Your Brain Fog Worse

5 Foods That Are Making Your Brain Fog Worse

Author: Dr. Mark Hyman September 14, 2026 Duration: 21:44
Brain fog isn’t just a normal part of getting older—and it may not be a brain problem at all. If you struggle to focus, lose your train of thought, forget why you walked into a room, or feel mentally exhausted after eating, your body may be trying to tell you something. Here’s what I discuss in today’s episode: The five foods I most commonly see contributing to brain fog—and why some seemingly “healthy” choices may be working against you The surprising connection between your gut and your ability to think, focus, and remember Why certain foods can affect your brain even when you don’t have obvious digestive symptoms Brain fog is a messenger, not the root problem. When you start looking at what’s happening throughout your body—especially your gut, blood sugar, inflammation, and microbiome—you can begin uncovering what’s getting in the way of a clearer, healthier brain. Resources Mentioned: Learn more about my 10-Day Detox Diet, a whole-food reset designed to help identify common food triggers, stabilize blood sugar, and support gut health: https://10daydetox.com Have a question you’d love answered on Office Hours? Submit it here. 0:00 Introduction, Dr. Hyman's experience, and foods contributing to brain fog 1:31 Functional medicine and the gut-brain connection 2:30 Vagus nerve, gut microbiome, and inflammation 4:21 Long COVID, gut damage, and ultra-processed foods 6:51 Alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and their effects on the brain 9:51 Dairy, gluten, and elimination diets 15:41 Ten Day Detox Diet, food journaling, and reintroducing foods 18:23 Personalized nutrition, functional medicine, and conclusion

Hosted by physician and functional medicine pioneer Dr. Mark Hyman, The Dr. Hyman Show is a conversation about reclaiming your well-being. Each episode digs into the interconnected systems that shape our health, moving beyond symptom management to address foundational causes. You’ll hear detailed discussions on nutrition, the roots of chronic disease, mental health strategies, and the science of longevity, all framed through a functional medicine lens. Dr. Hyman engages with leading experts and thinkers to challenge conventional wisdom on food policy and prevention, offering a practical and often provocative perspective. This podcast serves as a resource for anyone feeling lost in a healthcare system that can overlook root causes, providing actionable knowledge to make informed daily choices. Tune in for a deep, evidence-based exploration of how our bodies truly work, empowering you to reimagine your personal health potential through informed dialogue and discovery.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Dr. Hyman Show
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