Do you struggle with brain fog, forgetfulness, and reduced mental clarity? These aren’t just common signs of aging—they are signals from your body that need attention. By understanding the root causes of cognitive challenges we help patients unlock better mental performance through functional medicine, chiropractic care, and personalized wellness plans.
Brain Fog and Cognitive Health: What You Need to Know
We all misplace our keys or struggle to find the right word occasionally. However, if forgetfulness becomes a habit or your brain feels perpetually “foggy,” it may indicate an underlying health condition. Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause rather than just treating symptoms. San Pedro North Chiropractic Center advises regular health check-ups that go beyond conventional testing. Below are some tests you can take, and we do in office, to help you identify signals for your own brain health.
Key Lab Tests for Brain Health
- Thyroid Tests: T3, T4, TSH, Reverse T3, and TPA to rule out hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, or Wilson’s syndrome.
- Celiac Screening: HLA DQ2 and DQ8 tests to detect gluten sensitivity affecting memory and brain function.
- Vitamin and Mineral Levels: CBC with differential to check for deficiencies in iron, vitamin B12, folate, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, which can cause anemia and cognitive decline.
- MTHFR Genetic Test: Identifying defects that impair your body’s ability to detoxify and convert folic acid to folate.
Oxygen and Brain Function: The Role of Aerobic Exercise
Oxygen is essential for brain function, as it travels on iron-rich red blood cells. Aerobic exercise helps increase oxygen levels throughout the body, including the brain. We recommend incorporating activities like Slow Burn strength training and weight-bearing exercises, especially for those over 50, to boost oxygen and support brain health.
The Link Between Medications and Nutrient Depletion in Brain Health
Prescription medications often deplete essential nutrients, which can affect cognitive function. We can help identify statins and beta blockers as two major culprits since they reduce CoQ10 levels. CoQ10 depletion impacts the brain’s ability to think and process information. Most people are unaware that their brains are 79% fat and cholesterol—and maintaining cholesterol levels above 150 is essential to supporting hormone production and brain cell renewal.
Managing Brain Health with Functional Nutrition and Chiropractic Care
Many patients with cognitive concerns, including those on SSRI medications, experience improved brain function with neurotransmitter modulation and personalized nutrition plans. We emphasize that deficiencies in B3 or gluten sensitivity can worsen serotonin levels. Functional nutrition plays a key role in optimizing neurotransmitters, especially for those managing conditions such as Parkinson’s. However, acetyl-L-carnitine supplements can aggravate dopamine deficiencies in Parkinson’s patients, underscoring the need for expert guidance.
Neurofeedback: A Customized Approach to Brain Health
One of the cutting-edge services available at San Pedro North Chiropractic Center is neurofeedback therapy. Using EEG technology, this non-invasive treatment provides a roadmap for brain recovery, helping to restore balance, improve memory, and even manage seizures or Parkinson’s tremors. Combined with healing frequencies and oxygen support, neurofeedback accelerates brain recovery, particularly after traumatic brain injuries.
The Impact of Food Sensitivities on Mental Clarity
Food allergies and sensitivities, particularly to milk casein (a protein found in dairy), are common contributors to brain fog. Studies show that milk allergies can trigger a variety of symptoms, including IBS, migraines, bloating, and even autoimmune disorders. Many people with blood type O are especially sensitive to milk casein, increasing their vulnerability to brain fog and digestive discomfort.
The Chiropractic Advantage: Supporting Brain Health through C1 Adjustments
Chiropractic care offers more than just relief for back pain. Dr. Lewis-Overton specializes in adjusting the C1 vertebra, also known as the atlas. This vertebra plays a vital role in ensuring proper nerve function to the brain. When the C1 vertebra is misaligned, it can impede nerve signals and exacerbate cognitive issues. In areas like San Antonio, airborne allergens often contribute to C1 subluxation, making regular chiropractic care essential for overall health.
Avoiding Toxins and Vaccine Considerations
We encourage patients to be mindful of their toxin exposure. Vaccines, particularly flu shots, may contain heavy metals like aluminum and mercury (thimerosal) that compromise the blood-brain barrier and intestinal health. Restoring the integrity of these barriers with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is critical. Dr. Lewis-Overton advises checking your D3 levels to ensure they are above 75 for optimal health, especially if you’re managing autoimmune conditions.
A Holistic Approach to Brain Health
Maintaining brain health requires a combination of functional medicine, chiropractic care, and lifestyle adjustments. To summarize our recommendations:
- Exercise regularly and practice deep breathing to support brain oxygenation.
- Check prescriptions for nutrient depletions and take CoQ10 if needed.
- Maintain cholesterol levels above 175 to support hormone production and brain function.
- Avoid vaccines that contain heavy metals and restore D3 levels naturally.
- Get regular C1 adjustments from your chiropractor to optimize nerve function.
- Consider neurofeedback therapy for personalized brain recovery.
- Test for food sensitivities and manage gluten intake to reduce brain fog.
Schedule Your Brain Health Check-up Today!
If you are struggling with brain fog, fatigue, or other cognitive challenges, it may be time for a comprehensive health evaluation. At San Pedro North Chiropractic Center, Dr. Doreen Lewis-Overton offers a full spectrum of services, including chiropractic care, neurofeedback, functional nutrition, and customized health plans. Don’t wait—schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward better brain health.
For more information, visit our website at www.chiropractic-sanantonio.com or call us today at (210) 490-9169 to book your consultation. Let San Pedro North Chiropractic Center help you unlock the best version of yourself with expert care.
About the author:
Dr. Doreen Lewis-Overton with San Pedro North Chiropractic Center, a leading chiropractor serving the San Antonio area, emphasizes the importance of holistic care for optimal brain health and overall wellness.
Dr. Doreen Lewis-Overton’s specialities:
Doctor of Chiropractic
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Diplomate of the American Board of Nutrition
Diplomate of the American Board of Chiropractic Internists
Spine Research Institute of San Diego Advanced Graduate
Diplomate and Senior Disability Analyst
Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture