90. Decoding Brain Fog: Expert Insights with Ilene Ruhoy, MD, PhD

In this episode, Dr. Linda Bluestein interviews Dr. Ilene Ruhoy about causes of brain fog, as well as its relationship to various conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome, craniocervical instability, dysautonomia, and CSF leaks. She explains how these conditions contribute to cognitive dysfunction and the importance of identifying underlying causes. Dr. Ruhoy emphasizes the need for a comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment approach for patients experiencing brain fog.  They delve into the role of nutrition in cognitive function, emphasizing the impact of food choices on inflammation. They highlight the importance of avoiding processed foods and sugar, increasing vegetable consumption, and improving lifestyle factors.  Dr. Ruhoy shares surprising findings on the MRI of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) patients.  YOUR host, as always, is Dr. Linda Bluestein, the Hypermobility MD. Takeaways Brain fog is characterized by cognitive difficulties such as slow thinking, difficulty learning and recalling information, and trouble focusing and paying attention. Conditions such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), craniocervical instability (CCI), dysautonomia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes, and CSF leaks can contribute to cognitive dysfunction and brain fog. Intracranial hypertension (high pressure), hypotension (low pressure), and Tarlov cysts can also contribute to brain fog.  Identifying the underlying causes of brain fog is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. A comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, can help determine the contributing factors and guide treatment decisions. Applying knowledge gained from podcasts and research in clinical practice can help healthcare professionals provide better care to their patients. Making a meaningful difference in patients' lives is a rewarding aspect of being a healthcare professional. Nutrition plays a crucial role in cognitive function, and food choices can either be anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory. Avoiding processed foods and sugar, increasing vegetable consumption, and improving lifestyle factors can positively impact cognitive function. Chapters 00:00 Introduction of Dr. Ilene Ruhoy 01:57 Defining Brain Fog 04:14 Risk Factors for Brain Fog 09:42 Identifying Contributing Factors 11:52 Cognitive Dysfunction and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome 14:09 Cognitive Dysfunction and Craniocervical Instability 18:18 Cognitive Dysfunction and CSF Leak 22:59 Cognitive Dysfunction and Dysautonomia 25:25 Cognitive Dysfunction and Upper Cervical Instability 30:12 Cognitive Dysfunction and CSF Leak 38:11 Applying Knowledge in Clinical Practice 39:04 The Importance of Making a Meaningful Difference 40:31 The Role of Nutrition in Cognitive Function 42:38 The Impact of Food Choices on Inflammation 43:44 Avoiding Processed Foods and Sugar 44:38 The Role of Complex Carbohydrates and Dairy 45:28 Increasing Vegetable Consumption 46:44 Improving Lifestyle Factors 47:09 Where to Find Dr. Ilene Ruhoy Online Connect with YOUR Bendy Specialist, Dr. Linda Bluestein, MD at https://www.hypermobilitymd.com/.     Thank YOU so much for tuning in. We hope you found this episode informative, inspiring, useful, validating, and enjoyable. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to level up your knowledge about hypermobility disorders and the people who have them. Join YOUR Bendy Bodies community at https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/.       YOUR bendy body is our highest priority! 🧬🔬🦓 Resources:   https://www.bendybodiespodcast.com/13-healing-the-brain-holistically-with-ilene-ruhoy-md-phd/ https://patreon.com/unraveledpod https://instagram.com/ileneruhoymdphd/ https://twitter.com/RuhoyMD https://tiktok.com/ileneruhoymdphd #BrainFog #BrainFogAwareness #BrainHealth #FunctionalMedicine #NutritionForBrainHealth #InflammationAwareness #MastCellActivationSyndrome #MCAS #CSFLeakInsights #TarlovCystAwareness #TarlovCystWarrior #BendyBodiesPodcast #BendyBuddy #HypermobilityMD  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices