Brain fog is a term used to describe lack of mental clarity, according to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, a medical doctor that works as a nutritionist. One of the primary symptoms of soy allergies is sinus congestion that can cause fatigue, lack of clarity and pain in the head. If you consistently develop sinus congestion after eating foods that contain soy, you should talk with your doctor about participating in allergy tests to determine a proper diagnosis. A soy allergy is a common food allergen that primarily affects young children.
Brain Fog Cause
Brain fog from soy allergies is the result of histamine produced in soft tissue in the sinus cavity. During an allergic reaction, the mast cells in soft tissues create histamine, a chemical that protects the body from infection but can cause inflammation and swelling. Histamine is the chemical that causes most soy allergy symptoms. Histamine is released because of a malfunction of your immune system. MayoClinic.com states that there are 15 proteins that can trigger an allergic reaction. Inflamed sinus cavities can places excessive pressure on the back of your eyes, causing brain fog.
Brain Fog Effect
After you eat soy, the inflammation in your sinuses can cause the nasal passages to swell and place pressure on the other parts of your head. This pressure can cause pain and discomfort to form in your eyes, ears, cheeks, upper-teeth and forehead. The pressure placed on the back of your eyes can make you feel tired. The sinus congestion can reduce your mental clarity and create a "fog" in your thinking. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that allergic rhinitis is a common effect of a soy allergy. Allergic rhinitis can cause nasal congestion, post nasal drip, a stuffy nose, runny nose and sneezing.
Brain Fog Symptoms
Brain fog symptoms can cause a reduction in your visibility or clarity of mind, according to Dr. Wilson. You may find yourself forgetting things, feeling detached and depressed. Symptoms can interfere with work, relationships and other aspects of life. Symptoms of brain fog resulting from a soy allergy will develop within a few minutes or a few hours after you eat soy, notes MayoClinic.com. Brain fog will subside once the proteins from the soy are eliminated from the body. If you continue to experience brain fog after the allergic reaction is over, call your doctor. This may be a sign of another medical condition.
Treatment
Brain fog from a soy allergy is treated by addressing the soy allergy. Avoid all soy products in order to prevent an allergic reaction that causes the brain fog, according to Dr. Wilson. If you accidentally eat soy ingredients, call your doctor. Minor allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion can be treated with an over-the-counter antihistamine. Antihistamines block your body's ability to create histamine. Decongestants can also help alleviate brain fog by reducing the inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving sinus pressure and pain. Talk with your doctor before taking any medication.
