Can't think clearly? Let's find out why.
Brain fog isn't a diagnosis. It's a description: trouble concentrating, slower thinking, forgetfulness, or feeling mentally “cloudy.” It is common and real, and it usually has causes that can be identified and addressed.
The gut and the brain communicate constantly, through the nerves of the digestive tract, immune signals and compounds produced by gut bacteria. That's one reason brain fog so often shows up alongside bloating, irregular digestion or fatigue.
This connection is central to Dr. Kellman's work and the subject of his book The Whole Brain. When digestive symptoms are part of the picture, evaluating the gut is a logical place to look. About Microbiome Medicine →
Evaluation starts with a detailed history: when the fog began, any illness around that time, sleep, diet, stress, hormones and medications. Testing is chosen from there and may include thyroid testing, a blood count, iron and B12, vitamin D, blood sugar markers, inflammatory markers and, when digestive symptoms are present, gut and microbiome testing.
Patients are seen in person in Midtown Manhattan and by telehealth. The initial consultation is $575.
Call 911 for sudden confusion, trouble speaking, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, or a sudden severe headache, as these can be signs of a stroke. Memory loss that steadily gets worse deserves a medical evaluation for cognitive decline.
Brain fog is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. It describes problems with focus, memory and mental clarity, and it can have many different causes.
They can contribute. The gut and brain are closely connected, and brain fog often appears together with bloating, irregular digestion or fatigue. When digestive symptoms are present, evaluating the gut makes sense.
Yes. Difficulty concentrating and slowed thinking are common symptoms of low thyroid function, which is why thyroid testing is part of a brain fog evaluation.
Usually not. Brain fog tends to come and go and is often tied to sleep, illness, stress or other treatable causes. Memory loss that steadily worsens over time should be evaluated by a doctor.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Individual results vary. Please consult a qualified clinician about your own care.