You know that moment when you walk into a room and immediately forget why you’re there? Now imagine that, but all the time. That’s brain fog. And until recently, I didn’t fully appreciate just how much of a jerk it really is.
Since going gluten-free and being diagnosed with coeliac disease, I’ve been very careful about what I eat, not wanting to risk even the slightest chance of getting ill. So luckily it’s been years since I was last properly glutened, and because of that, I’ve finally had the chance to see what my actual gluten-related symptoms are. Turns out, brain fog is a sneaky little b*****d that had been freeloading in my head for years, and I had no idea.
For ages, I thought feeling constantly tired, forgetful, and slightly confused was just part of being an adult. You know, like wondering when biscuits got so expensive or making involuntary noises when sitting down. But after staying strictly gluten-free long enough the brain fog slowly disappears and eventually you start to think clearly. I don’t think you actually realise that there is any difference not until you inevitably get glutened at some point.
At first, I didn’t notice. I just felt a bit off—like I was walking through a dream, but not the cool kind where you can fly, more the weird kind where you’re late for an exam you didn’t study for.
Helen could tell I wasn’t myself, I suppose from an outside observer it would look like I was a little tipsy or just spaced out. The tiredness, the mental sluggishness, the inability to finish a sentence without forgetting what I was saying.
Being gluten-free isn’t just about dodging stomach aches. It’s about having a brain that actually works. And now that I’ve had a taste of life without constant brain fog, I never want to go back.
If you’re new to this whole gluten-free thing and still feeling a bit rubbish, give it time. Once you’ve been properly gluten-free for a while, you might be surprised at what symptoms start to lift. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll realise that brain fog was quietly ruining your life while you just assumed you were a bit forgetful or somehow lacking some braincells.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go find my coffee. I put it down somewhere… didn’t I?
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