EP79: The Science Behind Brain Fog

Update: 2025-12-23

Description

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In this episode, Haylie Pomroy speaks with Dr. Theoharis Theoharides about the scientific foundations of brain fog. Together, they clarify its definition, physiological mechanisms, and how it presents across various illnesses and cognitive disorders.

Dr. Theoharides further examines the relationship between brain fog and inflammation, explains how viral infections can contribute to the development of chronic illness, and discusses the role of microglia in neuroinflammation.

He also reviews supplements that may help inhibit microglial activation, explains alpha-gal syndrome, and outlines relevant laboratory testing that can assist individuals experiencing brain fog in gaining clearer insight into their current health status.

Dr. Theoharis Theoharides is a Professor, Vice Chair of Clinical Immunology, and Director at the Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine-Clearwater, an Adjunct Professor of Immunology at Tufts School of Medicine, where he was a Professor of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, and also the Director of Molecular Immunopharmacology & Drug Discovery, and Clinical Pharmacologist at the Massachusetts Drug Formulary Commission (1983-2022). He received his BA, MS, MPhil, PhD, and MD degrees and the Winternitz Price in Pathology from Yale University and received a Certificate in Global Leadership from Tufts Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He trained in internal medicine at New England Medical Center, which awarded him the Oliver Smith Award, "recognizing excellence, compassion, and service." Dr. Theoharides has 485 publications (46,491 citations; h-index 106), placing him in the world's top 2% of most cited authors, and he was rated the worldwide expert on mast cells by Expertscape. He was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society, the Rare Diseases Hall of Fame, and the World Academy of Sciences.

Website: https://www.drtheoharides.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theoharis-theoharides-ms-phd-md-faaaai-67123735

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.theoharides/

Haylie Pomroy, Founder and CEO of The Haylie Pomroy Group, is a leading health strategist specializing in metabolism, weight loss, and integrative wellness. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with top medical institutions and high-profile clients, developing targeted programs and supplements rooted in the "Food is Medicine" philosophy. Inspired by her own autoimmune journey, she combines expertise in nutrition, biochemistry, and patient advocacy to help others reclaim their health. She is a New York Times bestselling author of The Fast Metabolism Diet.

Learn more about Haylie Pomroy's approach to wellness through her website: https://hayliepomroy.com

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Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review on the following platforms so we can bring hope and help to others.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-and-help-for-fatigue-chronic-illness/id1724900423

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Enjoy our show? Please leave us a 5-star review on the following platforms so we can bring hope and help to others.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hope-and-help-for-fatigue-chronic-illness/id1724900423