In a candid and informative session, popular actor and health advocate Samantha Ruth Prabhu has once again turned the spotlight on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of women's wellness. She recently sat down with Dubai-based nutritionist Rashi Chowdhary for a detailed conversation about the challenges of perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause.
Understanding the 'Brain Fog' Phenomenon
The discussion, hosted on Samantha's own YouTube channel, delved into various symptoms women face during perimenopause. A significant part of their talk focused on a very common but frustrating issue: brain fog. Samantha directly asked Chowdhary for advice on managing this cognitive cloudiness.
Rashi Chowdhary clarified that brain fog is not a formal medical diagnosis. Instead, it's a term people use to describe feelings of mental slowness, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and confusion. She explained that many women encounter this during perimenopause primarily due to significant hormonal and metabolic shifts in the body.
The science, broken down simply, revolves around hormones and energy. "Our brain has estrogen receptors," Chowdhary stated. "These estrogen receptors pick up glucose and convert it into ATP, which is the fundamental energy currency of our cells. This process is vital for building memory."
During perimenopause, as estrogen levels begin to decline, these receptors don't function as efficiently. This slowdown can directly impact thinking speed and memory recall. Compounding this issue is insulin resistance, a common metabolic change. "Because we have insulin resistance, our blood glucose keeps fluctuating," the nutritionist added. "Suddenly, the brain does not have a steady supply of glucose." This erratic fuel supply to the brain is what leads to that sluggish, foggy feeling.
Three Practical Habits to Combat Brain Fog
After understanding the 'why,' Samantha pressed for solutions, asking how to tackle the problem and achieve "A++" cognitive function. Rashi Chowdhary shared three actionable daily habits.
1. Begin Your Day with Healthy Fats: Chowdhary strongly advised ditching sugary breakfasts in favor of healthy fats. Her specific recommendation is to take one teaspoon of ghee, butter, or coconut oil along with fresh turmeric root (not powder) and a pinch of black pepper. She emphasized that this combination acts as a nootropic, a substance that can enhance brain health and cognitive performance.
2. Incorporate Lion's Mane Mushroom: The nutritionist recommended adding half a teaspoon of powdered lion's mane mushroom to your morning routine. This can be mixed into coffee, licorice tea, or any other morning beverage. Chowdhary shared that she personally has experienced noticeable benefits for her cognitive health from using this functional mushroom.
3. Smart Supplementation: The conversation also touched upon specific supplements. Chowdhary explained the benefits of creatine monohydrate and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). She noted that creatine, commonly associated with athletic performance, also acts as a nootropic by supporting the brain's energy metabolism, thereby helping to clear the fog.
Driving a Vital Conversation Forward
By hosting this discussion, Samantha Ruth Prabhu continues her mission to normalize conversations about women's health stages that are frequently shrouded in silence or stigma. Her platform provides accessible, expert-backed information to a wide audience. The talk with Rashi Chowdhary moves beyond just listing symptoms to offering a clear physiological explanation and tangible, dietary-based strategies for managing perimenopausal brain fog. This empowers women to take proactive steps towards maintaining their cognitive sharpness and overall well-being during this natural life transition.
