How to Protect Your Brain Health Without Risky OTC Medications
By Cynthia J. Libert, M.D.
In my work with patients who want to stay mentally sharp and fully engaged as they age, I’m often asked about over-the-counter remedies. “Is it okay if I take something for brain fog?” “Are sleep aids or antihistamines really that bad?” These are important questions. Many adults—especially those navigating midlife transitions—find themselves reaching for quick fixes when focus wanes, energy dips, or sleep becomes elusive.
While occasional use of over-the-counter (OTC) medications might seem harmless, we now have compelling scientific evidence that frequent or long-term use of certain drugs can quietly undermine brain health. And what’s even more concerning is that many people are unaware of these risks until symptoms like forgetfulness, mood changes, or cognitive fog begin to interfere with daily life.
As a functional medicine physician specializing in brain resilience and cognitive optimization, I believe it’s time to rethink how we care for the brain—before trouble starts. The good news is, we have safer, more effective tools than ever to protect and enhance mental clarity, without relying on risky medications.
The Hidden Brain Risks of Common OTC Medications
1. Anticholinergic Drugs These medications—found in sleep aids, allergy meds like Benadryl, and bladder control products—work by blocking acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. Over time, this can impair cognition and even increase dementia risk. Studies show that prolonged use is associated with reduced brain volume and memory function.
2. NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (like ibuprofen or naproxen) are widely used to manage pain and inflammation. While they can be effective for short-term relief, chronic use has been associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and potential impacts on cardiovascular health. These systemic effects can indirectly influence brain health—especially when they lead to nutrient depletion, reduced oxygen delivery, or chronic low energy states. (3 Popular Pain Relievers Have Been Recalled Nationwide, published April 15, 2025)
3. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Used to reduce stomach acid, PPIs like omeprazole interfere with the absorption of B12 and magnesium—two nutrients critical for brain function. Over time, deficiencies in these can lead to memory issues, mood changes, and even neurological symptoms.
Why Functional Medicine Offers a Better Path
Instead of masking symptoms with medications that may compromise brain function, functional medicine aims to address the root causes—whether that’s inflammation, hormone imbalance, nutrient depletion, gut dysbiosis, or chronic stress. When we take the time to understand why someone is experiencing brain fog or fatigue, we can design a comprehensive plan to restore clarity and resilience.
Drug-Free Ways to Support Cognitive Vitality
Nourish Your Brain A brain-boosting diet focuses on leafy greens, wild fish, olive oil, berries, nuts, and fermented foods. These are rich in antioxidants, omega-3s, and polyphenols that reduce inflammation and support neuroplasticity. Supplements like omega-3s, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, and probiotics can also be powerful allies.
Heal the Gut-Brain Axis The microbiome plays a major role in mood, focus, and cognition. Through personalized nutrition and probiotic support, we can reduce systemic inflammation and improve mental clarity from the inside out.
Balance Hormones Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid hormones all influence brain chemistry. When they’re out of balance, symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, or memory lapses can surface. Through testing and targeted therapies, we help bring the body’s messaging system back into harmony.
Detox Gently and Safely We live in a toxin-filled world. Mold, heavy metals, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors can all impair cognitive function. We offer testing and personalized detox protocols using binders, sauna therapy, and supportive herbs to help the brain recover its vitality.
Prioritize Restorative Sleep Deep sleep is when the brain detoxifies and consolidates memories. If sleep is disrupted, mental performance declines rapidly. We support natural sleep with lifestyle interventions, calming nutrients, and circadian rhythm alignment.
Practice Daily Movement and Stress Resilience Exercise enhances blood flow, boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and supports memory. Breathwork, prayer, and mindfulness help calm the stress response and preserve hippocampal volume.
Measure, Don’t Guess Functional lab testing gives us insight into inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, hormone levels, toxin exposure, and more. Armed with this data, we can personalize a brain-supportive protocol to meet your exact needs.
Your Brain Deserves Better Than Band-Aids
Quick fixes may help in the short term, but over time, they can compromise the very organ you’re trying to support. The path to lasting mental clarity lies in identifying root causes, creating a healing environment, and giving your brain the care it truly deserves.
If you’re concerned about memory, focus, or your long-term cognitive health, we’re here to help. At Caring for the Body, PLLC, we specialize in evidence-based, integrative strategies that restore and protect brain function—naturally.
Call Us: (828) 490-1545
Visit Our Website: www.caringforthebody.org
Visit Our Office: 1998 Hendersonville Rd, Suite #24, Asheville, NC 28803
Email Us: help@caringforthebody.org
Dr. Cynthia Libert is a board-certified family physician and certified functional medicine expert. She specializes in cognitive decline prevention, brain vitality, and whole-person healing for adults in midlife and beyond.