Sudden loss of consciousness – what really lies behind it and how you can prevent it
- Norman Reffke
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
Imagine you're exercising, enjoying dinner, or experiencing an intense moment of intimacy – and suddenly, everything goes black. Seconds later, you find yourself on the floor. What happened? Sudden loss of consciousness is not only frightening, but can also be an alarm signal from your body. In this article, you'll learn which biochemical mechanisms in the brain play a role, the hidden causes behind them – and how you can prevent it with targeted nutrition, cell cleansing, and coaching.
Biochemical mechanisms in the brain – Why does consciousness suddenly switch off?
Cerebral hypoperfusion – When the brain is undersupplied
The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen and glucose. If blood flow drops abruptly—e.g., due to a drop in blood pressure or vasoconstriction—ATP production drops. The Na⁺/K⁺ pump fails, leading to neuronal depolarization and protective shutdown.👉 Simply explained: The brain "shuts down" because it is no longer receiving electricity (ATP). This protective reaction prevents permanent damage—but it is a clear warning signal.
Neurotransmitter imbalance – GABA vs. Glutamate
During periods of intense exercise or insulin-induced drops in blood sugar, glutamate levels can rise. If there is no compensating GABA buffer (e.g., in the case of vitamin B6 deficiency), neuronal overexcitation or shutdown due to spontaneous hyperpolarization is a risk.👉 GABA acts like a natural sedative in the brain. If this buffer is missing, a "short circuit" can occur in the nervous system – resulting in loss of consciousness.
Mitochondrial exhaustion
Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to energy crises in the central nervous system. Oxidative stress, toxins (e.g., heavy metals), NADH deficiency, or carnitine deficiency are particularly stressful.👉 Without functioning power plants (mitochondria), nerve cells lack fuel. They then react with a shutdown or blackout – especially under stress.
Triggering factors – When does unconsciousness occur?
Physical exertion with Valsalva breathing → vasovagal reaction
Sexual activity → drop in blood pressure due to vagal activation
Food intake → reactive hypoglycemia after insulin peak
Emotional stress → sympathetic overreaction with subsequent collapse
Deficiency of micronutrients (especially Q10, Omega-3, B vitamins) → neuronal dysregulation
👉 These situations destabilize your autonomic nervous system. When your circulatory, glucose, and neurotransmitter systems aren't functioning optimally, your body reacts with fainting.
Symptoms & warning signs of a breakdown
Aura (drowsiness, tunnel vision)
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
Cold sweat, nausea
Dizziness when standing up or after meals
Muscle weakness & blackout
👉 These signs are like your body's early warning system. They tell you: Attention! Your brain isn't getting what it needs. React immediately with rest, fluids, and, if necessary, lying down.
Diagnosis – What should be medically clarified?
👉 These tests help rule out dangerous causes: heart defects, epileptic processes, circulatory disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. They form the basis for targeted prevention.
Treatment & prevention in everyday life
Cell cleansing days for neuronal regeneration
Cyclical fasting days with autophagy activation improve:
Mitochondrial stress reduction
GABA/Glutamate balance
Antioxidant protective mechanisms
👉 Cell cleansing days give the brain a kind of "spring cleaning." Old cell debris and damaged mitochondria are recycled, noticeably increasing neuronal resilience.
Diet to prevent syncope
No carbohydrate-heavy single meals (to avoid reactive hypoglycemia)
Adequate protein intake with B vitamin complex (especially B6 for GABA)
Focus on Omega-3 (anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective)
Spread small portions throughout the day
👉 The goal is a stable energy supply to the brain – without sugar drops or insulin spikes. Particularly important: nutrients that calm and protect the nervous system.
Supplements from studies
👉 These substances are like little helpers for your brain. They stabilize energy production, improve signal transmission, and protect against overload.
Study situation – What does science say?
Cell clearance via AMPK/SIRT1 inhibits neuroinflammatory responses in hypoxia 【PMID: 30160902】
Ketogenic diet improves neuronal energy and reduces syncope attacks 【PMID: 29997380】
Omega-3 reduces neurovascular dysregulation 【PMID: 27986806】
B vitamins lower the threshold for GABA production and improve cognitive resilience 【PMID: 27440870】
👉 These studies clearly show: The combination of diet, fasting and micronutrients acts directly on the causes of many fainting spells – without any medication.
Conclusion – Coaching integration against blackouts
Sudden loss of consciousness often has more to do with a biochemical imbalance than a clear medical defect. The combination of cyclical cell cleansing, neuro-friendly nutrition, and targeted supplementation can help prevent these breakdowns.
Those who know the warning signs, react early, and adapt their lifestyle can drastically reduce their risk.👉 In VMC coaching, these strategies are integrated step by step—individualized, practical, and scientifically sound.
💡 Did you know that your brain has an emergency shutdown switch—and that it reacts particularly sensitively to diet and stress? Learn in this article how you can regain control of your consciousness with simple measures.
📚 Sources
He et al. (2018).Title: AMPK-SIRT1 pathway activates autophagy and improves neurological function in mice with cerebral ischemia
Summary: Activation of AMPK and SIRT1 promotes autophagy in the brain and protects against neuronal degeneration in cases of oxygen deficiency.
Year: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.07.015
Masino et al. (2018).Title: Ketogenic diet: impact on brain bioenergetics and disease prevention
Summary: Ketogenic diet improves neuronal energy production, protects against neuronal overexcitation and reduces the risk of syncope.
Year: 2018
DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0219-2
Yehuda et al. (2017).Title: Omega-3 modulates the neurovascular unit and improves cerebral blood flow regulation
Summary: Omega-3 fatty acids support the function of the blood-brain barrier, improve cerebral blood flow, and reduce neurocardiogenic dysregulation.
Year: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2017.06.003
Kennedy et al. (2016).Title: B vitamin supplementation improves GABA synthesis and cognitive resilience in high-stress populations
Summary: B vitamins, especially B6, promote the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA and protect the brain from stress-related exhaustion.
Year: 2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.04.012
Martin et al. (2020).Title: The role of CoQ10 and mitochondrial function in syncope and fatigue
Summary: Coenzyme Q10 improves mitochondrial ATP production and protects the brain from energy depletion in hypoxic situations.
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/nu12082368
