Get Your Brain Out of the Fog

You know those times when you feel like your head is cloudy and you just can’t think quite clearly? Well, you’re not alone. That feeling actually has a name: brain fog. Genius, right? 

The problem is really a common one, especially as adults get older. There are actually physiological changes that cause the issue, resulting in difficulty remembering things or even retaining new information. Sometimes there are additional factors leading to brain fog: lack of sleep, overworking and stress. 

So how do you know if you’re actually experiencing brain fog or if you’re just having an off day? Brain fog has some key markers: confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus and lack of mental clarity. Additional symptoms include headaches, insomnia, irritability, fatigue, mild depression, low motivation and mood swings.

The reasons for your issue could be lifestyle-related — factors that, on a cellular level, cause high levels of inflammation and changes to the hormones that control your mood, energy levels and ability to focus. Left unchecked, brain fog syndrome can lead to other conditions including obesity, abnormal menstruation, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease, memory loss and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Find the Root Cause of Your Brain Fog

Believe it or not, the underlying cause for brain fog can actually be hormonal imbalances. Those imbalances are often due to certain lifestyle choices that, if we’re all being honest with ourselves, aren’t always the most beneficial to our health on any level. Other common triggers for brain fog include: 

• Stress, which reduces blood flow to the brain and causes memory issues. Stress can also cause mental fatigue, which makes it harder to think and focus.
• Hormonal changes from pregnancy or menopause, which affect memory and cognition.
• Lack of sleep
• Lack of exercise
• Poor diet lacking in vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals
• Allergies or food sensitivities (i.e. dairy)
• Exposure to toxins or pollution
• Medications with side effects
• Medical conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, dehydration, etc.

Seeking a Solution

Finding an effective treatment for brain fog depends on finding the underlying cause, but making changes to your lifestyle can also help. Changes may include:

• Avoid alcohol and cigarettes, as well as caffeine in the afternoon.
• Get sufficient sleep, aiming for 8 to 9 hours each night.
• Practice positive thinking and affirmations to reduce your stress levels.
• Reducing your time spent on your devices. Set a reminder to take breaks.
• Make changes to your diet so that you get needed nutrients through protein, fruits and veggies, and healthy fats.
• Take supplements that help with brain function, such as Fish Oil, Ginseng Extract, L-Theanine, Vitamin A, B, C, E, etc. 
• And of course, get regular exercise!

If you find that your brain is still running through the fog, visit your local doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.