Brain fog is not a true medical condition, even though it can be a sign of other issues.
Numerous chronic diseases, including fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, autistic spectrum disorder, celiac disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders frequently affect those who have them.
Numerous factors, including nutritional shortages or deficiencies, can have an impact on brain fog. Those who suffer from conditions frequently linked to brain fog are more likely to experience these.
It is a form of cognitive impairment that includes:
- cognitive issues
- inability to think clearly
- inadequate attention
- difficulty concentrating
It’s also been called “mental weariness” by certain folks. The complexity of brain fog will determine whether it affects performance at work or in the classroom. You don’t necessarily have to live with it all the time.
What Factors Contribute To Mental fog?
There are numerous reasons why brain fog occurs. The problem may be fixed after the root cause has been identified. Here are six potential reasons:
Anxiety
According to 2017 research, long-term stress has been associated with depression, weakened immune systems, and raised blood pressure. Additionally, it might cause mental fatigue.
Being mentally exhausted makes it impossible to communicate, focus, or think clearly.
A Sleep Disorder
Poor sleep quality may have an impact on how well your brain functions, according to a study from 2021. It’s crucial to get 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Lack of sleep can lead to problems with concentration and unfocused thinking.
Hormonal Adjustments
An investigation from 2018 suggests that hormonal fluctuations might also cause brain fog. As pregnancy progresses, progesterone and estrogen levels rise. Memory loss and short-term cognitive impairment could be the effects of this change.
According to 2019 research, a decline in estrogen levels after menopause can also lead to amnesia, a lack of focus, and hazy judgment.
Diet
Brain fog can also be influenced by diet. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to confusion because it is necessary for maintaining healthy brain function.
When consuming specific foods, brain fog may set in if you have food allergies or sensitivities. These consist of:
- aspartame
- peanuts
- dairy
By removing trigger foods from your diet, you might be able to reduce symptoms.
Medicines If you observe
Consult your doctor if you get brain fog while taking medicine. Brain fog may be a well-known adverse effect of these drugs. If your symptoms get better, try reducing your dosage or switching to a different medication.
Brain fog may occur as a result of cancer treatments. Chemobrain is the term used to describe this.
Health Problems
Experiencing an inflammatory, fatigue-related, or blood glucose-related illness can also leave you feeling mentally exhausted. According to research from 2020, chronic fatigue syndrome, which is characterized by prolonged periods of constant exhaustion, includes brain fog as one of its symptoms. People with fibromyalgia may frequently experience a similar fog in their heads.
The following conditions also contribute to brain fog:
- anemia
- diabetes
- Syndrome Sjögren
- migraine
- Alzheimer’s disease (AD)
- hypothyroidism
- viral infections, such as COVID-1, and autoimmune conditions such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
How To Handle It?
Treatment for brain fog is based on the underlying reason. For instance, iron supplements may boost the synthesis of red blood cells and lessen brain fog if you have anemia.
When an autoimmune disorder is identified, a physician might suggest using a corticosteroid or another drug to lessen inflammation or suppress the immune system.
A nutritional deficiency may need to be corrected, your medication may need to be changed, or you may simply need more sleep.
The supplements discussed in this article have data backing them up and may help with brain fog.
The vitamin D
A lack of vitamin D is linked to a higher chance of developing depression symptoms. Vitamin D supplements, according to research, may improve vitamin D levels and possibly relieve brain fog and depressive symptoms.
Numerous studies have suggested that vitamin D supplementation may help some people’s overall mental health, as well as their mood, negative thoughts, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Magnesium
Foods like spinach, beans, and seeds are high in the essential mineral magnesium. Many essential bodily functions, such as enzymatic activity, energy production, neuron function, and blood pressure regulation, rely on it.
Many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, which could be detrimental to brain health.
B complex
Studies have indicated that insufficient levels of specific B vitamins might cause brain fog symptoms, including memory issues, attention issues, and much more.
Supplements may help alleviate these symptoms in those with low levels of B vitamins.
Vitamin C
Although vitamin C is essential for strengthening the immune system, it also supports a number of other critical bodily functions, including brain health.
When memory, concentration, reflexes, and focus were tested, it was found that people with healthy blood levels of vitamin C performed better than people with low levels.
Vitamin C deficiencies have been linked to depression, and low vitamin C levels can also have a negative impact on mood.
If your brain fog is making it difficult for you to complete routine tasks or is interfering with your daily routine, you may want to make an appointment with a medical professional. However, it would be worthwhile to try making a few healthier choices if the only thing you’re noticing is a slight amount of haziness.
Get some actual rest: Your productivity, attention, and level of self-control can all be significantly increased by pausing an activity and returning to it later, according to research from 2016.
Try these to give your brain a more effective break:
- Meditating: The focus may be improved with only a few attentive minutes.
- Contacting a friend or family member: According to research published in 2020, social interaction enhances brain function.
- Snoozing for some time: A 2017 study found that naps may enhance memory recall and cognition, especially in young people.
- Engaging in creative activity: Drawing, writing, dancing, cooking, and baking are a few examples of these pursuits.
- Stepping outside: Numerous studies show that being in nature helps to maintain good mental health.
Eat and drink for the well-being
Instead of completely giving up the “unhealthy” foods you usually eat, start by adding nutrient-dense foods to your meals and snacks.
Foods high in antioxidants, such as blueberries, oranges, and almonds, help the body reduce oxidative stress, which is good for the body and the brain.
Fish is another nourishing meal for the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish and have been linked to slower rates of cognitive deterioration,
What Is The Prognosis For Mental Fog?
Although it might be annoying, brain fog is treatable. If untreated, brain fog can negatively impact your quality of life, so you shouldn’t ignore your symptoms. After you’ve dealt with the root cause, your ability to concentrate might improve.
