Brain fog is not a medically recognized term but is a commonly used phrase that sums up feelings of confusion, forgetfulness, and lack of focus and mental clarity. Having brain fog is fairly common, but it’s not normal. When you feel foggy, unfocused, and like you just can’t think, your brain is sending an important signal that there’s an imbalance in your life that needs to be addressed.
Symptoms of Brain Fog
Suffering from brain fog is basically the opposite of feeling level-headed, calm, optimistic and motivated. Brain fog can easily rob you of inspiration and happiness, while increasing the likelihood for symptoms of anxiety and depression. Researchers from the Departments of Physiology and Medicine at New York Medical College Valhalla describe brain fog symptoms as “an interaction of physiological, cognitive, and perceptual factors.” It’s likely that brain fog is rooted in a lifestyle that promotes inflammation and hormonal imbalances — and is exacerbated by stress.
- low energy or fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome)
- irritability
- trouble concentrating
- headaches
- forgetfulness and trouble remembering information
- low motivation, feeling hopeless or mildly depressed
- anxiety
- confusion
- trouble sleeping through the night or insomnia
- difficulty exercising
Causes of Brain Fog
Mental Malnutrition – Dr. Eva Selhub of Harvard Medical School suggests the relatively new field of nutritional psychiatry is growing for good reason — your brain functions better with “premium fuel.” A consistent diet of processed foods delivers far less nutrients and probiotics needed for clearer cognitive function.
Dehydration – Numerous scientific studies link a lack of water intake to sluggish physical and mental performance. Medical experts suggest that approximately three in every four Americans consume an inadequate amount of water daily, leaving them susceptible to lower quality mental and physical health.
Poor Physical Health – A strong body promotes a strong mind. An out-of-shape body, on the other hand, can contribute to clouding of consciousness. This may be a significant factor for many Americans — the CDC reports that 36% of adults ages 20 and older in the US are obese. The leading category in these metrics is middle-aged women at 42% nationally.
Information Overload – Humans have always been social creatures, but the 24/7 connectivity that many of us experience is something that we simply haven’t dealt with before. Most of us live in an inescapable sea of information that our brain simply can’t process all at once. Your stress and anxiety starts to build up, and your brain starts to perform like a car stuck in mud — he tires spin in place and bury themselves in a futile rut.
Lack of Sleep – You probably know by now, the importance of sleep for the brain. Deep rest is a recharge mechanism that gives the mind time to recover and build new connections. The CDC’s most recent national measure of sleep suggests one in every three US adults doesn’t get a healthy amount of sleep. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the brains of those 35% of Americans are performing below their functional capacity.
Natural ways to overcome from Brain Fog
1. Control your sugar intake, but eat natural & healthy carbs
Cut your intake of processed foods that are loaded with sugar. Stay away from carbonated, soft or sweetened drinks. Take grains or drinks in natural forms.
2. Get enough protein & healthy fats
We all require a steady supply of amino acids and essential acids to make all of the brain chemicals we need to think clearly.
3. Nourish Your Mind
A clean diet and natural supplements are your first steps toward a clearer mind. Try opting for whole foods over processed meals, and avoid large amounts of trans fats, sugars, and artificial sweeteners (each of which are considered detrimental to brain function). Natural health supplements like Focusene come packed with natural ingredients that have been tested to encourage cognitive function. One of the primary effects of vitamins B1, B3, B5, and B12 — as recognized in scientific publications — is improving functions in the brain like memory, focus, and learning.
Ginseng is an age-old cognitive enhancer dating hundreds of years back to traditional Chinese medicine. Korean red ginseng (found in Focusene) is one of the most medicinally effective forms of the plant, with several components that moderate a higher level of neurotransmission.
Ginko biloba (found in Focusene) is a natural health supplement derived from the ginko tree. It’s commonly used for its beneficial effect on memory and concentration, thanks to its stimulation of crucial neurochemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.
4. Nourish Your Body
It seems simple, because it is. Ample exercise will benefit your cognitive function. Fitness is easier said than done, of course. Heidi Godman, Executive Editor of Harvard Health Letter, links active lifestyles to the growth of parts of the brain that influence intelligence and the release of natural chemicals to improve brain function.
A few simple fitness hacks in your routine could make a huge difference over time. Easy ways to start could include riding your bike to work, taking the stairs, exercising during media advertisements, or simply parking your car further from a store’s entrance.
Stripping your diet down to simple basics like lean meats and vegetables with minimal sauces can also create a healthy “reset” for your mental clarity. Try avoiding anything fried, very fatty or saucy for a week or two. As all the excess toxins flush from your body, you’ll be surprised how clear your thinking becomes. Pro-tip, avoiding alcohol consumption will also pay off big, helping you think more clearly and sleep more restfully.
5. Have a sound sleep
Your brain isn’t a smartphone — it needs more than a couple of hours to recharge. If you’re not already getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep each night, try being more cognizant of rest in your routine. Of course, this too is easier said than done.
Many people get to bed on time but simply cannot sleep — a common problem in our daily lives filled with information overload. Recent advances in natural health supplementation have taken timeless sleep aids such as melatonin and chamomile and combined them in unique forms.
For example, products like Sleep Fast Enhanced Melatonin Spray combine five natural sleep aids in a simple oral delivery to prepare the mind for a deep and restorative sleep. It contains Valerian root, an extract with sedative effects that are used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
6. Practice Brain Exercises
Reading is one of the oldest and most effective ways to train your brain. A study led by neuroscientist George Burns suggests that reading a novel has significant effects in neurotransmission, even if it’s just a few chapters. If you’re this far in this post, you’ve already proven a dedication to bettering your mind.
It doesn’t really matter what type of literature is your favorite, as long as it’s substantive and aligned with your reading ability. Check out this list of brain exercises that are easy to incorporate bit by bit into your routine. There are also online websites like Luminosity that let you train your brain while having fun through online games.
7. Do Meditation
Controlled mindfulness is, in essence, the clearing of mental fog and all of its distractions. The goal of meditation is to simply be present and fully aware. It might take a bit of time to get the hang of it, but the benefits for your mental clarity will be astounding.