Brain fog is not a medical condition. However, it is a symptom of a medical condition. This could range from depression to hypothyroidism and a host of things in between. Brain fog includes memory problems, a lack of concentration, decreased mental clarity, and issues with focus. It can be frustrating and scary for most people.
As individuals age, they may have increased brain or mental fog episodes. They may complain they feel cloudy and forgetful. While it’s true that there are physiological changes in our brain function as we age, this issue doesn’t just occur in older individuals.
If left untreated, brain fog may affect your quality of life. There is good news, though. Once you pinpoint the reason for brain fog, there are ways to improve your functioning. Solutions may include a change in diet, getting more sleep, or even a brain balance supplement.
This article will discuss some of the common causes of brain fog and what steps you can take to gain your life back. It’s important to discuss all health issues with your doctor to make an appropriate choice.
- Stress
Stress can trigger brain fog. To understand this, we need to simply look at stress’s effects on our lives. When we’re stressed, our blood pressure increases, and we may feel depressed or irritated. These can lead to feeling tired and having low motivation. When our brain is stressed and exhausted, it makes it harder to focus.
- Lack of Sleep
A lack of sleep goes hand in hand with stress. If you’ve ever been stressed before, you know how difficult it is to get a healthy amount of sleep. This lack of sleep decreases your ability to concentrate, amplifying any issues you’re already experiencing with memory and focus. Going to bed at a consistent time, sleeping in a darkened room, and turning off technology at least an hour before turning in can help boost your chances of a good night’s rest.
- Diet
Vitamin B12 supports healthy brain function. If you’re deficient in B12, you may experience brain fog. It’s also worth noting that certain foods affect brain fog as well. Foods like dairy, aspartame, and peanuts may trigger brain fog if you’re already sensitive to these foods. If you’re looking for foods high in B12, you can try eggs, fish, chicken, or fortified breakfast cereals, just to name a few.
- Medications
Certain medications can also lead to brain fog. If you notice a change in your focus that correlates with a new medication or if you’re curious if your current medications are causing you issues, talk with your doctor. It’s possible they could prescribe something to lessen the effects.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the causes of brain fog. One or all of these might pertain to you. It’s important to understand that medical conditions may also be linked to brain fog, such as Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, or Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. If you’re concerned, talk with your doctor to determine the best treatment.