When you think, do you ever feel like it's slowing down or becoming fuzzy? The term for what you could be feeling is "brain fog." This phrase does not have any scientific or medical roots; however, it does represent a fleeting feeling of impaired concentration. A greater understanding of the brain fog symptoms associated with hustle culture emerged with its proliferation, which produced hordes of overworked achievers. A typical adverse effect of recovering from the COVID-19 virus is lingering brain fog. Hormonal changes during menopause may cause brain fog, which in turn can make it challenging to focus and recall new verbal information, like someone's name. Let’s explore the causes of brain fog and how we can alleviate the key brain fog symptoms!
Causes of Brain Fog
Several things, such as certain behaviours, levels of stress, or even physical issues, may cause brain fog. Some common reasons for experiencing brain fog are:
- Diet is a key contributor: The absence of essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and beneficial fats, is a hallmark of an unhealthy diet. It has the potential to greatly impact mental processes. The foggy thinking might be due to a lack of magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, or B vitamins. A lack of vitamins and minerals might lead to brain fog if you're on a limited diet. Anaemia may be caused by a B12 or iron shortage, which in turn can lower energy levels and adversely impact cognition. Furthermore, as pointed out by Wilhour, dietary allergies and sensitivities might alter your cognitive ability. Nearly all persons (95%) who have nonceliac gluten sensitivity also have brain fog, according to a study by Beyond Coeliac, a coeliac disease advocacy and research group.
- Your stress may be making you foggy: One of the main causes of brain fog is chronic stress. Memory, attention, and concentration may be negatively impacted by the continuous secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone. In this situation, maintaining mental clarity becomes challenging.
- Sleep is your best friend: Insufficient sleep can impede cognitive performance. Insufficient sleep negatively impacts both memory consolidation and concentration. Mental weariness may result from chronically overworking without getting enough sleep. It becomes more challenging to focus and think rationally due to this condition. It makes becoming confused more likely.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and chronic fatigue syndrome may exacerbate brain fog. Certain medical conditions impair normal brain function and worsen mental clarity. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, anaemia, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, coeliac disease, and chronic tiredness, may all manifest with brain fog. The underactive thyroid, medically known as hypothyroidism, is a major cause of mental health issues. Studies have shown that hypothyroidism is often preceded by symptoms such as lethargy, sadness, and problems with memory and cognitive function.
- Check your prescriptions: Several drugs can cause brain fog as a side effect. One example is the euphoric side effect of the drug topiramate (Topamax), which prevents seizures and is also used to treat migraines. Polypharmacy, the use of more than one medicine, is another potential cause of brain fog. Although everyone reacts differently to drugs, it's important to discuss the possibility of cognitive problems with your doctor or chemist if you've experienced brain fog after beginning a new medication.
Are women more susceptible to brain fog?
"Brain fog" doesn't provide physicians with any information on its own, and the existence of several possible reasons complicates the understanding of brain fog. Studies have shown that menopause and pregnancy may trigger brain fog. Pregnant women often experience symptoms that include disorientation, foggy thinking, and putting things down in strange locations, as well as a general lack of organisation and the ability to recall even the most basic jobs. Regarding menopause, one study indicates that memory problems may begin early during this phase and typically resolve after menopause, likely due to the effects of oestrogen on memory function.
What can I do to help my brain fog?
What causes brain fog and how to cure it are different. In the case of anaemia, for instance, taking iron supplements may alleviate brain fog by stimulating the body to produce more red blood cells. A doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or another medicine to inhibit the immune system or decrease inflammation if an autoimmune illness is discovered. Changing medicines, improving sleep, or addressing a dietary shortfall can all help alleviate brain fog. If you're experiencing brain fog, consider these at-home remedies:
- Make sure you get 8 to 9 hours of sleep nightly.
- Stay calm and aware of your limits while dealing with stress. Make an effort to fit in the things you like doing.
- Stay away from coffee and alcohol in excess.
- Get your normal exercise in, but avoid exercising just before bed.
- Try volunteering or challenging yourself with brain puzzles to improve and strengthen thinking skills.
- Get more protein, produce, and healthy fats into your diet.