Brain fog does not indicate a significant medical concern. It is, on the other hand, a symptom that you may have a medical problem. This might be caused by anything from sadness to hypothyroidism and anything in between. Memory and concentration problems, poor mental clarity, and trouble focusing the mind are all indications of brain fog. The vast majority of people find this both unpleasant and disturbing.
As people age, they may feel more brain fog or mental cloudiness. They may claim to be befuddled and forgetful. Although normal aging impacts how our brains work, this problem is not limited to the old.
Ignoring brain fog might have a significant influence on your overall quality of life. There is, however, some good news. Once you’ve determined what’s causing your brain fog, you may take steps to make daily chores easier for yourself. The best vitamins for brain fog may be discovered by study, dietary adjustments, or getting more sleep.
In the following paragraphs, you will learn about some of the most common causes of brain fog and some steps you may take to reclaim control of your life. To make an informed decision, it is critical to discuss any health concerns with your primary care physician.
If brain supplements are beneficial to you, try Sage Nutrients’ Cognitive Edge. These pills, composed of high-quality and safe ingredients, have been lab-tested and shown to boost memory and reduce anxiety.
Stress
Brain fog is a side effect of stress. Consider the influence of stress on our lives to grasp this concept. When we are stressed, we may feel hopeless or impatient, which may cause our blood pressure to rise. These factors may lead to feelings of weariness and a lack of motivation. When our minds are disturbed and worn out, it is much more difficult to focus on anything.
We may also feel fatigued because our adrenal glands produce more cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol assists us in preparing for “fight or flight” by boosting blood pressure, increasing the amount of glucose in the blood, and releasing energy from fat stores. Chronic stress may be damaging to human health, despite the fact that it is a vital component of our “fight or flight” response to potential dangers.
Memory can be negatively generated as well as recovered when cortisol is present in the body. It reduces your ability to recall long-term memories temporarily held in your hippocampus, but it is not as hazardous as alcohol or other drugs that directly affect memory function. This is, however, less dangerous than consuming alcohol or using other substances that directly affect memory (the area of your brain responsible for memory).
Sleep Deprivation
Inadequate sleep and high levels of stress are almost often observed simultaneously. If you’ve ever been worried, you know how tough it can be to sleep well. Inadequate sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, exacerbating any underlying memory or attention issues. Stick to a regular bedtime pattern, sleep in a darker room, and turn off any screen devices at least one hour before bed to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is necessary for our mental health to be maintained. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate depression by lowering levels of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and appetite, such as serotonin. When we don’t get enough sleep, our brains don’t function properly, causing us to be irritable and less motivated than usual. According to research, those who sleep for less than six hours each night are more likely to develop depression than those who sleep for seven or eight hours.
Sleep deprivation has a variety of negative consequences, one of which is trouble focusing on jobs that need a high degree of concentration, such as reading or writing emails or reports. If you are weary, it may be more difficult for you to pay attention to what is going on around you.
Diet
Vitamin B12 is required for normal brain function. If you do not get enough B12, you may get cognitive fog. It is also critical to recognize that some diets may induce cognitive impairment. If you are already sensitive to dairy, aspartame, or peanuts, consuming these things may produce cognitive fog. Eggs, salmon, chicken, and vitamin B12-fortified breakfast cereals are all abundant in this vitamin.
Several credible sources illustrate the importance of vitamin D. It may lead to weight loss and improved bone health, among other benefits. It is also necessary for the health and proper functioning of your mind and brain. Vitamin D supports healthy brain cell metabolism and decreases inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, which may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. When you are exposed to sunlight, your body creates vitamin D; however, most people need more sun exposure throughout the winter, when the amount of sunlight available each day may be limited.
If you don’t get enough sun during these months or throughout the year, try taking a vitamin D supplement with 1,000 international units per day. If you wish to improve your brain’s health or if you live in a northern location with little sunlight during the winter.
Medications
You may have a medical problem if you’ve recently become hazy and forgetful. On the other hand, this might be a side effect of the medication you’re taking. Certain drugs are known to produce brain fog. Speak with your doctor if you notice a change in your focus that corresponds with the start of a new prescription or if you have any worries about whether the medications you are already taking are causing you any problems. They may recommend medicine to alleviate and eliminate symptoms.
Antidepressants such as Prozac and Zoloft, as well as a class of blood pressure drugs known as ACE inhibitors, are the most common causes of medication-induced mental fogginess. Diabetes and hypothyroidism have also been linked to cognitive decline.
Brain Fog Treatment Options
By determining the reason for the brain fog, the appropriate course of treatment may be determined. Lifestyle modifications can also be useful.
Reduce your computer and mobile device usage and take regular breaks from both. Two of the most effective stress-reduction approaches are positive thinking and regular exercise. Avoid afternoon vices such as coffee, smoking, and drinking alcohol as delightful hobbies.
Final Thoughts
These are only a handful of the numerous possible causes of brain fog. There are plenty of others. One or more of these alternatives may be applicable to your situation. It’s important to understand that brain fog can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases like lupus.
After you’ve reviewed this list and identified the items that may be suitable for you, click here to learn more about Sage Nutrients’ Cognitive Edge supplements. If you are concerned about recurring issues, consult with your primary care physician to determine the best and safest course of action.