Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Brain fog does not refer to a medical condition. Rather, it refers to a specific group of symptoms that can impair your ability to think.
You may feel confused or disorganised, or you may struggle to focus or express yourself verbally.
You may be suffering from brain fog if you’re feeling mentally fuzzy and unable to concentrate.
Memory problems, a lack of mental clarity, and difficulties focusing are all indications of brain fog.
The condition is also characterized by sluggishness, confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity.
It’s similar to having mental fatigue, which makes it tough to get through the day even if you’re otherwise healthy.
There are several probable reasons for brain fog, as well as treatments available.
What causes mental fog?
Typically, brain fog does not manifest as a separate health risk. It’s a symptom associated with a number of distinct underlying reasons.
A variety of health changes might trigger brain fog, including:
- Hormonal changes, such as those seen during pregnancy or menopause
- Certain medications, such as blood pressure meds or chemotherapy therapies
- Hormonal conditions, such as thyroid disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Diabetes
- Chronic stress
- Lack of sleep
Perhaps the most unexpected underlying cause of brain fog could be your diet. If you don’t receive enough vitamin B12, you may start to suffer brain fog symptoms.
Because vitamin B12 is necessary for blood and nerve function, insufficient amounts of this vitamin can produce confusion and weariness.
Whether your brain fog is brought on by health concerns or some vitamin deficiency, there are certain foods you can eat that may feed your brain – or help your brain operate smoothly.
Try adding these foods into your diet to alleviate the effect of brain fog on your daily life.
Eat brain-friendly foods
Flavonoids are another key nutrient for the brain. These plant-derived chemicals act as antioxidants, reducing the level of these free radicals in the body, and lowering inflammation.
Flavonoids can also protect your brain by potentially preventing plaque accumulation and enhancing blood flow.
Try flavonoid-rich foods like the following into your diet:
- Dark chocolate or other cocoa-based foods
- Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, and sardines
- Shellfish such as shrimp, clams, and scallops
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
- Citrus fruits
- Berries such as cranberries, blueberries, and strawberries
- Leafy greens like spinach and broccoli
Eat energy-boosting foods
Brain fog is frequently accompanied by fatigue. Instead of relying exclusively on coffee to keep you going throughout the day, try consuming foods that can deliver lasting energy that helps you feel more awake all day long.
Try energy-boosting foods like the following into your diet:
- Dark leafy greens, like spinach, collard greens, kale and chard
- Avocados
- Oatmeal
- Bananas
- Yoghurt
Eat choline-rich foods
Choline may not be a food you frequently seek, yet it is really beneficial for brain fog.
All of the choline’s effects are focused on the brain; it aids critical biochemical chain reactions, plays a role in basic brain activities, and directly impacts brain cells.
Choline aids the brain in the production of acetylcholine, a protein that aids memory and overall cognitive capacity.
Choline consumption has a visible impact on brain health. Ensuring you have enough choline may help to reduce the overall symptoms of brain fog.
Try incorporating choline-rich foods like the following into your diet:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Fish, specifically salmon, and cod
- Peanuts
- Cauliflower
- Chicken
Final thoughts
It is common to occasionally feel brain fog, especially during times of intense stress.
However, if you experience persistent anxiety and brain fog, you should seek medical assistance.
You should not dismiss your symptoms since, if left untreated, brain fog can have a negative influence on your quality of life.
Consult a healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Brain fog impairs your ability to execute daily duties.
- You have difficulties with daily functioning.
- Your memory appears to be deteriorating over time.
- You find it difficult to complete daily simple chores.
There is no single test to diagnose brain fog, and your doctor may order diagnostic tools like blood tests, X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scans to determine what contributes to your brain fog.
