What is brain fog and the common brain fog symptoms and causes? In this article we’ll go over the basics of brain fog: the symptoms, what it feels like, common causes, and a few solutions to help you feel better.
Brain fog can make studying and working difficult, and may affect your quality of life. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs and find ways to lift a foggy brain, so that you can feel healthy and energized.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog generally describes a difficulty in memory and clear thinking. People suffering from brain fog may experience many other symptoms, and the causes of brain fog vary, but the term covers the general feeling of a clouded and unclear mind.
Symptoms Of Brain Fog
People suffering from brain fog may experience a variety of symptoms, but the main symptoms include memory issues, an inability to think clearly, difficulty focusing and concentrating on tasks, and general fatigue.
People who experience brain fog for longer periods of time report feelings of “cloudy” thinking, slower thinking, and difficulty getting through tasks.
They may also experience memory difficulties, such as misplacing items or forgetting where they left them.
Brain fog also makes it difficult to learn and retain new information, making school and studying a challenge.
6 Common Causes Of Brain Fog
Why do people suffer from brain fog? There are a few common causes of brain fog, which range from everyday stress and dieting, to medical conditions.
1. Psychological Stress
Psychological stress can range from a demanding daily schedule to major life events. Stress can affect our brains, the way we think, process information, and retain that information — and brain fog is a common symptom.
2. Lack Of Sleep
Though it may sound overly simple, lack of proper sleep can be a huge factor in brain fog and other difficulties. Different people may need different amounts of sleep in order to function well, but brain fog can indicate that the body (and brain) is not getting enough rest.
3. Diet
Similarly, a healthy diet is important for brain functioning, and brain fog may be an indication that something is not right. It’s important to feed the body healthy and nutritious foods, and get enough vitamins and minerals so that the brain can function well.
4. Hormonal Changes
Big hormonal changes can have an impact on memory and cognitive processes. During big hormonal shifts, such as pregnancy or menopause, brain fog can be a symptom.
5. Medications
Brain fog may be a side effect of many medications. If you’re currently taking medication and experiencing brain fog, talk to your doctor to figure out possible solutions or alternative dosages.
6. Medical Conditions
Medical conditions which include inflammation, fatigue, or fluctuating glucose levels may affect thinking and cause brain fog. Below we’ll list some medical conditions that may include brain fog as a side effect.
Below are 7 common medical conditions that may include symptoms of brain fog.
1. Thyroid Disorder
Hypothyroidism, a condition that affects women more often than men, is when the thyroid gland is underactive and not making enough hormones. Brain fog is a common symptom for this condition.
2. Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body is not making enough red blood cells, and may cause fatigue, brain fog, and depression. Anemia is often linked to vitamin B9 or B12 deficiencies.
3. Fibromyalgia
Though it is unclear what exactly causes fibromyalgia, it includes symptoms of chronic pain, sleep issues, as well as mood and memory issues. Symptoms often show up after major physical traumas, illnesses, infections, or stressful life events.
4. Dementia
Dementia may affect people over 65, and includes symptoms of brain fog, memory issues, and disorientation. Doctors can perform cognitive tests in order to assess whether brain fog is a sign of dementia.
5. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a disorder that includes severe and ongoing fatigue, and can affect memory and concentration. This disorder may be linked to infections, hormonal imbalances, and immune system issues.
6. Depression
Symptoms of depression may include fatigue, brain fog, and memory or concentration issues. Getting the right support and help for depression can help lift symptoms of brain fog.
7. Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can result in brain fog. People suffering from sleep disorders may get enough hours of sleep, but the quality of sleep may be bad, leaving them exhausted the next day.
If your brain fog is the result of an underlying medical condition, seek help and advice from your doctor or medical professional. However, if your underlying condition is already being treated, or you’re looking for a home remedy for brain fog, here are a few suggestions that can help.
1. Balanced And Nutritious Diet
Make sure that you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals for a healthy, balanced diet. As mentioned above, fatigue may be caused by vitamin B9 or B12 deficiencies. If so, adding certain vitamin-rich foods to your daily diet can help you feel more energized.
2. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and can go a long way to improve symptoms of fatigue and brain fog. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, exercise helps with fatigue by pumping blood and hormones throughout the body which will help you feel healthy and alert.
3. Getting Enough Sleep
As mentioned before, proper sleep is a big aspect of concentration and cognitive processes. If you find that you’re having a hard time studying, make sure that you’re getting the proper 8 hours of sleep each night.
4. Meditating
Meditation and other stress relief techniques can help clear the mind and improve cognitive abilities. Sometimes concentration difficulties arise from a too-active mind, and can be improved by quieting the mind or managing stress.
5. Stress Relief Hobbies
Similarly, stress can be relieved through hobbies and activities that are healthy for the mind and body. Yoga, art, physical sports, singing, acting, or other such hobbies can help relax the mind, relieve stress, and provide healthy exercise to lift brain fog.
Wrapping Up
Brain fog can make thinking and studying difficult. It includes difficulties in memory, concentration, and other cognitive processes.
Brain fog can occur for a number of reasons. Some are medical, while others may include stress or unhealthy lifestyles. Whether you’re coping with an underlying medical condition, or in need of a healthier diet, we hope a few home remedies will help lift your brain fog symptoms.
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