Brain fog is not a medical condition, but a symptom of other diseases. It is a kind of cognitive dysfunction with:
Memory Problems
Lack of mental clarity
Poor concentration
Inability to focus
Some people also describe it as mental exhaustion. Depending on the severity of the brain fog, this could affect work or school. But it doesn't have to be an integral part of your life.
There are numerous explanations for why brain fog occurs. Once you have identified the underlying cause, you can begin troubleshooting the problem. Here are six possible causes.
Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and cause depression. It can also lead to mental exhaustion. When your brain is exhausted, it becomes harder to think, think, and focus.
The Effects of Stress on the Body
Poor quality sleep can also interfere with how well your brain is working. Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can lead to poor concentration and cloudy thoughts.
Causes and Risk Factors for Insomnia
Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog. The levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment.
Similarly, a drop in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to forgetfulness, poor concentration, and cloudy thinking.
Diet can also play a role in brain fog. Vitamin B-12 supports healthy brain function and a vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to brain fog.
If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, a brain fog may develop after consuming certain foods. Possible culprits are:
MSG
Aspartame
peanuts
dairy
Removing trigger foods from your diet can improve symptoms.
If you experience brain fog while taking any medication, speak to your doctor. Brain fog can be a known side effect of the drug. Lowering your dosage or switching to a different medication may improve your symptoms.
Brain fog can also appear after cancer treatments. This is known as the chemo brain.
Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood sugar levels can also lead to mental exhaustion. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves persistent fatigue for more than six months.
People who have fibromyalgia can experience similar drowsiness on a daily basis.
Other conditions that can cause brain fog include:
anemia
depression
diabetes
Sjo? Gren syndrome
migraine
Alzheimer's disease
Hypothyroidism
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
Dehydration
See your doctor if you have persistent confusion that gets worse or does not improve. A single test cannot diagnose a brain fog. Brain fog can indicate an underlying problem, so your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your:
Mental health
diet
Physical activity level
current medications or supplements
You should tell your doctor about any other symptoms you may have. For example, someone with hypothyroidism may have brain fog along with hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, or brittle nails.
Blood tests can help your doctor identify the cause of brain fog. A blood test can determine the following:
abnormal glucose levels
poor liver, kidney and thyroid function
Malnutrition
Infections
inflammatory diseases
Based on the results, your doctor will decide if you want to do more tests. Other diagnostic tools may include imaging tests to look inside the body, such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The doctor may also do allergy tests or a sleep study to look for a sleep disorder.
Keeping a food magazine can help you determine if your diet is contributing to brain fog.
Treatment for brain fog depends on the cause.
For example, if you are anemic, iron supplements can increase your red blood cell production and reduce your brain fog. If you are diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid or other medications to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.
Sometimes brain fog relief is all about correcting a lack of nutrients, switching medications, or improving the quality of sleep.
Home remedies to improve brain fog include:
Sleep 8 to 9 hours a night
Managing stress by knowing your limits and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine
exercise
Boost your brain power (try to engage or solve puzzles)
find enjoyable activities
Increase your intake of protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats
Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. Don't ignore your symptoms. If left untreated, brain fog can affect the quality of your life. Once the underlying cause is addressed, mental clarity can improve.
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