Brain fog is not a medical disorder but a symptom of various illnesses. This type of cognitive impairment involves.
- Memory problems
- A lack of mental clarity
- Poor concentration
- An inability to focus
It’s also been called “mental fatigue” by some people. Brain fog might cause problems at work or in the classroom, depending on how severe it is. However, it is not required to be a constant in your life.
What Are the Causes of Brain Fog?
There are many causes of brain fog. Once the underlying cause has been identified, the issue can be resolved.
Here are six possible explanations:
1. Chronic Stress
Chronic stress can lead to depression, immune system deterioration, and blood pressure elevation. It could also result in mental fatigue.
When your brain is fatigued, it is more difficult to reason, focus, and think coherently.
2. Lack of Sleep
According to research from 2021, getting too little sleep may impact how well your brain works. Dependable source Every night, get 8 to 9 hours of sleep. Focus issues and fuzzy thinking might result from sleep deprivation.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes might also contribute to mental fog. During pregnancy, progesterone and estrogen levels increase. This change may result in memory loss and short-term cognitive impairment.
Similar to how menopause’s decline in estrogen can result in forgetfulness, inability to focus, and fuzzy thinking,
4. Diet
Diet can have an impact on brain fog as well. Vitamin B12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B12 deficit might result in brain fog. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog could appear after eating certain meals.
These include:
- Aspartame
- Peanuts
- Dairy
- Removing trigger foods from your diet may improve symptoms
5. Medications
If you experience mental fog while taking medication, speak with your doctor. Brain fog may be one of these medications’ adverse side effects. If your symptoms improve, try lowering your dosage or changing to a different drug.
After cancer treatments, brain fog may occasionally occur. This syndrome is known as the chemo brain.
6. Medical Conditions
Inflammatory, fatigue-related, or blood glucose-related disorders can also cause mental tiredness. For instance, a study from 2020 claims that brain fog is a sign of chronic fatigue syndrome, distinguished by persistent, constant exhaustion. Fibromyalgia patients may frequently experience similar fogginess.
Other conditions that may cause brain fog include:
- Anemia
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Migraine
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Autoimmune diseases, like lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis
- Dehydration
- Viral infections like COVID-19
How It’s Diagnosed?
Consult a doctor if your persistent confusion doesn’t improve or gets worse.
A single test is unable to diagnose brain fog in a patient. A doctor will examine you physically, inquire into your medical history, and ask you questions regarding your:
- Mental health
- Diet
- Level of physical activity
- Current medications or supplements
Any other symptoms you may experience should be mentioned to your doctor. For instance, a person with hypothyroidism may also have mental confusion, weight gain, dry skin, and brittle nails.
Your doctor can determine the reason for brain fog with blood tests.
The following can be found via a blood test:
- Irregular glucose levels
- Poor liver, kidney, and thyroid function
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Infections
- Inflammatory diseases
After examining the results, your doctor will determine whether to investigate further. Additional diagnostic approaches may include imaging exams that look within the body, such as X-rays, MRIs, or computed tomography (CT) scans.
The doctor may also conduct allergy tests or sleep studies to look for a sleep disorder. Keeping a food journal can determine whether your diet contributes to brain fog.
How To Treat It?
Based on the underlying cause, brain fog is treated. For instance, iron supplements may increase the production of red blood cells and reduce brain fog if you have anemia.
A doctor may recommend a corticosteroid or another medication to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system when an autoimmune disease is discovered.
Brain fog can occasionally be improved by addressing a dietary shortfall, changing medications, or getting more sleep.
Home remedies to improve brain fog include:
- 8 to 9 hours a night of sleep.
- Managing stress by being conscious of your limits and avoiding excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Improving your cognitive capacities through exercise (try volunteering or solving brain puzzles).
- Finding enjoyable activities.
- Increasing protein, producing healthy fats, and fruit and vegetable consumption.
What Is the Outlook for Brain Fog?
Though it may be inconvenient, brain fog is curable. You shouldn’t ignore your symptoms because brain fog might lower your quality of life if left unchecked. After the underlying cause is addressed, your mental clarity may improve.
