Common causes of Brain Fog - should you be worried? 🤯
Darn it! Where did I park my car again?
Wait, what was I saying?
At some point or another, we’ve all had these thoughts.
Whether you’re unsure where you parked at the grocery store or you’ve lost your train of thought during a great story, brain lapses happen to us all. It’s called brain fog, or among some parents, “mommy brain."
Many allergy sufferers describe an experience known as “brain fog” — a hazy, tired feeling that makes it difficult to concentrate.
What is this phenomenon and why does it happen?
Today, I’ll explain “brain-fog” and give you some solutions to help you feel better. But before I do, I hope you enjoyed last week’s newsletter about “Your Genetics & Superpowers”. If you missed it, you can use this link, Here.
OK, read on to learn about “Brain Fog”…
and how to feel better!
What is brain fog and what does brain fog feel like?
“Brain fog” is not a medical condition, disease or disorder. It is a set of symptoms that include a general feeling of fatigue and cognitive inefficiencies, such as reduced concentration and difficulty with memory.
Most people have experienced mental fog or brain fog. It is often described as a cloudy-headed feeling. Forgetfulness is a common complaint among older adults. As we grow older, we experience physiological changes that can cause glitches in brain functions we have usually taken for granted. It may take longer to learn and recall information. We may not be as quick as we used to be. Also, lack of sleep, overworking, and stress can cause brain fog. Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. Do not ignore your symptoms. If left untreated, brain fog can impact the quality of your life and may lead to other more serious conditions.
You may be hearing the term Brain Fog more often these days – especially as it relates to those recovering from COVID – or at the very least, experienced some of the symptoms on your own. Typical symptoms of brain fog include poor concentration, an extra effort to focus on a task, trouble multitasking or managing too many tasks at once, trouble tracking what you are doing (i.e., “Why did I just walk into this room?”) and trouble retrieving a memory or information.
COMMON CAUSES OF BRAIN FOG
Brain fog is typically rooted in a lifestyle that promotes hormonal imbalances and is exacerbated by stress. To better understand the causes and when you should be concerned, here’s a breakdown of potential causes for brain fog.
An inflammatory response. While we mostly relate inflammation to joints, did you know your brain can become inflamed too? While it won’t hurt, it will cause you to feel foggy-headed and sluggish. This disconnected feeling is fatigue, and it’s caused by the inflammation that results when the body tries to counteract symptoms such as allergies, obesity, inflammatory diseases and autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia.
Asthma and allergies. Histamines are a chemical the body produces when it encounters an allergen. Those with asthma and allergies commonly report fogginess, which is in part due to a high production of histamine and an inflammatory response.
Anxiety, depression and stress. Your brain is a computer, and when you have ongoing anxiety, depression and stress, it can really bog down your system and memory. And with stressors like the Flu & COVID constantly on the brain, it may be difficult to focus on work or even household tasks.
Cancer treatments. Known as “chemo brain”, it isn’t unusual during and after cancer treatment to feel a bit foggy. This side effect is most commonly connected with chemotherapy, but other treatments may be associated. These treatments can cause short-term, long-term and delayed mental changes or cognitive problems.
Hormonal changes. “Baby or Mommy Brain” can be a very real thing, especially for women who are pregnant or going through menopause. In men, a lower testosterone level can also explain mental fatigue.
Sleep. There’s nothing like a good night’s rest, but if you aren’t getting it, you’re likely feeling less with it. Lack of sleep can disrupt your brain cells’ ability to communicate with each other, leading to a temporary brain lapse that can affect memory and visual perception.
Electromagnetic radiation – from computer, mobile phone, tablets
Poor Diet – lack of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Environment - Toxins, pollution, chemical substances, and insecticides
Although the actual cause or causes are still being researched, brain fog has also been associated with Long COVID, a condition where symptoms of a COVID illness linger more than 30 days after the onset and recovery of the initial illness. You can read more about Long Covid on the CDC website, HERE.
WHAT CAN I DO TO CLEAR THE FOG?
Brain fog treatment will often depend on the root cause, but there are some things you can do at home to keep your mind sharp and more alert. These include:
Participating in activities that increase alertness, energy and brain health/power, such as regular physical activity and meditation, plus activities such as dancing, crossword, Sudoku and other puzzles.
Getting plenty of sleep, (7-8 hours) per night, all at once rather than several short naps is preferable
Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole foods, healthy fats and lean meats (see me to explore if you’d like to try a particular diet, before trying it)
Managing stress by knowing your limitations. For example, completing tasks one at a time, making checklists to ensure that you are remembering to complete all aspects of a task and setting reminders for important upcoming events can help take the pressure off of your brain.
Brain fog treatment depends on the cause. Lifestyle modifications can also help:
Spend less time on the computer and mobile phone – remind yourself to take a break
Positive thinking, reduce stress
Change your diet
Get enough sleep – 7-8 hours a day, go to bed at 10pm or no later than midnight
Regular exercise
Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drinking coffee in the afternoon
Finding enjoyable activities
Supplements To Help Stop Brain Fog:
Fish Oil – contains long chain omega 3 fatty acids, DHA. The source is salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines. It can improve brain function, motor skills, and vision.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract – widely studied for its effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, platelet-forming and circulation-boosting effects. Ginkgo biloba benefits include improved cognitive function, positive mood, increased energy, improved memory and reduced symptoms related to multiple chronic diseases. It can also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Choline Bitartrate – Choline is chemically related to the B group of vitamins. Choline is important for cell membranes and for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which has a role in memory and muscle control.
Gamma Oryzanol – have been shown to raise the levels of neurotransmitters in central nervous system. It also promotes mood relaxation and restful sleep.
L-Theanine – promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by increasing level of serotonin, dopamine, and GABA. L-theanine is known as an anxiolytic—it works to reduce anxiety.
Phosphatidylserine – is an important chemical with widespread functions in the body. It is part of the cell structure and is key in the maintenance of cellular function, especially in the brain. Taking phosphatidylserine can improve some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Also, it helps improve thinking ability, attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity in children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Inositol – is once considered a member of vitamin B complex. It has a role in nervous system and fat metabolism. It helps in production of healthy cells in the bone marrow and cell membrane production – myelin sheath. Also, it is important for hair growth.
Ginseng Extract – Ginseng effectively regulates the immune response and the hormonal changes due to stress, thus maintaining homeostasis. In addition to suppressing the occurrence of psychological diseases such as anxiety and depression, ginseng also prevents stress-associated physiological diseases.
Soy Lecithin – composed of phosphatidylcholine. It improves memory and learning ability. It also helps reduce the risk of gall stones and improve liver function. Research shows that it helps improve brain function and can prevent dementia.
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate – has an important role in acetylcholine production. It helps improve brain function and dementia. This amino acid can pass through blood brain barrier (BBB) and regulates neurotransmitter level in the brain.
Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate) – plays an important role in the body. It is needed to maintain the health of skin, cartilage, teeth, bone, and blood vessels. It is also used to protect your body’s cells from damage. It is known as an antioxidant. Also, it helps regulate body temperature and hormonal production.
Vitamin A Acetate – is an important fat-soluble vitamin. It promotes good vision and counteracts night blindness and eye disorders. Vitamin A aids in proper function of immune system. It is also necessary for normal cell growth and development. Another important role is it is an antioxidant that protect cells from free-radical damage.
Vitamin E DL-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate) – fights free radicals and prevents disease development. Certain isomers of vitamin E have powerful antioxidant abilities that have the power to reduce free radical damage, fight inflammation, and therefore help naturally slow aging in your cells and fight off health issues like heart disease, hypertension, aging, and cancer.
Vitamin B Complex – B complex vitamins help your body make energy from the food you eat, form red blood cells, and play an essential role in certain bodily functions. Vitamin B1 is a therapeutic agent for neuropathy. Vitamin B2 helps convert food into energy. Vitamin B3 helps enzymes in the body function properly by helping the body use other B vitamins. Vitamin B5 promotes digestive system and healthy skin. Vitamin B6 involves in immune function and brain development. It aids in the formation of neurotransmitters. Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of red blood cells and DNA. It is important for protein metabolism.
SHOULD I GET HELP?
Functional Doctors can provide treatment for the conditions typically related to brain fog and can also ensure that what you are feeling is truly “brain fog”, and not the emergence of some more serious condition. For example, sometimes we can feel foggy or have cognitive difficulties if we are deficient in some important vitamins and minerals.
The disconnected “foggy” feeling we’ve been talking about is a form of fatigue. It’s caused by inflammation that results when the body tries to counteract different types of symptoms.
Sometimes cognitive symptoms can point to a more complex situation. So, following up with your doctor is important.
If you’re feeling bit foggier these days and nothing seems to help clear your head - in fact, things seem to be getting worse - contact me right away.
THE BOTTOM LINE
"Brain Fog is an inflammatory response. While we mostly relate inflammation to joints, did you know your brain can become inflamed too?"
Every brain changes with age, and mental function changes along with it. Mental decline is common, but it doesn’t have to be! Yes, it’s one of the most feared consequences of aging….
Don’t accept that failing brain health is just something that happens with aging, or that it’s normal. Your body was designed to be alert and healthy!
There are ways you can help to maintain brain function: reducing the use of smartphone, tablet, and computer, getting enough rest, eating healthy food, and taking essential supplements prescribed by my team here at Transformational Health. These can help improve memory, reduce stress, and maintain emotional balance.
Functional Doctors can provide treatment for the conditions typically related to brain fog and can also ensure that what you are feeling is truly “brain fog”, and not the emergence of some other more serious condition.
I know this has been a lot to digest, and some of you may have tried many of these suggestions.
If you’re feeling like your Brain Fog is affecting your Lifestyle, and nothing seems to help clear your head - in fact, things seem to be getting worse - contact me right away.
We will talk about your unique body, mental and physical situation. You can make an appointment with me using this link: HERE.
Or, you can always give me a call at (973) 210-3838
I want to hear from you! What questions or insights do you have about Brain Fog? Did you find this newsletter helpful?
Share your thoughts in the comments on our
We bring tools such as these to you, our patients, by using proven cutting-edge therapies to extend the health-span, life-span and years of health for everyone (no matter their age)!
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