Brain Fog
Brain fog isn’t a medical condition itself, but rather a symptom of other medical conditions. Brain fog happens when a person feels anxious and also has difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly. It’s a type of cognitive dysfunction involving:
• memory problems
• lack of mental clarity
• poor concentration
• inability to focus
Some people also describe it as mental fatigue. Depending on the severity of brain fog, it can interfere with work or school. But it doesn’t have to be a permanent fixture in your life.
Symptoms –
Brain fog is a symptom, not a medical diagnosis. With brain fog, a person might feel less mentally sharp than usual. Thoughts and emotions may feel numb, and everyday activities may seem to require more effort. Some characteristics of brain fog include:
• feeling “spacy” or confused
• feeling fatigued
• thinking more slowly than usual, and needing more time to complete simple tasks
• being easily distracted
• having trouble organizing thoughts or activities
• forgetfulness, such as forgetting daily tasks or losing a train of thought
• word-finding difficulties
Causes –
A number of factors and health conditions can cause brain fog, including:
• Lack of sleep
• Increased stress levels
• Depression
• Dementia
• Perimenopause
• Medication
• Hormonal conditions, such as thyroid disorders
• Chronic health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
• Nutrient deficiencies, such as a vitamin B12 deficiency
• Viral infections, such as COVID-19, SARS, and H1N1
It is not unusual for brain fog to be caused by a combination of two or three of these factors since they often go hand in hand.
Diagnosis –
A single test can’t diagnose brain fog. Brain fog may signal an underlying issue, so your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask about your:
• mental health
• diet
• level of physical activity
• current medications or supplements
Blood work can help your doctor identify the cause of brain fog. A blood test can detect the following:
• abnormal glucose levels
• poor liver, kidney, and thyroid function
• nutritional deficiencies
• infections
• inflammatory diseases
Other diagnostic tools may include imaging tests to look inside the body, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. The doctor may also conduct allergy testing or a sleep study to check for a sleep disorder.
Treatment –
Since brain fog is a symptom rather than a medical diagnosis in itself, there is no specific treatment for it. However, managing the anxiety, or the condition causing it, may help.
Some treatment options could include:
• Medications:
Medications includes anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, or stimulants for ADHD
• Get enough sleep:
Sleep is important for your brain and body to clear out unhealthy toxins that can contribute to brain fog. Try to follow a fixed sleep schedule and make it a point to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. Avoid using electronic devices like your mobile, laptop, or television before you go to sleep.
• Try new things:
Keep your mind engaged with mentally stimulating activities and make an effort to try new things. For instance, take a different route to work, try a different approach to a task you do regularly, or listen to different music. This can help increase the production of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which stimulates the brain.
• Avoid multitasking:
Multitasking can drain your energy and lower your productivity, especially if you’re trying to do two activities that require conscious thought. Instead, try focusing on one thing at a time.
• Work on your memory:
If you’re prone to forgetting things, try using different tricks to improve your memory. For instance, rhymes, mnemonics, or visual or verbal cues can help you remember important things. You can also try repetition; for instance, if someone tells you their name, saying it back to them can help you remember it.
• Take mental breaks:
Make it a point to take a couple of mental breaks during the day, where you don’t think about anything and be in the moment. You can close your eyes, take a short walk, or look out your window.
• Focus your attention:
If you get distracted by multiple things or lose focus, try to slow down and focus all your attention on one task. Then, work on completing that task, no matter how small.
• Stay socially active:
Participating in social activities can improve your mood, memory, and cognition.
• Engage in deep thought:
Exercise your mind by spending a little time engaged in deep thought each day. For instance, if you have read an article, spend 10 minutes thinking about the article’s contents.
• Give your digestive system a rest:
Intermittent fasting is all the rage in the nutrition and weight loss world. But it’s not just beneficial for dropping pounds, calorie restriction and longer periods between meals can also promote neurological health and decrease neurodegenerative diseases . To treat your brain fog and gain back some mental clarity, start with trying to extend the time between the last meal of the day and the first meal of the next day. Shoot for 12 hours. This promotes a process called ketogenesis, which can stimulate brain regeneration. But ketogenesis can be tricky and should be practiced under the guidance of someone who knows what they’re doing.
• Try meditation:
Meditation can help reduce stress and relax your brain and body.
• Exercise regularly:
Staying physically active can improve your mental health. Exercise causes the release of helpful chemical messengers called cytokines as well as chemicals that are responsible for elation called endorphins. These chemicals bathe and rejuvenate the brain. Try to engage in some type of enjoyable movement every day. Walk, run or dance. Whatever floats your boat will surely also float your mood.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs:
These substances can impair your senses and adversely affect your brain.
Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. Don’t ignore your symptoms. If left untreated, brain fog can impact the quality of your life. Once the underlying cause is addressed, you mental clarity can improve.
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