What is Brain Fog? Key Facts To Understand
Brain fog refers to cognitive dysfunction that can make it hard to think clearly. People describe it as feeling mentally fuzzy or sluggish. Key aspects include:
- Memory problems - Forgetting things more often or feeling unable to concentrate. Struggling to retain new information.
- Cloudy thinking - Feeling spaced out and having difficulty focusing or problem solving.
- Lack of mental clarity - Thoughts feel disjointed. Hard to articulate ideas or find the right words.
Common Causes
There are many potential reasons someone might experience brain fog, including:
- Stress - High cortisol levels interfere with memory and processing.
- Poor sleep - Not getting enough quality sleep prevents the brain from resting and recharging properly.
- Nutrient deficiencies - Lack of key nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, omega-3s, etc can impair cognition.
- Some medications - Brain fog is a side effect of some prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
- Medical conditions - Thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, depression, Lyme disease, and many other illnesses can trigger brain fog.
Seeking Treatment
If you regularly deal with mental haziness and it affects your daily life, consult a doctor. They can check for underlying conditions and ensure you get the care you need. Self-care steps like minimizing stress, scheduling downtime, exercising, and eating a balanced diet may also help alleviate symptoms.