Struggling to process information or remember recent events? Brain fog may be the culprit

Brain fog may be caused by lifestyle choices or underlying health conditions.

By ET Online | Dec 13, 2022, 01.17 PM IST

Brain fog refers to experiencing a slower, more sluggish thought process. It can be caused by underlying health conditions or by poor lifestyle choices like lack of sleep and exercise.

Have your thoughts been a wee bit sluggish lately? Are you experiencing frequent bouts of memory lapses? Have you been told off by the boss for struggling to remember simple instructions?

You may be suffering from brain fog. Although it can be caused by underlying health issues, brain fog is mostly caused by poor dietary and lifestyle choices. Read on to find out how you can come out of it.

What Is Brain Fog?

Although the name can sound somewhat alarming, brain fog is not a medical condition.

According to a Harvard Health Publishing report, brain fog is a term used by individuals to describe how they feel, when they experience forgetfulness, lack of clarity of thought, or a general feeling of confusion. In simpler terms, if you are having a series of not-so-bright moments, you may be experiencing brain fog.

Brain fog occurs due to high levels of inflammation in your body. Drastic changes in hormones can also lead to sluggish thinking as it can impact your mood and energy.

What Causes Brain Fog?

Lack Of Sleep

This is the main culprit. Most people who suffer from insomnia or frequently pull out all-nighters, experience confused thoughts, are likely to struggle to concentrate, and might repeat mistakes several times.

Being Stressed Out

Excessive anxiety inhibits our ability to think objectively.

Depression

Just like stress, being depressed has a huge impact on mental well-being. Depressed people can struggle to think logically or maintain focus

Spending More Time On Browsing The Web

Electromagnetic radiation from mobile, laptops, and tablets can also make the brain fuzzy.

Poor Diet

A diet that lacks vitamins, especially vitamin B12, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Hormonal imbalance

Hormonal conditions like thyroid disease can also cause brain fog.

Menopause

Perimenopause - Women who are undergoing menopause, can experience stunted thinking, and forgetfulness accompanied by hot flashes- i.e sudden sweating accompanied by rapid heartbeats.

Multiple Sclerosis

This disease affects the central nervous system and can drastically change your cognitive process. About half the people with MS experience memory problems, attention deficit, and trouble processing instructions.

Being Diagnosed With Covid-19

According to the Harvard Health Publishing report, the Covid-19 virus can damage the brain by inducing strokes and cutting off the oxygen supply to the brain. Patients may also suffer from a very short attention span.

What Are Some Symptoms Of Brain Fog?

You may be experiencing brain fog if:

You have trouble recalling things.
Struggle to focus on a subject.
Cannot multitask properly.
Struggle to be aware of your surroundings.

How To Snap Out Of Brain Fog?

Although brain fog may be a symptom of underlying health conditions, it is mostly caused by a poor lifestyle and can be avoided with the proper changes in your daily habits.

Try to cut down your time with mobile and gadgets. When not working, aim to log off completely. Invest yourself in other hobbies like reading, painting, gardening, cooking, etc.
Get some quality shut-eye time. Sleeping is essential for your brain to function properly. It clears out unhealthy toxins that can affect your cognitive abilities. Ensure you get at least six hours of sleep. Avoid going to bed with mobiles or headphones.
Watch what you eat. Avoid unhealthy snacks like heavily fried food, and processed items. Eat more fresh fruits and seasonal vegetables.
Be more active. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to more sluggish thinking. A few moments of brisk walking or exercising can lead to more clarity of thought. No wonder people used to go on a walk to “clear their heads” in the old times!
Eat brain-friendly food. Eat more green veggies, food rich in omega -3 fatty acids (fishes like pomfret or sardine), and anti-oxidants-rich food like green tea to be more mentally agile.
Meditate more. This will help relax the brain as well as the body.
Work to improve your memory. If forgetfulness is a habit, try writing important things down so that you don’t have to wrack your brain to remember what you have forgotten.

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