Brain Fog: Definition, Causes, and Natural Remedies

Forgetting things and being absentminded is a common occurrence among all of mankind. We all tend to forget the small stuff—our wallets or glasses before leaving the house, or we may not be able to remember the name of a person we just met.

However, when the forgetfulness becomes more intense or recalling something gets tough, it may be a symptom of brain fog. Brain fog is a genuine issue that disrupts productivity and health. Read on to find out what brain fog is and how to resolve this issue.

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a type of cognitive dysfunction that's used to describe a variety of mental issues. The term is often used to describe symptoms such as inability to focus or concentrate, memory lapses, short-term memory issues, extreme and constant feelings of tiredness, and forgetfulness.

Brain fog is a serious concern and is different from feeling a bit lost or overwhelmed occasionally.

Potential Causes of Brain Fog

There is a variety of conditions that can cause brain fog—some that are easily treatable, and others that will require medical intervention—including:

• High-stress levels
• Psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Not getting enough exercise
• Lack of sleep
• Hormonal imbalances
• Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and folic acid
• Medical conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney and liver diseases, and Lyme disease
• Low blood glucose or low sodium levels
• Infections, including viral infections and tuberculosis. In fact, brain fog is even a post-COVID symptom that people are experiencing
• Dehydration

Rarely, in some cases, brain fog can be the harbinger of major psychiatric problems such as dementia, brain stroke, or brain tumor.

How to Treat Brain Fog Naturally

The treatment option for brain fog depends entirely on the potential cause, and some natural treatments include:

• Getting more sleep Studies suggest that 7-9 hours of sleep each night is good for the body and brain.
• Be active and exercise Regular exercise helps increase your blood flow which improves wakefulness and diminishes brain fog.

• Manage your stress Dedicate an hour or so in your busy schedule to practice stress reduction therapies such as meditation, journaling, reading, and exercising.
• Eat healthily and drink plenty of water Include foods that are brain protective. Leafy green vegetables, blueberries, and high protein foods in your diet can help do so. Omega-3s are a great way to keep your brain healthy and avoid brain shrinkage. Sufficient water keeps you hydrated and prevents brain fog.
• Home remedy for brain fog Certain herbs for brain fog have been used for centuries. Examples of herbs for brain fog include Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Guduchi Gingko Biloba, Lemon balm, and Shankhapushpi, which can improve your concentration and focus.

Supplements for Brain Fog

Brain fog can be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing your body with the following ingredients may reverse the problem:

• Magnesium, vitamin C, and L-Theanine
• Nutrient-rich diets Those high in antioxidants boost brain power and help prevent brain fog. Among the various natural remedies, turmeric and zinc for brain fog are among the most popular ones.
• Other vitamins Especially B-vitamins and vitamin D have been found to improve brain fog. But too much vitamin D and brain fog are also associated, so it's best to stay within the recommended doses for these nutrients.

Looking for a particular supplement to relieve brain fog? See our brain-boosting supplement.