Everyone has gone through the sensation of their brain feeling foggy at least once.
For some people, though, it’s a constant problem. No matter how hard they try, it seems as though attaining mental clarity is almost inconceivable.
People can have difficulties with staying focused and remembering things for a variety of reasons. The most distinct modifications are the alterations in brain capacity and structure that come with age.
However, numerous different components can have an affect on the way we think and remember, which in most cases can be reversed with proper care.
Let’s explore methods that can help restore mental clarity.
Brain Fog and Mental Clarity
It is helpful to provide a clear definition for these two terms, which are often used interchangeably.
What Is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is a sign, not an established medical or wellness condition.
This can be expressed as having difficulties with keeping focused, a lack of memory, being lethargic and confused thinking.
There are certain kinds of mental fatigue that lots of us have undergone.
- The inability to process information after a night of heavy partying and overindulgence. (In simple terms, a hangover).
- The brain freeze that can occur when faced with a difficult or seemingly-unsolvable task.
- Writer’s block that’s the bane of authors’ and journalists’ existence.
- The normal but troubling memory and thought-processing difficulties that accompany neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The first three problems are usually temporary. The first problem (the headache associated with drinking too much) will eventually go away of its own accord, and the next two can be dealt with. The last problem can only be eased, not solved.
Issues with memory, thinking, confusion, or concentrating that endure over a long period of time may be a sign that a diagnosis and a response to help restore mental acuity is necessary.
How does brain fog manifest?
People dealing with brain fog generally have a lack of energy and feel very mentally exhausted. They are quickly diverted and undergo fluctuations in their emotions, having trouble focusing on everyday tasks and even conversing.
Due to the mental confusion, people might become easily frustrated and may experience frequent headaches or migraines. These signs will result in a lowering of drive, depression and worry intensifying the harshness of the effects. You may experience sleeplessness as well as an enduring sense of disorientation.
What Is Mental Clarity?
When one is in a state of mental focus and sharpness, it is referred to as mental clarity. It’s the opposite of brain fog.
Having mental clarity keeps you focused, enables you to quickly recall significant details and recollections, and let you weigh all crucial facts before deciding.
In today’s society, it can be challenging for individuals to focus and stay mentally sharp, even when they are in the best of conditions.
A major contributing factor to the lack of focus these days is the quick expansion of daily diversions like social media, which can make it even more difficult to concentrate on work that is actually productive.
Don’t believe it?
A few years back, Microsoft did a survey that stated the standard human attention span had fallen to a meager 8 seconds. That represents a drop of 25% compared to the year 2000 when people used to read papers and watch the news on television instead of devoting a lot of time on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
When ongoing confusion persists, it is necessary to identify what is creating the issue. There are several possibilities.
Potential Causes of Brain Fog
Many mental health or medical issues can lead to a lack of mental clarity. Several of those issues may be intertwined.
Lack of Sleep
This is a common cause of brain fog.
Not getting enough sleep can be linked to a reduction in wellbeing and one of the most common manifestations is a drop in attentiveness and brainpower.
A lot of people aren’t aware that they’re not getting enough rest and don’t experience any physical issues. They could be continuing to abide by the “recommendation” of getting 7-8 hours of sleep nightly that they have been told about on multiple occasions from their parents, teachers, and medical professionals.
Here’s the truth. Not sleeping for seven hours or less can unquestionably have negative effects on one’s physical health, though the amount of rest required differs a great deal from person to person. The perfect quantity is contingent upon factors such as age, physical fitness, and health and medical conditions. Not everyone requires the traditional eight hours of sleep; some individuals can function just as well with less, while others may need more than eight hours.
Sleep deprivation has been found to have a detrimental effect on focus, vigilance, and recall.
Stress
Prolonged stress can have very detrimental effects on the human body and mind.
Studies of the scientific documentation demonstrate that stress in high amounts can harm immunologic activities and give rise to poorer cardiovascular performance, stomach issues, hormone production difficulties, and depression.
Pressure can adversely influence the nervous system and mind, resulting in issues ranging from trouble with memory, understanding and even physical changes in the brain’s anatomy.
When people are constantly fretting about the elements which are generating their tension, it turns out to be a huge hindrance that can result in psychological fatigue.
Hormones
It was only brought up quickly, but hormones are still an important part of this conversation: brain fog may also result from normal changes in the amount of hormones in the body.
Menopause, which is associated with a dip in estrogen levels, can lead to unexpected consequences such as impaired memory, inability to concentrate, and a lowered mental performance. Issues similar in nature can be generated by alterations in estrogen and progesterone degrees throughout pregnancy.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Several dietary factors can contribute to brain fog.
- Vitamin B-12 is essential for proper brain function, and B-12 deficiency has been shown to cause cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative disease.
- Diets high in refined carbohydrates (so-called “bad carbs” like white bread, flour, pasta, rice, and bakery treats) have been linked to neurocognitive issues.
- Sensitivities or allergies to some foods, including dairy products, peanuts, and the artificial sweetener aspartame, may cause brain inflammation and cognitive problems in addition to the more familiar physical symptoms.
- Consumption of gluten by patients with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity has been shown to cause brain fog.
Medical and Pharmaceutical Issues
Many health conditions may cause issues with mental clarity. Examples of autoimmune disorders encompass chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia, anemia, migraines, hypothyroidism, obesity, and even just plain dehydration. In some instances, depression could be held responsible for brain fog.
The use of certain medicines can lead to decreased focus and cognitive functioning, and a debilitating lack of clarity called “chemo fog” is frequently experienced as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Management of Brain Fog
If you are pondering the way to eliminate the feeling of mental confusion, you should first look into the cause. This issue cannot be solved immediately, but dealing with the source of it might provide some relief. It is also essential that you are ready to alter your lifestyle habits in order to get rid of being overly active.
Treatment for Co-existent Conditions
If you have anemia, the doctor might advise for you to take in additional amounts of iron, either in the form of supplements or through eating food sources high in iron, such as shellfish, spinach, organ meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds, or quinoa. If you have an autoimmune disease, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or other medications that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system.
If you are experiencing depression and/or anxiety, it is possible that you will be referred to cognitive behavioral therapy or a similar type of treatment. The purpose of these measures is to enable you to switch your pessimistic mentality into an optimistic one, constructing the capacity to withstand pressure and knowing how to get rid of mental confusion. In severe cases, your doctor might prescribe an antidepressant like Wellbutrin. Keep track of your medication reminders with CareClinic to view progress updates.
Treating Medical Causes of Poor Mental Clarity
Anyone already having physical or mental health issues should first check with the medical professional dealing with those issues to inquire if their mental confusion could be related to their health condition.
That’s not just a perfunctory suggestion. A variety of inflammatory or immune-related issues can bring about inflammation of the brain or spine, which can then lead to problems with concentration, memory, and general cognizant ability. Utilizing steroids as a form of treatment could potentially lessen the effects of brain fog in a shorter period of time.
Many other bodily or psychological/emotional circumstances that can lead to decreased brain functioning can be resolved. Iron supplementation can be effective for improving mental acuity that is associated with anemia, whilst therapy or psychiatric medications are frequently used to assist those with brain fog that is caused by depression or anxiety.
Modafinil for Brain Fog
Modafinil is a drug that can help with mental clarity and wakefulness and has been proven to be helpful in treating cognitive issues like brain fog. This condition is recognized as a lack of clear thinking accompanied by troubles with memory, and a feeling of being exhausted. Evidence suggests that Modafinil can be advantageous for those with sleep problems, such as narcolepsy, and can also provide mental clarity to those who do not have sleeping disorders.
It is unclear how modafinil exactly boosts brain activity, though it is theorized that it does so by upping the amount of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that is released in the brain and has an effect on cognition and motivation.
Brain Fog Anxiety Symptom
If you experience a fuzziness of thought and difficulty concentrating, it could be caused by stress. Anxiety can cause the mind to move rapidly and result in continual fretfulness, making it difficult to focus on something else. CBT and other forms of psychotherapy can be beneficial when it comes to helping you learn techniques to control your anxiousness and break the cycle of pessimistic thoughts.
Vitamins & Supplements
If the blood tests show that you have a lack of nutrients in your system, your doctor might suggest that you take a supplement. You might need to modify your eating habits by consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins and beneficial fats. Vitamins can be consumed in the form of both supplements and food, particularly in situations where a person has major nutritional lack. You can find out how to keep track of your vitamins and supplements here.
Herbal treatments may bolster the capability of the brain, aiding you in shaking off the sensation of mental fatigue. An example of something to think about is Bacopa Monnieri, a traditional herbal remedy which has been noted to enhance memory, alertness and overall brain wellbeing. It is advised that people who experience a lack of mental clarity due to lack of sleep utilize CBD oil as a way of improving the quality of their sleep.
Best Supplement for Brain Fog
The most beneficial addition to counteract mental confusion is omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 supplements help to improve cognitive function and memory. Additionally, they guard the brain from harm associated with getting older, as well as increasing circulation to the brain. They accomplish this by decreasing swelling and enhancing cell performance.
Other supplements include Vitamin b12, magnesium, and Rhodiola Rosea. These dietary supplements can also aid in bettering one’s mental capability and recalling abilities. A B-complex supplement contains all of the B vitamins. These vitamins are important for brain health. Vitamin B12 is crucial for mental capacity because it is obligated to make myelin, which is a component that guards nerve cells.
Magnesium can decrease inflammation and enhance circulation of blood to the brain. Rhodiola Rosea helps to improve mood and reduce stress. You could also give herbal solutions like Ginkgo Biloba and Gotu Kola a try. Ginkgo biloba enhances blood flow to the brain and shields against harm due to age. Research has indicated that Gotu Kola may enhance mental abilities such as thinking and remembering. Other dietary supplements can be beneficial in enhancing brain power and recall. If you’re having trouble selecting a suitable supplement, consult a healthcare provider. They will be able to give you direction regarding the optimum solution.
How Is Brain Fog Diagnosed?
The doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose brain fog, in order to identify any potential causes of the issue. You’ll have a dialogue about your everyday eating habits, present medication, physical activities, and psychological well-being.
The physician will inquire about the signs and symptoms experienced in addition to the mental confusion. For instance, if you have fragile nails, chapped skin, packed on some extra pounds, and are dealing with baldness, you could be struggling with hypothyroidism. A blood sample might be taken to check for sugar levels and any nutritional shortages.
Your doctor may suggest more detailed imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs for a more comprehensive diagnosis. A sleep study can be conducted to investigate the source of your sleeplessness, potentially leading to mental fatigue. You may be recommended to track what you eat in a food log to find out if your diet has anything to do with your mental fatigue, such as if you are having an adverse reaction to a certain food.