Discover the 13 Reasons for Brain Fog and Its Possible Treatments

Brain fog is not simply about feeling dizzy and lightheaded. With brain fog, a person experiences confusion, forgetfulness, a lack of focus, and difficulty in putting thoughts into words, which may last hours, days, or longer.

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However, brain fog should not be mistaken for dementia. Everyone forgets things from time to time, including young people. Brain fog also has specific causes that are not related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, which affect not just one’s memory but regular functions as well.

Here are the 13 common reasons for brain fog and its possible treatments:

1. Pregnancy. Pregnant women may experience brain fog as early as the first trimester of pregnancy. Forgetfulness, memory loss, and insomnia afflict a mother-to-be due to hormonal changes. Pregnancy causes a major surge of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which may bring about not just brain fog but mood swings, sore breasts, and acne flare-ups as well.

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What can you do? Relax and catch up on your sleep. Eat well and drink a lot of water. List down reminders. Play games that boost brainpower. And, every day, do not forget to appreciate and love yourself — you need to nurture your spirit in preparation for the challenging years of motherhood.

2. Menopause. This stage in a woman’s life also brings hormonal changes that can cause brain fog. In contrast to pregnancy, perimenopause marks a drastic drop in progesterone levels that results in a foggy brain, sudden mood changes, and disturbed sleep. This is followed by a decrease in estrogen levels, with menopausal women experiencing hot flashes that are characterized by higher body temperature, rapid heartbeat, and sudden sweating.

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To alleviate the symptoms, strive to sleep well and eat healthily. Make sure that you’re getting your daily recommended dose of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B6 and B12. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol. Meditation and brain games may also help. You can consult your health care provider, too, about herbs and supplements.

3. Sleep problems. Yes, good sleep is vital for brain health. Lack of sleep slows down the brain’s learning process, causes brain fog, and inflicts psychological anguish due to memory loss and forgetfulness. Those people who habitually deprive themselves of sleep are also easily affected by depression and social stress. And so, it’s always best to have enough sleep, from 7 to 9 hours for individuals aged 18 – 64 years old.

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4. Medication. Some types of medicine, both prescribed and over-the-counter, may cause your brain to be foggy. This may be due to your sensitivity to certain chemicals. When this happens, you must immediately consult your doctor.

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5. Stress and anxiety. A foggy brain can be caused by stress and anxiety, as well. These negative emotions can disrupt cognitive processes even though you may be doing your best not to think about them. Fear and stress may also trigger the body’s fight, flee, or freeze response — and the more you run away from stressful situations, the more you lose confidence and mental efficiency.

The best thing to do is to confront the cause of your stress and anxiety and resolve it, if it’s within your power. It is good to always remember the following prayer to achieve inner peace: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

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6. Depression. This is another kind of negative emotion that can make you feel confused, forgetful, and disorganized. In fact, 85% up to 94% of people who suffer from depression experience brain fog. In case of depression, seeking professional help is highly recommended. At home, you can help your condition by getting enough sleep, engaging in activities that you enjoy, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.

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7. Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This is a disease of the brain and central nervous system that has brain fog as one of its symptoms. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective covering of the nerve fibers, thereby disabling communication between the brain and the body. There is no cure for MS, but a doctor can help in treating its symptoms.

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8. Chemotherapy. Brain fog is among the side effects of the powerful drugs used in chemotherapy. For some people, this side effect may pass quickly, but others experience this condition for far longer. Keep a journal of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor so he can help ease the problem. Focusing on recovery and having a positive attitude can likewise help in alleviating the effects of a foggy brain.

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9. Lupus. Lupus fog is experienced by 70% – 80% of people afflicted by this autoimmune disease. The symptom may come and go, or it may persist for a long period of time. You can endure the condition better with help from support groups. Also, planning your day and writing down tasks and reminders can help you focus. Getting yourself involved in enjoyable activities will also give you relief.

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10. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). Known also as myalgic encephalomyelitis, the causes of this syndrome are unknown. Mental and physical activities aggravate this condition, but it does not get soothed by rest. The feeling of extreme fatigue usually lasts up to six months with other symptoms like dizziness, difficulty in focusing and concentrating, and unrefreshing sleep. There is no known cure for CFS, but your doctor can help you with treatment to attenuate the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing.

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11. Lack of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D and B12. Brain fog may also be caused by a poor diet. So make sure that you always get the recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals, including amino acids, for your age. Most of these nutrients can be derived from fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods.

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12. Toxins and Pollutants. Air pollution is just as damaging to the brain as heavy metal toxins and organic chemical compounds like dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls. While carbon monoxide, ground-level ozone, particulate matter, and other pollutants get inhaled from polluted air, organic compounds may also enter the human body through food. It is important to keep indoor air safe at home and at work and to avoid polluted places. Choosing quality foods is also essential.

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13. Computer vision syndrome. Yes, too much screen time can cause brain fog. Staring for a long time at your computer, cell phone, and other devices that emit electromagnetic radiation has a variety of negative effects, and this is one of them. In some people, another effect may be behavioral, such as addiction to cell phones, which neuroscientists call “digital dementia.” Online game addiction may even result in a structural change in the brain and a significant degree of gray matter atrophy.

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The healthiest option for this kind of condition is to limit screen time. If your job requires working on a computer, use blue-light-blocking glasses and take regular breaks to rest your eyes. It’s also important to eat foods that are rich in carotenoid antioxidants like green, leafy vegetables and other colorful plants. By keeping your eyes healthy, your brain is able to function efficiently.