Stress, sleep changes, and other factors can cause brain fog. It can cause confusion and other problems.

Brain fog is not a medical condition but a symptom of other conditions. It is a type of cognitive problem.

  • There are problems with memory.
  • There is a lack of clarity.
  • Poor concentration.
  • An inability to concentrate.

Some people describe it as mental fatigue. Brain fog can affect school or work. It can be a part of your life.

There are many reasons why brain fog happens. You can fix the problem if you identify the underlying cause. There are six possible causes.

1. Stress

Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, weaken the immune system, and trigger Depression., according to 2017 research. It can also cause mental fatigue.

It becomes harder to think, reason, and focus when your brain is exhausted.

2. Lack of sleep

Poor sleep quality can interfere with how well your brain functions, according to 2021 research. Aim for 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night.

Sleeping too little can lead to Poor concentration. and cloudy thoughts.

3. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes can also trigger brain fog, according to 2018 research. Levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy. This change can affect memory and cause short-term cognitive impairment.

Similarly, a drop in estrogen levels during menopause can cause forgetfulness, Poor concentration., and cloudy thinking, according to 2019 research.

4. Diet

Diet can also play a role in brain fog. Vitamin B12 supports healthy brain function, and a vitamin B12 deficiency can bring about brain fog, according to a 2021 research review.

If you have food allergies or sensitivities, brain fog may develop after eating certain foods. These include:

  • Aspartame.
  • There are peanuts.
  • dairy

It is possible to remove foods from your diet that cause symptoms.

5. Medications

If you notice brain fog while taking medication, talk with your doctor. Brain fog may be a known side effect of these medications, according to 2021 research. Lowering your dosage or switching to another drug may improve your symptoms.

Brain fog can also occur after cancer treatments. This is referred to as chemo brain.

6. Medical conditions

Medical conditions associated with inflammation, fatigue, or changes in blood glucose level can also cause mental fatigue. For example, brain fog is a symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, which involves persistent fatigue for a prolonged period of time, according to 2020 research.

People who have fibromyalgia may experience similar fogginess on a daily basis, according to a 2015 research review.

Other conditions that may cause brain fog include:

“If you have a lack of clarity that doesn’t improve, you should talk to a doctor.”

A single test is not enough to diagnose brain fog. A doctor will conduct a physical examination if you have brain fog.

  • Mental health.
  • diet
  • The level of physical activity.
  • Current drugs or supplements.

You should let your doctor know about other symptoms you might have. For example, someone with There is an underdeveloped hypothyroidism. may have brain fog along with hair loss, dry skin, weight gain, or brittle nails.

Your doctor can use blood work to find the cause of brain fog. A blood test can tell you if there is something.

  • There are irregular levels of the blood sugar.
  • Poor organ function.
  • There are deficiencies in the nutrition.
  • infections
  • inflammatory diseases

Based on the results, your doctor will determine whether to investigate further. Other diagnostic tools may include imaging tests to look inside the body, like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scans.

Allergy testing and a sleep study can be conducted by the doctor.

If you keep a food journal, you can determine if your diet contributes to brain fog.

Brain fog treatment depends on the cause. For example, if you’re anemic, iron supplements may increase your production of red blood cells and reduce your brain fog.

If you’re diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, a doctor may recommend a corticosteroid or other medication to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system.

“Sometimes, it’s possible to relieve brain fog by changing medications, or improving the quality of sleep.”

Home remedies to improve brain fog.

  • Sleeping 8 to 9 hours per night.
  • Managing stress by knowing your limitations and avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
  • exercising.
  • Try to strengthen your thinking abilities by volunteering or solving brain puzzles.
  • finding things to do
  • Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Brain fog can be frustrating, but it is possible to get relief. If you ignore your symptoms, brain fog can affect your quality of life. Mental clarity can improve once the underlying cause is addressed.