Got Brain Fog? Try These Supplements!

Have you ever felt like your mind is thick, heavy — like no matter how hard you try, thoughts just will not come? Maybe it shows up mid-afternoon while you’re sitting at your desk, just trying to get through the last hours of your work day. Or maybe it’s more persistent than that — something you experience on a daily basis.

You’re not alone! While “brain fog” is not a medically recognized term, it is a common phrase that sums up symptoms of confusion, forgetfulness and a general lack of mental clarity. That feeling that “your head just isn’t on straight” is common, but its not normal. Feeling foggy? It’s time to reevaluate.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the eight primary causes of brain fog, as well as discuss a few of the most highly recommended supplements for mental clarity. Let’s get you back on track!

THE 8 MAIN CAUSES OF BRAIN FOG

While sometimes tied to a diagnosable medical condition, mental sluggishness or inability to focus is most often lifestyle or diet-related. Here are some of the most common reasons you might be experiencing brain fog:

1. You’re overdoing it on refined carbohydrates and sugar.

Too much, then too little glucose puts your brain on a blood sugar rollercoaster ride. Low blood sugar leads to mood swings, irritability, fatigue and confusion. Sound familiar? To combat brain fog related to diet, work on eating more protein and high-fiber grains and vegetables. a

2. You aren’t getting enough healthy fats.

Low-fat diets are a scam. Your brain is largely comprised of fat and low-fat diets have been as damaging to our brains as they have been to our waistlines. (Spoiler: low-fat diets are making us heavier.) When you don’t eat enough healthy fats — think olive oil, wild salmon, nut butter, avocado — your brain begins to literally digest itself in order to get the nutrients it needs.

3. You have a food allergy.

Eating foods that you are sensitive or allergic to can certainly cause brain fog. At the top of the list are dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish. If you suspect that you are having an adverse reaction to foods you normally eat, consider eliminating them from your diet, then note how you feel.

4. You’re addicted to caffeine.

It’s no secret that a cup of tea or coffee can help you stay alert. The downside is this: caffeine is addictive. If you’ve been cut off from your supply or are intentionally weaning yourself off the stuff, it’s likely that you’ll experience symptoms like brain fog or headaches — even something as alarming as nausea!

5. You are encountering too many chemicals in daily life.

Chemicals are everywhere — in our soaps, in our menstrual products, in our food. Two of the most prevalent chemical additives (MSG and artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose) are horrible for your brain, causing symptoms like brain fog, mood swings, headaches, dizziness and depression.

6. You’re being triggered by gluten.

It’s not only people with celiac disease that experience brain fog when they eat wheat. Gluten, the main protein in wheat, is known to trigger all sorts of negative reactions in the body. In fact, it’s been tied to diseases like schizophrenia, autism, dementia and ADHD. Yikes!

7. You’re dehydrated.

There’s a reason drinking water is one of the first suggestions you’ll get if you have a headache. Your brain is made up of 75 percent water by volume, and even mild hydration will affect your ability to think clearly and creatively. The bummer is this: more than 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Odds are, you are too!

8. You have a nutritional deficiency.

If you’re eating healthy, avoiding processed foods and drinking plenty of water, but your mind is still fuzzy, it’s possible your brain just needs a boost! Your brain needs all sorts of essential nutrients to work efficiently (vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 essential fatty acids) and a deficiency can come across as brain fog. Think you fall into this category? Try one of the brain supplements listed below.

THE BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR BRAIN FOG & MENTAL CLARITY

Vitamin D

Other than thyroid hormones, vitamin D is the only other hormone that every cell in your body requires to thrive. Vitamin D helps support the creation of new neural connections, so work on getting safe sun exposure, increasing levels in your diet and supplementing.

Activated B Vitamins

Methylation, your body’s biochemical “superhighway,” plays an important role in brain function and maintaining detox pathways. This process is primarily supported by B vitamins, so it’s a great idea to take activated B vitamins like B9 L-Methylfolate and B6 Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate. Isn’t that a mouthful?!

Magnesium 1-Threonate 

If you’re feeling brain fog in tandem with a “strung out” feeling, you might benefit from taking a magnesium supplement. It’s thought that up to 75 percent of Americans don’t get enough of this mineral — a fact that’s really distressing considering how vital it is to more than 600 biological functions.

Bacopa

An Ayurvedic herb, Bacopa monnieri has been used for centuries to strengthen memory centers and balance neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. It also decreases your likelihood of forgetting new information and may even have a positive effect on depression! Note: no safety studies have been conducted regarding pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid this one if you’re expecting.

Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea)

A well-loved herb in traditional Chinese medicine, Arctic root is one of a number of remedies that can increase your resilience in the face of stress and anxiety by increasing activity of neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. In fact, back in the day, the Vikings used it to increase physical and mental stamina!