Brain Fog: Symptoms, Causes And 7 Ways Of Treatment To Your Stress

When it comes to overall well-being, brain health plays a significant role in determining it. We have frequently overlooked mental health, depression and anxiety. Still, these conditions can often pose great risks to our neurological system and deprive us of mental focus, clarity, and sufficient brain power.

According to the journal ‘Nature Reviews Neurology’, approximately 50% of people with COVID-19 experience brain fog, and up to 30% of people continue to experience brain fog months after recovering from the virus.

Mental confusion, or brain fog, as it is popularly called, is an alarming condition associated with our brain that tends to take a risk on our physical and emotional well-being. Keep reading the blog to learn more about brain fog, why it occurs, and other possible causes. 

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Brain Fog?

2. What Are Brain Fog Symptoms?

3. What Are Brain Fog Causes?

4. What Are Brain Fog Treatments?

5. What Is Post Covid Brain Fog?

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog, or simply mental fog, is not a medical condition but a symptomatic representation of numerous diseases. In addition to confusion, forgetfulness, and attention issues, a person with brain fog also experiences low energy levels, mood swings, or sadness. Various conditions can cause brain fog, including stress, insomnia, and pre-existing mental or medical conditions.

A state of brain fog points out that your mind is having difficulty performing its usual tasks, which is exhibited in your day-to-day activities and productivity. Brain fog sounds inoffensive, but if left untreated, it can negatively impact your life and lead to various physical and mental conditions, like obesity, menstruation irregularity, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Also Read: How Can Mushroom Coffee Improve Your Mental Health And Overall Well-Being?

What Are Brain Fog Symptoms?

Individuals dealing with brain fog may experience the following symptoms:

• Trouble sleeping, insomnia  

• Headaches  

• Low energy or fatigue  

• Impaired cognitive function  

• Mood swings  

• Irritable  

• Forgetfulness  

• Trouble concentrating  

• Low motivation, lack of ideas  

• Excessive absences  

• Mildly depressed

What Are Brain Fog Causes?

Constant feelings of being mentally tired and fuzzy can impact thinking. A drastic lifestyle change is the root cause of brain fog. 

Other Medical And Mental Conditions

Hormonal imbalance, like during menopause, insulin resistance, PCOS, and thyroid conditions, may cause brain fog. Various medical conditions, like diabetes or migraine, autoimmune diseases, including lupus and multiple sclerosis, and pre-existing mental conditions can worsen the brain fog. 

Also Read: Importance Of Mental Health - ToneOp

What Are Brain Fog Treatments?

Treating brain fog needs time and effort, as it is essential first to treat the underlying conditions. There are many things that you should know to cure brain fog and improve brain function:

1. Adequate Sleep  

Improve your sleep pattern, as sleep deprivation can hinder your brain function. Make a schedule of timely sleeping for 8 to 9 hours, at least. A regular sleep pattern helps in healthy brain function and sharp memory. Late and irregular sleep can lead to decreased concentration and mental fatigue. 

A study published in the journal `Nature Neuroscience’ found that sleep deprivation leads to a buildup of toxic proteins in the brain. These proteins are linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

2. Free Your Brain From Stress

Reduce stress as much as you can. Decrease your workload if it is causing too much load on your brain, making it harder to concentrate.  According to the journal `Psychoneuroendocrinology’ found that chronic stress can decrease the size of the hippocampus, which is a brain region involved in memory and learning. 

3. Avoid Alcohol Consumption  

You must avoid the intake of alcohol, cigarettes, and excessive quantities of caffeine. Alcohol is a depressant that can impair brain function and coordination. 

4. Treat Your Low Blood Volume  

For a person suffering from low blood haemoglobin levels( anaemia), it's pivotal to take medicine and supplements to treat anaemia. Increased iron supplements can help produce red blood cells, which helps improve your brain function.   

5. Regular Physical Activity 

Doing regular exercise can improve blood circulation, normalise blood pressure, make you active, and improve brain function. Obesity is also considered responsible for causing brain fog. The ‘Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’ (CDC) claims that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer, according to the CDC. 

6. Find Leisure Time  

Find pleasure in pursuing hobbies, socialising or playing games similar to solving puzzles, etc., as it helps reduce stress and improves concentration. A study published in the journal ‘Psychology of Health’ found that hobbies can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase social connection.

7. Healthy Diet  

Improving diet or eating healthy is essential to improve mental health. Foods rich in acceptable quantities of protein, calories, vitamins, etc., can help sharpen memory. Regularly eating fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, and fats can give sufficient minerals for treating brain fog. Drink plenty of water or fluids to correct dehydration. 

What Is Post Covid Brain Fog?

The effects of brain fog can be similar to sleep deprivation or stress. It is not the same as dementia, as it does not cause structural damage to your brain.

People can usually see recovery from brain fog. You are more likely to get similar symptoms after other infections, which may include a minor head injury. Brain fog is said to be common if you have depression, anxiety or stress.

You must have seen that while recovering from COVID-19 two years back, some people have experienced brain fog symptoms for a short period, and others have experienced brain fog for several months or longer. Speak to your GP if you are worried about symptoms of brain fog.

Symptoms of this may vary and can change over time. It is not just people who were hospitalised with coronavirus who can develop and suffer from brain fog. It is a common part of long-term COVID infection. Anxiety, depressed mood and fatigue all play a vital role in affecting how your brain functions. In real-life situations, it might take you a longer time or repetitions to remember a person’s name or a new phone number than it did before, or you forget about your assignments and appointments more now than before the infection. 

The Final Say

So, there you have it – a deep dive into the world of brain fog, its symptoms, and a toolbox of strategies to reclaim your mental clarity. Remember, brain fog is a common visitor, but you do not have to welcome it every time. While it is not just a symptom of fatigue, it can drastically change your work and day-to-day lifestyle, leading to severe depression and low self-esteem.

By prioritising sleep, nurturing your body with real food, and practising stress-busting techniques, you can empower yourself to banish the fog and unleash your brain's true potential!

FAQs

1. How can you clear brain fog instantly? 

To clear brain fog instantly, you can take a short brisk walk, practice deep breathing exercises, or drink a glass of water to rehydrate.

2. What are the common symptoms and causes of brain fog? 

Brain fog symptoms include 

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory issues

• Mental fatigue

  
  

Brain fog causes include 

• Stress

• Lack of sleep

• Medical conditions like thyroid disorders

3. How can you alleviate the fuzzy head feeling associated with brain fog? 

To alleviate a fuzzy head feeling or foggy head, try to get enough rest, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular physical activity.

4. What are the typical symptoms of post-COVID brain fog? 

Post-COVID brain fog may show symptoms like 

• Memory problems

• Difficulty thinking clearly

• Fuzzy head and tiredness

• Sense of mental cloudiness or fog

5. What strategies can help manage menopause brain fog and its associated tiredness?

Managing menopausal brain fog and tiredness involves hormone therapy, lifestyle changes, and cognitive exercises. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for personalised guidance.

References

• What is COVID-19 brain fog — and how can you clear it? - Harvard Health

• What is Covid-19 Brain Fog & How can You Recover? | Lifespan

About ToneOp

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