What Causes Brain Fog and What to Do About It
By Sandy Schroeder
We all have days when we blank on a name, forget where we put our keys, or simply feel a little foggy as we wade through our work. I know I am having one of those days when I catch my family watching me with raised eyebrows, or find my keys neatly tucked away in some improbable spot.
According to Prevention, doctors say this is a fairly common issue that is usually not serious. However, ongoing struggles for clarity can point to thyroid disorder, anemia, stroke, diabetes, depression or Alzheimer's disease. If it persists, you might want to see your doctor to trace the problem.
Brain fog can also be triggered by these things.
Sleeplessness - Skating by on less than 7 hours a night can be very hard on the brain, leaving no time to mend the cares of the day.
Stress - When finances, family issues, health, or work create challenges, the brain may just fog over.
Medications - Look at what you are taking and check in with your doctor about possible reactions to prescriptions.
A bad diet - We really are what we eat. If we insist on loading up on burgers, pizzas and fries, the body and the brain may show the effects of missing nutrients and vitamins from healthy choices such as fruits and veggies.
Chemotherapy - Cancer patients sometimes experience forgetfulness and confusion during treatment.
Ways to Make Brain Fog Go Away
Here's what you can do to try to clear your head.
Make sleep a priority - Get the recommended 7 to 9 hours by going to bed at the same time every night, including weekends. Cut off use of phones, TV and laptops at least two hours before bedtime, and create a sleep ritual with soft music, warm baths or a simple snack.
Keep the protein coming - Stick with high-protein foods and go easy on the carb-loaded meals to stimulate the neurons in the brain.
Stay hydrated - Carry a canister of water and sip it through the day to keep blood flowing to the brain.
Do a few power naps - Brief naps can re-energize the brain, too.
Exercise your right to clear thinking - Try for 30 minutes of daily moderate activity to improve the blood and oxygen flow to the brain. Even 10 minutes of stair-walking has been shown to improve memory, retention and reaction time better than a jolt of espresso.
If brain fog appears suddenly, is intense or interrupts daily activities, see your doctor to check for hormonal imbalances, diabetes, nutrient issues or medication effects.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loveland, Colo.