If you're experiencing constant brain fog or you're always tired, it's worth checking your diet for four in particular: vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and magnesium.
Vitamin B2 and vitamin B7 help the nervous system, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6 are required to support neurotransmitters and cellular communication, and vitamin B9 eases mental fatigue. Taking a regular B complex supplement that includes all the necessary B vitamins can help to reduce symptoms of brain fog.
There are a number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can result in brain fog. These include inadequate levels of B vitamins, magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin D. In addition to vitamins and minerals, the brain also needs adequate intake of healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids.
Commonly referred to as brain fog, slow cognition or difficulty with concentration and memory can all indicate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the brain, so without it the brain cannot perform as well.
Aim for around 8 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Sleeping too little can lead to cloudy thoughts and poor engagement. Diet: what you eat and drink can play a part in contributing to brain fog. Vitamin B12 sustains healthy brain function, and being deficient in this can bring about brain fog.
It's not the same as dementia and does not mean structural damage to the brain. People usually recover from brain fog. You may get similar symptoms after other infections, a minor head injury or during the menopause. Brain fog is also common if you have depression, anxiety or stress.
Choose Foods That Fight Brain Fog
Studies have shown that turmeric can help with brain fog thanks to the active compound, curcumin, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties – helping with inflammation associated with the condition.
In general, there aren't any known medications or treatments that correct brain fog directly. To immediately address most chronic stressors, Dr. Krishnan suggests focusing on improving your sleep, getting good nutrition and exercising 30 minutes every day, five days a week.
Vitamins A, C and D are often included in products that claim to benefit the brain. But while these vitamins are important for overall health, there's no evidence that they boost memory, cognition or brain health.
When it comes to brain health, focus on the three B's : vitamins B6, B12, and B9 (folate). “These three types of B vitamins are necessary for the brain's normal functioning,” says Dr. Agarwal, “and any deficiency in them may increase the risk of memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline.”
Brain fog
Omega-3s support brain cell health, facilitate communication within your brain, boost blood flow, and support cognition. Without enough omega-3s, your brain can't function at its best. Common signs of omega-3 deficiency include brain fog, poor memory, and difficulty concentrating.
While too little vitamin D can cause brain fog, weakness, and frequent infections, taking too much in supplement form (overdosing on vitamins from food is unlikely) can cause dangerous adverse effects, including kidney failure, she explained.
While spacing out can simply be a sign that you are sleep deprived, stressed, or distracted, it can also be due to a transient ischemic attack, seizure, hypotension, hypoglycemia, migraine, transient global amnesia, fatigue, narcolepsy, or drug misuse.
Brain fog can be a symptom of many illnesses, such as COVID-19 and autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. However, it also occurs due to lifestyle factors, such as stress, burnout, lack of sleep, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Symptoms can vary based on the cause, but common symptoms of brain fog include: Difficulty with concentration: Your brain may feel fuzzy, and it may be hard to think clearly. Memory loss: This can affect your short-term memory, so you might feel forgetful or be unable to remember what you were doing a moment ago.
Diagnostic tests your healthcare provider may utilize include: Blood tests to understand possible brain fog causes (e.g., vitamin B12, COVID-19 antibody test, or thyroid stimulating hormone). Brain imaging tests, like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to evaluate for neurological conditions.
Based on current data, magnesium taurate and glycinate have the most research supporting their effects on anxiety and other mental health disorders. Magnesium malate and threonine have also demonstrated therapeutic effects and may be useful in many psychiatric cases.