Brain fog is a word used to express the sensation of being intellectually slow and foggy rather than a medical illness. It can be a sign of underlying medical issues.
Brain fog is an uncomfortable feeling of being disoriented. It can be challenging to pay attention to what is happening around you, concentrate on the tasks, or recall things. You can feel out of sorts and unrecognizable to yourself as a result.
According to Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a professor and clinical psychologist in New York City, brain fog feels like a loss of mental clarity and can interfere with your concentration and memory.
According to National Centre For Biotechnology Information (NCBI), many people experience brain fog due to inadequate sleep, allergies, or anti-histamine medicines. But some medical disorders like stress can lead to prolonged mental fog.
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How does brain fog feel?
There are numerous ways that brain fog may develop. It might feel like nobody is in your house, even if the lights are on and everyone is home.
You may not be able to focus for long on discussions, activities at work, or even the words you’re reading. It is impossible to determine that even the most minor decisions matter. You need more coffee to concentrate, more snacks to keep up, and more alcohol at night to temporarily dispel the fog. In more severe cases, you may get headaches or even nausea.
Treatment for brain fog: How to eliminate it
According to MedicalNewsToday, your doctor will work with you to comprehend your whole medical history and current symptoms as part of the treatment for brain fog. They will then request blood work to assess your thyroid function and heavy metal levels. Your doctor can create a specific treatment plan for your symptoms using the information you provide. These are a few suggestions that medical professionals and health coaches might provide to assist you in overcoming brain fog.
1. Rest your gastrointestinal system
Intermittent fasting is very popular when it comes to nutrition and weight loss. Although frequent feeding can improve brain function and lower the risk of neurodegenerative disorders, calorie restriction is still necessary and advantageous for goals other than weight loss.
Start by increasing the interval between your final and your first meal of the day to clear your head and regain some mental clarity. Plan for 12 hours. This encourages a procedure called ketogenesis, a metabolic pathway that produces ketone bodies, which can prompt brain cells. However, ketogenesis can be challenging and should only be conducted under the supervision of an expert.
2. Have sound sleeping habits
The common mistake people make while trying to maximize their time is going to bed late and getting up early, whether juggling work, school, or any other upcoming deadlines. Because cognitive capacities deteriorate with a lack of sleep, this usually backfires.
Get at least seven hours of rest every night, and if you can, eight or nine. According to Pew Research Center, your work will get more proficient and take less time to produce work of this caliber.
3. Strike a balance between vigorous workouts and active tune-ins
Numerous forms of physical activity activate the sympathetic nervous system, which is in charge of “fight or flight” reactions. Unfortunately, your body cannot distinguish between running on a treadmill and fleeing away from danger. Both seem to your body as stress. Stress can result in brain fog.
The parasympathetic nervous system is in charge of activating “feed and breed” or “rest and digest” processes that take place when the body is at rest. Flexing your parasympathetic nervous system, which is active during relaxation and aids in calming your body and mind, will help you minimize stress. You can achieve this by including more yoga and meditation in your daily practice.
4. Give your mind food
Your brain contains a lot of fat and protein. Does reducing our dietary intake of these food groups make sense? No. Your brain does not like processed sugary foods. Keep to a plant-based Paleo diet (primarily vegetables, enough protein, and some good fats), and get lots of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, and omega-3 fatty acids for their ability to reduce inflammation. You should also raise your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help your body produce more energy naturally.
Read More: Is Stress Actually Good For You?
Takeaway
Brain health is essential for cerebral function, but it is also crucial for emotional well-being. Your ideas and feelings are inseparably linked, so if you want to feel well, you need to think positively.
Although it might be annoying, brain fog is treatable. Because brain fog can affect your quality of life if left untreated, you should not disregard your symptoms. Your mental clarity can increase after the root reason is treated.
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