What Is Brain Fog: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Get Rid of It

Ah, brain fog. We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re late for work but stop dead in your tracks because you forgot your…. what? What in the world did you forget? You’ve got your keys, your phone is in hand, and you remembered to put shoes on this time, but what are you missing? Whatever it was is now lost in the midst of brain fog and forgetfulness. 

A lack of mental clarity is something we all experience from time to time, but what causes it, and what’s the best way to kick it to the curb? We’ll tell you. In this post, we’re exploring the vast world of cognitive function to uncover all there is to know about brain fog. Are you ready? 

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is Brain Fog?

Despite what some may believe, brain fog isn’t a defined medical condition or illness — it’s essentially just the moniker we use to describe a sluggish, fuzzy mind. 

In the simplest of terms, brain fog basically feels like the lights are on, but no one’s home. Focusing becomes an unfathomable task, energy levels are almost non-existent, and you may often experience minor headaches. 

What Do the Symptoms Look Like?

Truth be told, brain fog can look and feel different from person to person. However, some common symptoms of brain fog may include:

• Inability to focus 
• Poor concentration
• Memory problems
• Mental fatigue
• Difficulty multitasking
• Sensations of confusion
• Difficulty calculating or problem-solving 

An individual with brain fog can still think and work, but the input is unclear and takes longer to process. In other words, the capacity for clarity, concentration, speed, memory, and innovative thinking are reduced. 

What Are Some Causes of Brain Fog?

Many things can cause brain fog, but here are some of the top culprits:

Stress

There’s no denying that a frazzled mind can mess with cognitive function, though in some cases, stress is actually a good thing and can also sharpen your memory. 

You’ve likely heard of the fight-or-flight reaction, right? That’s when your brain signals danger and, in response, releases hormones and neurochemicals to help us stay safe. But when stress is long-lasting, those itty-bitty brain substances stick around much longer than they should, eventually causing the hippocampus to get overwhelmed — which can lead to brain fog, minor memory loss, and even mental health issues. 

Hormone Fluctuations

Hormonal transitions are quite common throughout life — whether during that special time of the month, pregnancy, menopause, or just unexpected changes in your lifestyle. Well, more often than not, these things leave the brain feeling fuzzy and even confused. 

But don’t just take our word for it: According to one recent study, researchers found that a whopping 60 percent of women have difficulty concentrating during menopause due to hormonal changes. This is likely due to the plummeting levels of estrogen, an essential hormone that plays a key role in cognition.

Poor Sleep Habits

Let’s be honest — it’s a no-brainer that a lack of sleep can contribute to a fuzzy mind, but did you know that too much shut-eye can make you feel foggy, too? 

The amount of sleep you get can have various neurological effects and can even contribute to cognitive impairment. According to one study, researchers found that women who slept more than nine hours experienced worse cognition, the equivalent of aging almost two years. 

To keep your mind as sharp as a tack, aim for 7 to nine hours of restful sleep. Need some help to catch those Zzzs? Check out Sleeping Beauty — a powerful blend of snoozy ingredients to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.*

Any Tips To Get Rid of Brain Fog?

If brain fog is plaguing your existence, consider these helpful tips:

1. Maintain a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is key in the battle against brain fog. Incorporate plenty of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are specifically vital to executive function and the brain’s blood flow. 

Not sure where to find a good quality fish oil supplement? Try our Omega-3s — it contains both EPA and DHA, which operate like premium brain fuel, helping to deliver nourishing nutrients to the brain for a balanced mood and great cognitive function.*

Vitamin B12 is key for cognitive function and nervous system health, and is primarily found in animal-based foods like:

• Meats
• Eggs
• Cheeses
• Yogurt
• Seafood

If you follow a plant-based diet, consult your healthcare provider to see if supplementation may be necessary. Deficiencies from an inadequate diet can stack up and leave you feeling depleted, lethargic, and overall out of it. 

Our Daily Love multivitamin is packed with vitamins D, B12, B6, and C, alongside zinc, calcium, iron, biotin, and magnesium for the ultimate wellness support.* Just take two capsules daily, and be ready to take on the day! 

2. Get Tested for COVID-19

The coronavirus is known to cause inflammation in the brain, sometimes known as long COVID, which can ultimately lead to side effects like brain fog and cognitive dysfunction. If your fuzzy mind goes hand in hand with other cold symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or fever, you may want to check in with your healthcare provider to get tested for COVID-19 infection. 

3. Take Probiotics

Probiotics can do wonders for the gut, but did you know these little microbes can support brain health, too? Give your smartest organ a boost with Big Brain Probiotics — a natural blend of probiotics and nootropics to help support brain function and cognitive health while helping to maintain a healthy mood and sense of calm.*

Pro Tip: Pair Big Brain Probiotics with our other targeted probiotics to support the Gut-Brain-Vagina Axis for full-body health, wellness, and harmony. We recommend Good Girl Probiotics for your vagina and Gut Feelings Probiotics for ultimate gut health.

The Final Word

And there you have it, everything you need to know about brain fog! While a lack of mental clarity isn’t typically a major cause for concern, it’s a good idea to reach out to your doctor if it’s a normal occurrence — especially if you try some of our tips and tricks listed above to no avail. 

Brain fog can be frustrating, but relief is possible. So don’t ignore your symptoms because if left untreated, this fuzziness just might impact the quality of your life — and not in a good way!

Here at Love Wellness, we’re on a mission to bring natural solutions to the masses. Whether you’re hoping to give your cognition a boost or simply need some help with focus, you can count on us to have just what you need to feel your best.