Can’t Think Straight? Tips to Help Eliminate Brain Fog

by | Sep 16, 2020 | healthy eating

We all have those days where we can’t seem to concentrate on a task or have a hard time remembering things. Feeling mentally fatigued is usually a sign that something in our body is off, especially if this becomes a regular occurrence. These symptoms could be linked to brain fog, which is quite common as we age or become overworked. Brain fog can be associated with numerous issues such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, nutrient deficiencies, and stress. Therefore, if you do suffer from brain fog, it’s recommended to see a physician to find the root cause. However, I’ve created a list of tips below that can help you through the fog and put your brain at ease.

 Sleep

We truly underestimate the value of sleep in our modern world. Our brains need sleep to rest and reboot for the following day.  Did you know if we don’t get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, our cognitive health suffers? So instead of staying up for one more episode of your favorite TV show, turn out the lights and save it for the next day.

 Exercise

You don’t have to start training for the Olympics, but even a little bit of physical activity on a daily basis is great for our physical and mental health. Exercise releases cytokines and endorphins which are chemicals that rejuvenate brain cells and elevate our mood. Going on a daily walk around your neighborhood is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine.

 Diet

It should come as no surprise that the foods we eat directly impact our mental and physical health. It’s important to eat a clean diet full of fresh fruits and veggies and high-quality meats to nourish our bodies and brains. Try to avoid or limit highly inflammatory processed foods that contain sugar, gluten, and dairy. I’ve created a previous blog post that highlights which foods you should include in your diet for optimal brain health.   Sources: Egler, J. (2020, August 12). Brain Fog: 5 Steps to Improve Brain Functioning and Overall Health. Retrieved from https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/beat-brain-fog/  Higuera, V. (2018, May 23). Brain Fog: 6 Potential Causes. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/brain-fog  Rodriguez-Cayro, K. (2019, July 01). How Do You Treat Brain Fog? If You’re Feeling Super Out Of It, These 7 Tips Might Help. Retrieved from https://www.bustle.com/p/how-do-you-treat-brain-fog-if-youre-feeling-super-out-of-it-these-7-tips-might-help-3203663