Brain fog isn't just a nuisance -- if left unattended, its symptoms can lead to severe problems for both your brain and your overall health. Here we explore the symptoms and causes of brain fog and the ways you can emerge from the haze a stronger, brighter you.

Table Of Contents:

• What Is Brain Fog?

• Brain Fog Symptoms

  • Trouble Concentrating

  • Forgetfulness and Problems Recalling Information

  • Lack of Mental Clarity

  • Confusion

  • Fatigue

  • Irritability or Moodiness

  • Insomnia

  • Additional Symptoms

• Brain Fog Causes

  • Stress

  • Poor Sleeping Habits

  • Diet

  • Hormones

  • Medical Conditions

  • Medications

  • Dehydration

  • Inactivity

• Brain Fog Cures

  • Manage Your Stress

  • Improve Your Sleep

  • Eat Foods that Feed Your Brain

  • Hone in on Your Hormones

  • Make Time to Move

• Supplements For Brain Fog

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids

  • Magnesium

  • B Vitamins

  • Acetylcholine

  • Folate

  • Phosphatidylserine

  • Adaptogens

  • Medication Management

• Final Thoughts

If you're like millions of other Americans, there's little doubt you've experienced your fair share of mindless moments.

You know the ones we are referring to -- forgetting where you put your keys or parked your car. 

While speaking with someone, you completely lose your train of thought, mid-sentence, and zone out of the conversation.

Or perhaps, on a routine trip to the store, you're unable to recall the route you've taken many times before.

While periodic episodes such as these are relatively common -- one in seven adults ages 18 to 39 and one in four adults over the age of 39 will suffer from some lapses in short-term memory -- the prevalence of this brain drain or fuzziness appears to be a growing concern for many individuals, particularly, those with hectic or stressful lives.

In other words, that listless, forgetful haze almost everyone attempting to balance their personal and professional lives with everything else that falls in between.

Better known as brain fog, this malady is more than just a simple loss of focus. If left unaddressed, it can create serious issues, negatively affecting both your lifestyle and overall health. The good news is that once identified, you can reverse the fog or "drain" and build your mind back into the powerful organic computer it’s meant to be.

Let us take a deep dive inside our heads, look beyond the gray matter to define brain fog, understand its symptoms and causes, and discover ways that we can retake control of our brains -- and our lives.

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is not a medical condition or even a medical diagnosis. It is, however, a very real set of symptoms that if left unchecked, can impede your mental state in a number of ways. 

Associated with your cognitive functions -- your mental capacity to carry out specific tasks -- brain fog impairs your ability to acquire or process information. Slang terms often jokingly refer to this haziness of the mind as the inability to "think straight" or as someone experiencing "brain farts." The reality for people impacted by brain fog, however, is no laughing matter.

Brain fog manifests itself in several ways, from the mundane to very serious. Some of the most common signs of brain fog include: 

• Poor concentration and an inability to remain attentive

• Failure to focus on a task or subject for any meaningful period of time

• Problems with short-term memory or trouble recalling familiar memories or pieces of data

• Confusion or lack of clarity, especially with topics  and ideas you expect to process easily 

• Disorganized thought processes and a struggle to understand basic concepts 

• Difficulty putting your thoughts into words or being unable to recall things you want to say 

Another way to describe this muddying of the mind is to use the term mental fatigue, an experience that can indicate far more critical medical concerns.

Brain fog is often cited as a symptom to the more serious condition of brain inflammation, which is linked to autism, dementia, and Alzheimer's. The silver lining when it comes to brain fog, though, is that it is relatively straightforward to identify and is reversible if you take the proper steps.

Brain Fog Symptoms 

As with any ailment, brain fog produces plenty of signs to alert you that something is not quite right. Whether at home, work, or school, every person's mind is susceptible to brain fog. There are plenty of ways to tell if it’s something you’re experiencing.

It's important to note that several of the following brain fog symptoms could potentially indicate other issues. However, if you continually find it mentally taxing to work through ordinary tasks or the processing of information proves strenuous or labored and you’ve worked with a healthcare professional to rule out underlying issues, brain fog could be at the root of the problem.

1. Trouble Concentrating

Let's start with the most apparent brain fog symptom -- problems with maintaining a steady degree of focus. Lack of concentration can take on many forms, but it's essential to take note when a momentary lapse does occur. Zoning out every so often is normal. Attention that drifts regularly could indicate a more chronic issue.

2. Forgetfulness and Problems Recalling Information

We all forget things. It's part of how our brain works: New, more relevant information replaces older, less vital data. It’s when we're unable to maintain a hold on the important stuff that brain fog could be the culprit. 

As we noted earlier, this manifests it in ways both big (forgetting the route you usually take to get home from work) and small (forgetting where you put your keys). 

3. Lack of Mental Clarity

From cloudy thought processes to being easily distracted, lack of clarity is closely connected  to the haziness that accompanies brain fog. The inability to maintain a clear head may lead to slow or poor decision making. Depending on an individual's line of work, this could create dangerous situations.

4. Confusion

Should issues with mental clarity escalate, increased fogginess can lead to confusion. Another brain fog symptom that appears in situations both major and minor, confusion is often accompanied by indecision, hesitancy, or a sense of befuddlement. 

More so than the other symptoms on our list, confusion can lead to anxiety and self-doubt..

5. Fatigue

Are you always tired at the end of a busy day? Sure, most of us are. But what if that tiredness follows you around, becoming a constant presence in your everyday life? 

Fatigued when you wake up, exhausted by lunchtime, and completely drained when the evening rolls around? A worn-out mind quickly saps your entire body's energy levels, and fighting to keep the fog at bay can make it even worse.

6. Irritability or Moodiness

Of course, when you get tired or worn out, your mood will worsen, which leads to higher instances of irritability. Beyond the added stress this places on you, not to mention the fact that irritability further drains your energy, frequent mood swings negatively impact personal and professional relationships and can further intensify already-stressful situations l.

7. Insomnia

There are many reasons people can't sleep, and brain fog impedes a restful night's sleep in a few ways. Most obviously, a hazy mind has an unwelcome affect on your energy levels, which we mentioned earlier. 

Another way brain fog robs you of sleep is via the increased anxiety that it can bring about. Anxiety causes us to toss and turn or can leave us unable to fall asleep promptly. Finally, if your recall is suffering or your mind is constantly fighting for clarity, it can lead to a brain that is always on, trying to find its way through the haziness, even when it’s actually time for bed. 

8. Additional Brain Fog Symptoms

Smaller, less obvious brain fog symptoms are also signs that your brain isn't as healthy as it should be. Your brain operates thanks to neurotransmitters and hormones. This combination of chemicals helps keep your mind in balance -- so you can think clearly, process information quickly, and understand and react to various situations or stimulants. 

Throw it off balance -- for example, in the ways that brain fog does -- and you can find yourself suffering from headaches, decreased motivation, increased anxiety, and even depression or a sense of despair.

Ignoring any of these symptoms would be a disservice to not just your basic physical health, but your mental well-being. 

Brain fog, if dismissed as a normal and acceptable part of busy, modern day life, can morph into uncontrollable feelings of discord or hopelessness. From there, your anxiety could increase, and you might also find yourself falling into a state of depression.

Being mindful of symptoms is just one step in understanding brain fog and working to keep it at bay. Another vital means of self-care involves recognizing what influences brain fog and the factors that can cloud your mind.

Brain Fog Causes 

If there is one absolute certainty about brain fog, it’s that there is no one single trigger that will bring it about. It's easy to point to how our society currently operates -- always plugged in, always on call, always on edge -- but a hazy mental state might develop for reasons well beyond the personal or professional demands of our day-to-day lives.

For instance, a member of a large family or parents with several young children at home might feel overwhelmed with their personal duties and yet perfectly at ease with their professional life. Of course, that scenario can operate in reverse too.

But that's just one facet of life from which brain fog can develop. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common causes of brain fog.

1. Stress

We've touched on it briefly, but stress, and more specifically, chronic stress, has a huge effect on your overall health. Negatively impacting the different systems within your body, stress can cause high blood pressure, bring about depression, and weaken your immune system. 

Stress occurs in many ways. 

Poor diet or lifestyle choices, such as smoking, low physical activity, or an irregular sleep schedule can stress the body.

Outside influences from specific environmental factors -- high stress or dangerous working conditions, or a demanding home or school life can also be extremely stressful.

Psychological and emotional factors that generate worry or tension or place undue strain on your cognitive abilities are aptly understood as inducing stress as well.

As we mentioned in the section on symptoms, from a clinical standpoint, your brain relies on a delicate balance of hormones -- cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin -- to help you maintain a clear head. 

When cortisol, which is the body's stress hormone and helps to maintain your alertness, is produced in excess, it lessens your ability to control your mood or effectively handle fear or maintain proper motivation. Ultimately, this clouds your mind and your judgment.

2. Poor Sleeping Habits

Sleep is a critical factor when it comes to our overall well-being. A good night's rest lowers our risk for obesity, promotes healing within our tissues and cells, replenishes our body's energy levels, aids in improving our mood, and boosts our immune system. It also helps us to keep a clear, focused mind while we are awake.

Individuals who suffer from sleep apnea (which limits vital oxygen from reaching the brain) or insomnia are at risk when it comes to developing symptoms of brain fog. As the poor sleep persists, every day becomes a battle to find a clear mind -- you wake up in a daze, and that hazy feeling, along with your lowered energy levels, is a constant throughout your days.

However, it's not just how or when or for how long you sleep that matters. Taking certain stimulants too close to bedtime -- consuming caffeine or sugar or taking certain types of medications -- can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep, stay asleep, and sleep well, too.

Plugging into technology around bedtime -- whether its a television, laptop, tablet, or smartphone -- drapes you in a glow of stimulating blue light. Artificial light not only keeps you awake but disorients your brain, resulting in altered chemical and hormonal output. This imbalance makes it harder to fall or stay asleep. Prolonged nightly exposure will severely alter your body's natural sleep/wake cycle.

3. Diet

A factor equally important as sleep is your diet. Poor nutrition can wreak havoc throughout your body. Considering your brain is the most complex organ you have, eating the wrong foods will greatly reduce your brain’s ability to function properly.

Just as they do with sleep, too many sugars cast a pall over your brain. Anything that promotes inflammation -- processed foods, refined carbohydrates, or too many fatty foods -- puts a squeeze on your brain. Remember the balance of hormones we noted -- cortisol, dopamine, and serotonin? Inflammation will cause imbalance and deregulation,  and ultimately a hormonal falling out sync.

Other foods known to contribute to brain fog are those associated with food allergies. These include nuts and nut-based products, dairy, gluten, and foods with MSG, to name a few. While several of these can be part of balanced, healthy diets, it's important to recognize if any are adversely impacting your health.

4. Hormones

Women who are pregnant often experience what is, at times, referred to as baby brain. During pregnancy, a woman's hormone levels change dramatically. For many expectant mothers, this can result in problems with short-term memory or a struggle with absentmindedness. 

Of course, with chemicals dedicated to the baby's development surging through the body, it’s no surprise that at certain points during pregnancy, women will experience a significant drain on their otherwise healthy adult minds. 

Baby brain highlights the very real changes that can occur in hormone levels, turning a sharp-minded individual into someone that is forgetful or has problems maintaining their focus. 

Women also experience hormonal changes during menopause, when lower estrogen levels can bring about symptoms of brain fog. Men, for their part, can suffer mental haziness if their testosterone levels drop, especially as they get older.

5. Medical Conditions

It should come as little surprise that many medical conditions contribute to brain fog or have brain fog as a related symptom. For instance, as we've pointed out, inflammation can prevent proper brain function, and related medical ailments like fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome are often associated with daily fogginess and fatigue.

Other conditions where brain fog may develop include autoimmune disorders like arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. Anemia, when a person has too few oxygen-rich red blood cells, or diabetes, which causes the blood sugar to spike too high, may also leave a person feeling mentally drained and fatigued.

Diseases or medical circumstances that directly affect the head or a person’s mental state are regularly associated with symptoms of brain fog. Severe headaches, Alzheimer's, and age-related conditions all produce symptoms or can further complicate situations in which a person’s mental capacity is known to be damaged or in decline..

6. Medications

As much as certain medications are made to help us, they also come with plenty of side effects that impact any number of bodily systems, including the brain. Medications that most commonly create cloudy brain function are those prescribed to treat certain mental conditions. 

Benzodiazepine medications that treat anxiety or depression may create short-term memory issues. Sedatives for those with trouble sleeping produce similar effects.

Medicines that treat blood pressure, a condition that can contribute to brain fog on its own, may also have the same effect as they interfere with the chemicals in your brain. Statins, which are used to lower cholesterol, also reduce the cholesterol level within your brain, weakening all-important nerve connections that facilitate a lot of your brain function.

Even popular over-the counter-medications may produce brain fog symptoms. From treatments for allergies to those for diarrhea, nausea, and indigestion, any number of medicines can cloak your brain in a haze.

7. Dehydration

Arguably one of the most under appreciated causes of mental strain is dehydration. Water makes up 60 percent of our bodies. The brain (along with the heart) consists of 73 percent water. Depriving our mind of one of the three main ingredients (along with food and oxygen) it needs to survive is going to create some issues.

Think about a hot summer's day, and how easily disoriented you become if you don't drink enough water. Likewise,  when consuming alcohol, you can lose your cognitive acuteness if you fail to hydrate between drinks. 

Both of these are classic examples of brain fog -- your judgment and perception becomes impaired, confusion increases, your concentration is lacking, and you may suffer from short-term memory problems.

But it's not just hanging out in the summer or drinking too much at happy hour that causes problems. Even those individuals in great physical shape -- people who jog or bike or workout regularly -- will suffer spells of brain fog if they fail to replenish their body's fluids after any exercise.

8. Inactivity

The final contributing factor to brain fog is a failure to keep your body in motion. Regular exercise, even if it's just a brisk daily walk, will get the blood flowing throughout your body, and most importantly, to your brain. This helps improve your cognitive abilities -- your ability to learn, think, reason, and remember.

Inactive lifestyles deprive the brain of much-needed oxygen. In some instances, long periods of sitting or decreased movement may, over time, wear away the areas of the brain required for creating memories.

Sedentary lifestyles may also lead to increased inflammation, whereas being active typically reduces inflammation. This means the more you move, the better your mood and the lower your anxiety or levels of stress.

Brain Fog Cures

Now that we have a better understanding of brain fog symptoms and causes, let's take a look at some of the best brain fog cures to rebalance your brain so you can start thinking with a level head again.

Many brain fog cures are common sense. Eat better, exercise regularly, and, of course, look for ways to reduce your stress. The hard part is implementing the changes that will lead to a healthy life and a clearer mind.

Other brain fog cures are less obvious. Hormonal imbalances and medical conditions present challenges that can be difficult to overcome. There are, however, ways to at least manage certain conditions better that will help your overall health and your head.

Here are five brain fog cures improve your life and overall well being:

1. Manage Your Stress

We already mentioned that when your cortisol levels are thrown off balance, it can mess with your mood. Produce too much, which is what happens when you experience high amounts of stress, and your brain refuses to shut off, draining you in the process. This "always on" fog can lead to increases in weight, can keep you from sleeping, add to anxiety, and will negatively affect your hormones and sexual function.

While it may be difficult to avoid stress while at work, stick to a schedule where you get up, walk around, and take a few minutes away from any screens or phones and the work itself - a break every 75 to 90 minutes is ideal. Simply sitting outside amongst nature will lower your stress level. When you're away from the office, taking time for yourself can also make a huge positive impact on your stress levels.

When you get up in the morning, don't always reach for your smartphone or check your email. Take time to wake up and get your day started naturally, instead of with technology (and instant stress) in hand. Add stress reduction activities to your daily schedule to keep yourself on an even keel. Activities like exercise, praying or meditation, or reading or journaling all give you valuable, stress-free (or at least lower-stress) time to yourself.

In addition, finding an enjoyable hobby or taking part in something you genuinely love will further reduce stress. It also promotes the production of dopamine within your brain. This "happy" hormone promotes joyfulness and satisfaction, and the more you produce, the more you can keep stress and brain fog at bay. 

2. Improve Your Sleep

Even more so than limiting your stress levels, getting more quality sleep is perhaps the best step you can take toward kicking a cloudy brain to the curb. When you get regular, uninterrupted sleep it keeps your hormones in balance, allows your body to recharge and rejuvenate and helps manage your numerous bodily functions -- emotions, hunger cravings, brain function, and more.

Ideally, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night. A meaningful night's rest is not only about duration. The quality of your sleep is equally as vital. Create an environment that promotes falling and staying asleep.

Unplug any tech that emits blue light -- laptops, tablets, or smartphones -- which promote stimulation of your brain, at minimum one to two hours before bedtime. Limit bright ambient light or noise that could impact your sleep quality. 

Dim lights, relaxing music, or simply a soothing routine -- same time to bed, same time to wake up -- improves your overall sleep quality. Too hot or too cold? Set a pleasant room temperature and use comfortable bedding that doesn't disturb your shut-eye. 

Remember, one of the primary contributors to brain fog is fatigue. Better sleep goes a long way toward eliminating it.

3. Eat Foods that Feed Your Brain

Reduce stress, improve your sleep habits, eat better. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because these are the ingredients of a healthy lifestyle -- and they do in fact lead to a healthier you. However, eating the right foods does more than keep you feeling better physically.

Brain foods -- fruits, sweet potatoes, yams, or healthy grains and dairy -- boost your memory and concentration. Cutting out bad carbs and sugars or anything else that causes inflammation -- items like processed foods and artificial sweeteners -- reduces the likelihood of brain drain and complications of certain diseases like obesity, diabetes, and dementia.

The right foods will also raise your brain's level of alertness and help you maintain a positive frame of mind. Proteins in meat, fish, and eggs are beneficial in supporting this, but the right fats help too. Healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. These fats support the maintenance of sharp cognitive skills.

Beyond consuming the right foods, knowing which ones cause your body problems plays a huge part in your brain health. In most cases, allergies and food sensitivities cause inflammation, which, as we've covered, dulls your brain's cognitive functions. Steer clear of known food allergens or unwelcome stimulants, and if you're unclear if something is causing a bad reaction, talk to a doctor to figure it out.

Finally, hydrate. Your brain and body need water. So don't deprive either of good old fashioned H2O.

4. Hone in on Your Hormones

Our hormone levels are not always within our control. Estrogen and testosterone levels rise and fall as part of the body's natural processes. Aging and life events such as pregnancy will also spark changes that can impair certain brain functions. 

However, if you suffer from persistent brain fog, it's crucial you try to determine if something else is going on. Imbalances in hormones can lead to adrenal problems, abnormal thyroid function, or chronic fatigue. Apart from seeking guidance from a medical professional for these conditions, look to your diet or lifestyle to determine if anything has changed.

Hormone changes impact your brain in a way similar to inflammation. To keep them in balance, cut back on stimulants like caffeine and monitor or limit your consumption of alcohol and sugar. Also, stress management, sleep, and a healthy diet are all critical to fostering healthy hormone balance.

5. Make Time to Move

You don't need to be a gym rat to clear a cloudy head -- although regular workouts and an active life will certainly boost your brain health. It is, however, vital that you commit to regular exercise that gets your body moving and your heart pumping.

Consistent aerobic exercise is a brain booster, but even an energetic walk -- or anything else that forces you to sweat a little and exert some energy -- is good enough to support strong memory and the ongoing growth of brain cells.

If you sit for long stretches, get up. Walk around at regular intervals to get your blood flowing. This form of movement doesn't just promote brain health, but overall good health, lowering your risk of obesity and reducing your chances of developing increased blood pressure and high blood sugar.

Ultimately, a sedentary lifestyle is not a good one, and it can put your entire body in a fog, not just your brain, which is why any regular movement or exercise is an absolute must.

Supplements For Brain Fog

When working in tandem, plenty of sleep, elimination of unnecessary stress, a healthy diet, and consistent exercise are the main keys to unlocking your brain's full potential -- and keeping it fog free. However, even those that stick to a strict regimen can require a little help.

Several supplements can kick-start the process for reducing your experience of mental cloudiness. Here, we review seven of the supplements most commonly used in treating brain fog, plus provide a bonus tip for getting your head back in the clear.

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Earlier, we identified omega-3 fatty acids as one of your best protections against inflammation, a known cause of brain fog. Omega-3 is found in many different types of fresh, oily fish. However, seafood is not always the easiest addition to an individual's diet -- whether you’re up against  lack of availability or simply never developed a taste for fish.

Therefore, supplements that contain omega-3s are a great compromise. You get the brain-boosting benefits of the fatty acids without having to chase down sources of fish or consuming something you don't necessarily enjoy.

2. Magnesium

Magnesium is an important mineral found throughout the human body. To say its a vital part of your body's overall function is an understatement. However, many of us don't get enough magnesium, which is a key player in keeping the neurons in our brains firing on all cylinders. Not only that, but it also helps us sleep better and can keep symptoms of depression at bay.

If you’re after an immediate impact in treating any level of brain fog, a magnesium supplement is a great first step.

3. B Vitamins

If you've ever felt draggy or have gotten a bit short when interacting with others, there's a good chance it was due to a B-vitamin deficiency. B vitamins are critical in the process of fueling our bodies, helping our bodies convert the nutrients we eat into energy. The lower your B-vitamin levels, the less pep in your step.

B complex supplements bridge the gap for those who may encounter issues with keeping their B-vitamin levels within an acceptable range. 

4. Acetylcholine

As a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine is responsible for aiding in several brain activities, with memory and our ability to learn new things being two of its most important areas of impact. If our levels of acetylcholine decline, brain fog is sure to follow.

One of the substances that makes up acetylcholine is choline, which falls into the same family as B vitamins. As you develop a vitamin and supplement regimen, consider incorporating supplements that include choline.

5. Folate

Another B vitamin, folate or the synthetic version of it -- folic acid -- is a contributor to producing new cells in our bodies. In relation to the brain, folic acid reduces memory loss, combats the symptoms of depression, and lessens the impact of side effects from certain medications.

Food with a naturally high level of folate include leafy vegetables, asparagus, beans, fruits like bananas and melons, orange and tomato juices, and some meats. You can also address folate deficiency with folic acid supplements, which are often used alongside other B vitamins.

6. Phosphatidylserine

An amino acid that is recurring in the brain, phosphatidylserine serves to regulate and protect brain cells, meaning its importance in brain function is critical. 

Phosphatidylserine is a vital cog in ensuring our brains work at their fullest potential; it impacts everything from our reaction times to bettering our attention spans to broadening our mental capacities.

Although phosphatidylserine is naturally occurring in the human body (when a person consumes a healthy diet), deficiencies are possible, particularly as we age. Phosphatidylserine supplements are beneficial in boosting your mood (and combating depression and anxiety), promoting cell repair, enhancing memory, and regulating cortisol levels.

7. Adaptogens

When considering supplements, it's also beneficial to review certain types of herbs that have been shown to relieve brain fatigue. Adaptogens, which are a class of plants that have documented healing capabilities, have been touted for many years as a more natural way to promote the healing specific ailments. Here are seven adaptogens that are worth a look when addressing brain fog.

• Ashwagandha: Also called Indian ginseng, this adaptogen promotes the maintenance of normal cortisol levels and healthy adrenal function keep adrenal glands in check, which increase when you suffer from chronic stress.

• Astragalus Root: A Chinese remedy, this root is used to improve an individual's immune system and lower inflammation.

• Cordyceps Mushrooms: Similar to foods that possess antioxidant properties, cordyceps are shown to guard against inflammation, and when taken in supplement form,can also help manage cortisol levels.

• Holy Basil: Also called tulsi, holy basil can decrease stress levels and improve cognitive abilities. Much of this is attributable to holy basil having stress reduction compounds in its chemical makeup.

• Licorice Root: A widely known supplement, licorice root can boost brain function in several ways, including improving cortisol levels and strengthening your immune system, and regulating stress by stabilizing cortisol levels.

• Panax Ginseng: Another popular supplement, Panax or Asian ginseng can support both stress reduction -- by helping an individual remain calmer -- and memory, a frequent casualty with brain fog.

• Rhodiola Rosea: Perhaps better known as golden root, rhodiola works to clear brain fog by curbing fatigue, improving sleep and reducing mood swings, and regulating cortisol levels. It also shows very limited interaction with other medicines, which makes it ideal as a healthy supplement for those with medical prescriptions. 

Nothing can replace adequate sleep, less stress, an active lifestyle, and a healthy diet -- for your body or your brain. Supplements, though, do help give your system a boost and provides your brain an all-around better chance of staying free of any fog.

8. Medication Management

Medications, of course, are not supplements. Many people, however, are required to take prescription drugs to treat numerous ailments and conditions. Just as figuring out the right mix of diet, lifestyle, and supplements is crucial for your brain's health, so too is understanding any prescribed medicines you must take.

Talk with your doctor to dial in the proper dosages and limit the effects that the medications might have on your brain, energy levels, and cognitive functioning. Your doctor may even recommend specific supplements that fill certain voids a medication leaves in its wake. It's essential for you to understand how your body reacts to each medication you’re on and to take the steps necessary to realize a regimen that works best for you.

Final Thoughts

Too often, we take the most powerful and most complex organ in our body for granted. In many ways, our line of thinking about our brains falls under the assumption "It just works." We rarely give it additional thought until a problem arises. 

However, all of us will, all at one point or another, suffer the haziness of brain fog. Though it affects different people in different ways, many of the symptoms remain universal -- a lack of concentration, fatigue, problems with our short term memories, labored thought processes, and a struggle to retain or understand data.Luckily, many of brain fog’s cures are universal, too.

No matter the impact brain fog is having on your day-to-day, understanding its symptoms and causes, and the ways (many of which are obvious, common-sense approaches) to treat your overtaxed mind not only rid your head of the cloudiness but will help to keep it clear both as you age and approach new challenges and opportunities.