8 Natural Remedies For Brain Fog Support and Overall Wellness
By Ken Swartz, MS
Don't feel bad if you have those brief moments—which seem to occur more frequently than not—when you simply can't think of what you wanted to say or have trouble concentrating. You're not the only person who may be experiencing these symptoms. There are a few signs of brain fog that you should be aware of. After all, maintaining our brain health and cognitive function is a top health priority. This article will discuss brain fog and some natural ways to help support your brain and overall health.
What Is Brain Fog?
Although there is no medical definition for the term brain fog, it appears that more people are using it to describe some of the symptoms they may be experiencing such as having trouble finding words when speaking, difficulty focusing, and even instances when something escapes their memory.The phrase can also refer to what a person perceives as mental fatigue or may describe as slow thinking.1
If you feel the strain of daily stress and the hustle and bustle of this fast-paced world, you may have had some mental lapses on occasion. Those instances that stop us immediately in our tracks when we realize we can't remember what we were looking for or even what we were going to say, may all be indicators of brain fog.
These bouts of haziness which are not fully understood, can be viewed as barriers to mental processing. If your “brain fog” symptoms persist or interfere with your daily functioning you should consult your healthcare provider.
Common Cause of Brain Fog
You're probably wondering what causes brain fog. According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are some possible causes of brain fog.2
Lack of sleep
Poor nutritional status
Hormonal changes during both pregnancy and menopause
When blood sugar levels drop too low
Some autoimmune conditions
Stress
Mental health conditions
Because everyone experiences things differently, there may be other factors that contribute to brain fog symptoms. Be sure to discuss any cognitive, physical, or emotional changes you’re experiencing with your healthcare provider to address your concerns.
8 Natural Remedies That May Support Brain Health
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). According to an article published in Psychology Today, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), may support individuals who are concerned about brain fog problems.1 Therapy such as CBT, can help patients manage their symptoms and support healthy cognitive functioning. Also, engaging in mental exercises can often provide positive results.1
Antioxidants. A diet that provides adequate servings of whole fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants can have a protective effect on cognitive function. Additionally, antioxidant supplementation such as Carbon 60 or C60, which is nature’s most powerful antioxidant, scavenges and neutralizes free radicals that cause oxidative stress. While most antioxidants can only neutralize one free radical at a time, C60's ability to neutralize free radicals is continual and allows the body to heal naturally.*
Choose healthy dietary fats. Substitute seed oils like canola oil with dietary oils that promote a healthy inflammatory response like organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) which is part of the health-promoting Mediterranean diet.
Good digestive health. Good digestive health means good gut-brain communication. Fiber-rich foods containing prebiotics that stimulate bifidobacteria in the gut can help your gut microbiome thrive. Healthy bacteria, such as probiotics, may support the immune system and promote a healthy inflammatory response.
Proper Sleep. Sleep replenishes our cells in every organ of our body, therefore getting enough quality sleep is critical for brain function as well as overall health and well-being. According to the Sleep Foundation, insufficient sleep can limit a person's attention span and have a detrimental impact on their day-to-day performance. A lack of sleep slows things down and reduces the ability to execute instructions, as well as the ability to analyze problems or learn new things. So, remember to gain the benefits of good sleep hygiene, make sure that you get your 7-9 hours of sleep per night.3
Learn To Focus. This may seem like common sense, but it is an important step to take when carrying out a task. Rather than being in a hurry and thinking about the other things you need to do, simply pause and remind yourself what you need to do, where you need to go, and repeat if necessary, until your focus is on the single task at hand.4
Stress management. Creating a plan that you believe will best support you and your efforts to reduce daily drama and stress is essential for stress management. Because stressful situations can cause us to forget things, feel anxious, and lose focus, try to set aside time each day for self-care. Take a walk outside or practice deep breathing at your desk. Committing to be consistent in managing your stress, whether through journaling or otherwise, may be an effective way to reduce symptoms of brain fog.5
Plan to move more. Make a plan to move every day. Small steps will eventually help you to reach your goal of at least 30 minutes of movement a day. Do what you like most — and don’t discount the gardening you enjoy doing as not being exercise, because it sure is when working out in the yard for even small spurts of 10 minutes a few times per day. Research shows that regular exercise enhances cognition, which benefits not only the rest of your brain but supports whole body health.4
Take Aways
Understanding and addressing the importance of eating well and engaging in other positive lifestyle behaviors is critical for maintaining good brain health and cognitive function.
There are natural remedies for managing brain fog that can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle, benefiting not only brain health but also overall health.
Adopt an antioxidant-rich diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which promotes the moderate use of healthy dietary fats, such as organic extra virgin olive oil.
Participate in regular physical activity, create a stress management strategy, get enough quality sleep, be social in your community, and savor the moments of each day.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.
Ken Swartz, MS is the co-founder, Chairman Emeritus, and former Chief Science Officer at C60 Power, a health and wellness company committed to delivering the highest quality Carbon 60 products available. Ken earned a Master of Science degree from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Arizona State University.
Raypole, Crystal. “Your Brain Fog May Be an Anxiety Symptom — Here’s How to Deal with It.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 27 Mar. 2020, healthline.com/health/brain-fog-anxiety#make-a-plan. Accessed 28 October 2024.
