Do you often forget where you place your keys or phone? Struggle to find solutions to complex tasks? Miss deadlines? Or, maybe you just feel like your brain isn’t working as it should. If any of these apply to you, it could be that you’re suffering from brain fog.

Brain fog is a term used to describe the general feeling of suboptimal brain function. This includes forgetfulness, a lack of focus, poor memory, difficulties making decisions, and a loss of overall mental clarity.

In most cases, brain fog is a red flag that indicates a certain aspect of your lifestyle or diet needs an upgrade. Here are 5 of the most common causes of brain fog so you can take the necessary steps to regain your mental clarity.

 

1. Environmental Toxins

You’re exposed to thousands of toxins on a daily basis in food, water and personal care products. These toxins can accumulate in your body over time which amplifies their negative effects.

One of the negative side effects of toxins is brain fog. Several heavy metals including arsenic and lead are neurotoxins, or toxic to the brain.  Most toxins also cause oxidative stress which can lead to chronic inflammation.

 

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

Perhaps one of the most obvious yet overlooked causes of brain fog is nutrient deficiencies. If your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, it simply won’t work as it should. This includes your brain.

Vitamin D deficiencies, for example, are known to cause cognitive impairment . Omega-3 deficiencies may impair brain function since they play a critical role in cognitive performance .  A lack of vitamin B12 is associated with neurodegenerative disease, a decreased ability to make decisions, and difficulties with learning new skills.

 

3. Inactivity or Lack of Exercise

Research suggests that physical exercise is one of the single most important things you can do to keep your brain healthy .

According to Harvard Medical School, exercise specifically helps your memory, ability to think clearly, and stimulates growth factors that are involved in the production of new brain cells.

But exercise isn’t just a one-way street. If you’re inactive, the opposite can happen. Your muscles begin to waste away, bones lose their strength, inflammation becomes more prominent, and it’s easier to gain weight.

 

4. Chronic Stress

Chronic or constant stress is another common cause of brain fog.

Studies have specifically found that it can make you more forgetful, reduce your ability to think clearly, and cloud your judgment. Researchers have also found that stress can promote inflammation, which is one of the underlying causes of brain fog.

 

5. Lack of Quality Sleep

Even if you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night, you still could be suffering from sleep deprivation. What most people don’t realize is that sleep quality is just as important as sleep quantity.

So when either your sleep quality or quantity  are subpar, evidence shows that your brain function will take a nose dive.

 

The Bottom Line

It might be tempting to think of brain fog as being a normal part of getting older. But the symptoms of brain fog—lack of focus, loss of mental clarity, and forgetfulness—can be eased by taking some simple lifestyle steps.

 

By detoxifying the body, upping your nutrient intake, becoming more active, and managing stress and sleep quality, you’ll start to see big improvements in brain health. As an added benefit, you’ll gain renewed energy and vitality throughout your body.

This month The Wright Balance is offering a FREE ($60 value) 30 minute Health Assessment. Give us a call at #360-624-1585 and let’s serve your health and wellness needs.