Brain fog - Why does it occur? How to get rid of it?

Brain fog is a phenomenon that many people might experience daily, even without being conscious of this fact. According to studies, everyone has experienced brain fog at least once at some point of their life. It manifests as a lack of mental clarity, poor concentration, tiredness when working or completing other everyday tasks, and as a mild up to intense memory problems. We tend to describe this phenomenon as mental fatigue that occasionally occurs, especially when we didn't sleep well last night, but sometimes brain fog manifests without any particular reason. Why? Is it a serious issue? Should we be concerned about it, even if it doesn't sound like a severe disease? As it occurs, brain fog still isn't classified as a medical condition.

Experiencing brain fog daily indicates that something wrong might be happening with our organism and its symptoms should never be ignored. Of course, by its spontaneous occurrence, e.g., once per month, there's no need to be spooked. In such a case, just get some rest, and you should be back on track right soon. However, if you keep struggling with the symptoms mentioned at the beginning of the article a couple of times per week, you should take a closer look at your mental hygiene and body care.

We distinguish 8 leading causes of brain fog:

1. Lack of sleep, or its poor quality

How to take care of proper sleep hygiene? I explained it in this article: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proper-sleep-one-38288940

2. Stress

Especially chronic stress that will, piece by piece, sabotage body and mind functions. That is the main reason many people suffer from having poor immune systems (during the coronavirus "pandemic," watching/reading news doesn't seem like a good idea), brain fog, or even severe depression. I will write another article about this topic, as chronic stress is the most dangerous disease of the XXI century.

3. Improper diet

Brain fog will be strictly associated with B-12 vitamin deficiency or deficient carbohydrate intake. That is why people tend to experience brain fog on keto diets. Please remember that glucose is the brain's primary fuel, and there is a reason why it should stay this way. Additionally, food intolerances can also trigger diverse brain fog symptoms, as well as hunger or dehydration.

4. Hormonal changes, especially testosterone and DHT deficiency in men

I don't need to explain how optimal testosterone level is essential for men as, for sure, you already know it. Low testosterone levels, especially along with high prolactin and estradiol, will make our brain work much less efficiently, and brain fog may become our everyday problem.

Hyperthyroidism is also known for its negative influence on brain functions, and if you already had some issues related to the thyroid gland, then it would also be necessary to examine it once again (at least with blood tests - TSH/ Ft3/Ft4), and if needed set an appropriate treatment.

5. Medical conditions

Especially anxiety, diabetes, depression, or migraines. There are numerous possible causes for each of these medical conditions, so many that it's impossible to describe in a single article. However, whenever you experience brain fog and one of the mentioned medical conditions, you may freely put them together. It would be best to visit a medician to diagnose and treat the problem respectively.

6. Anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse, especially nandrolones

Some of their metabolites are known for their negative influence on brain function. Especially trenbolone, which metabolites accumulate in the hippocampus, thus disturbing its functioning. Moreover, nandrolones may negatively impact the serotonin pathway, making people more aggressive and worsening mental clarity, memory, and focus.

7. Central Nervous System (CNS) Fatigue

CNS fatigue results from, i.a., improper recovery after a heavy workout, excessive use of stimulants, or prolonged caloric deficit

read more: https://www.patreon.com/posts/central-nervous-69589788

8. Medications

Whenever you experience brain fog after taking a particular medication, don't hesitate to contact a doctor who has prescribed them. Brain fog isn't something that should be ignored, and the fact of experiencing it must be examined, and if needed changing your meds.

How to get rid of brain fog?

Review all of the subpoints above and carefully analyze your everyday life, then eliminate/fix opposing factors. Bear in mind that treating brain fog by taking medications isn't the way to go, especially if the problem occurs more frequently. It is always best to hit the source of an issue instead of masking its symptoms.

Binaural beats are also known for their ability to counter mild brain fog, and listening to - Modafinil -, - NZT-48 - or - Armodafinil - will be very handy.

Several nootropics may also be helpful, e.g., Alpha GPC, Rhodiola Rosea, or Noopept. Dosing should be matched individually.