March 05, 2021 3 min read

Can Change in Lifestyle Help with Brain Fog? Find the Natural Way Out.

Brain fog is an unwanted side effect of our busy life, non-organic food and unhealthy activities. The brain needs a continuous supply of some essential nutrients for relaxation. However, brain fog is a curable condition.

What does brain fog feel like?  

Symptoms usually include:

  • Fatigue
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Headaches
  • Memory Loss
  • Feelings of Pessimism
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia

 Brain Fog Causes

    Some of the causes for brain fog are:

  • Lack of quality sleep
  • Quality of the diet
  • Food deficiencies
  • High inflammation levels because of various mental diseases
  • Imbalance in three primary hormones (dopamine, serotonin and cortisol) These hormones are responsible for mood, energy and focus.

 Natural Treatments

  1. Healthy Carbs Intake and Reduction in Sugar

Cutting processed food from the diet is very important to avoid brain fog. Although sugar makes a person feel energetic, it also deprives them of energy and focus. Processed foods also increase the chances of diabetes, depression and obesity.

       Our body releases serotonin when needing carbohydrates. It makes us feel calm, confident and happy but a low level of serotonin increases depressive feelings. 

Similarly, brain foods can maintain a healthy level of serotonin in the body. They include raw dairy, ancient grains, fruits. Brain foods improve memory and focus.

  1. Utilizing Protein and Healthy Fats

Amino acids and essential fatty acids are necessary for the brain to think clearly. Protein deficiency happens because of a lack of essential amino acids. Foods like eggs, fish, and meat provide the necessary quantity of proteins and keep a person happy. 

Moreover, healthy fats are essential to produce happiness hormones. A low-fat diet causes depression and weight gain. Our diets nowadays are not having omega-3 fatty acids. On the contrary, they include omega-6 fatty acids, which are not suitable for health.

 A healthy body needs 20-30% of proteins and 30-40% of healthy fats to manage inflammation.

  1. Manage Anxiety

High-stress levels produce more cortisol. It makes us feel depressed, anxious and unsatisfied. Praying, meditation, exercise, and reading are some stress-releasing activities.

Dopamine is the hormone in the body that makes us happy and reduces stress levels. Dopamine releases when we do something exciting and thrilling. Lack of dopamine in the body raises feelings of boredom and tension. 

  1. Good Sleep

Brain function is in direct proportion to sound sleep. At least seven hours of sleep makes our brain work properly. On the other hand, lack of sleep raises cortisol levels. It decreases dopamine in the body resulting in distress and depression.

  1. Healthy Exercise 

Exercise increases energy, reduces stress, and lowers inflammation. It also releases hormones that boost our stamina and lift our moods.

On the contrary, overexertion depletes the body of electrolytes, nutrients and energy. Therefore, 2-3 rest days are vital in a week to maintain a healthy balance.

  1. Treating Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalance can lead to brain fog. It happens because of poor diet, allergies, stress and lack of rest. However, the solution to this problem is to adjust the diet. Diet needs to be of healthy fats, proteins, fresh vegetables etc.

  1. Addressing Food Allergies or Sensitivities

Food allergies of certain types can cause brain fog. It is because allergic reactions to food not only disturb the digestive system but also affect brain functioning. The solution to this problem is to have a gluten-free and organic diet.

  1. Try Supplements

Supplements can help as an additional help to support your body to tackle brain fog. However, there is no substitute for a healthy lifestyle. They can only work effectively with a healthy lifestyle. 

Some of them are:

  • Adaptogens like holy basil
  • Omega-3 fish oils 
  • B vitamins 

 

However, medications like antidepressants, stimulants, sleep aids can also lead to brain fog. Therefore, the only way to resist and cure brain fog is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.