- Evaluate your Diet. Eating the wrong foods can cause brain fog. Eating foods your body cannot digest can cause brain fog. The food doesn't necessarily have to be considered unhealthy to affect your cognitive function. Heatlhy foods that are bad for your body in particular can be culprits. Dairy allergies and gluten or other grain intolerances can affect your cognitive function. This can be tricky to do, but try to evaluate what you are eating and how it makes your body feel. If you suspect certain foods don't agree with you (trouble digesting, bloating, irregular bowel functions, mood swings, exhaustion, etc.), eliminate them for a week or two and see if you notice a change.
- Drink More Water. Your liver is the organ which rids your body of toxins. If you are dehydrated, your liver doesn't have the fuel it needs to adequately flush the toxins out. Drink more water. Otherwise, your liver doesn't function as well and these toxins remain in your body longer, wreaking all sorts of havoc.
- Get your Nutrients. Nutritional deficiencies can cause brain fog. A primary reason some people are deficient in certain nutrients it they eat foods their body cannot digest (and oftentimes they are completely unaware). Dairy, grain, and gluten intolerances can affect your intestines in such a way that they cannot properly absorb nutrients from the foods you eat. If your body isn't absorbing these nutrients, they aren't getting to your brain.
- Get Enough Sleep. Of course you need to be well rested in order for your brain to function properly. Evidence also suggests it is best to wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Stop Using Artificial Sweeteners. There is evidence to suggest that use of artificial sweeteners can cause brain fog. According to numerous sources, artificial sweeteners (including aspartame and flavor enhancers) are toxic to the brain, and can disrupt brain function.
- Lessen Work Load. If you have too much on your plate, it can cause stress and make you feel overwhelmed. Set aside time to work on time consuming projects, instead of trying to squeeze them in 5 minutes here and there. Refer to my recent article 6 Reasons Why Mom Shouldn't Multi-Task for other negative side effects of multi-tasking.
- Be Present. The more you are "present" in the activities in your life, the more focused you are. Giving 100% of your attention to a given task or activity will allow you to concentrate better and be more productive.
- Make a To-Do List. Having a to-do list prevents you from forcing yourself to keep a mental list. This frees your mind to focus on other things.
- De-Clutter. A home and life filled with "stuff" adds to our stress. This "noise" is a distraction and prevents us from focusing on what we need to focus on, be it family, work, etc. Refer to my article 8 Ways to Create Order from Disorder for a list of suggestions on how to organize and clear your home of chaos.
- Be More Efficient. Use technology wisely. Don't waste time online, use a digital calendar, make lists, set your alarm, and minimize non-value added activities.
Brain fog is a real condition potentially caused by numerous conditions and true health issues, including, but not limited to: diabetes, thyroid disease, leaky-gut syndrome, ADD, metal toxicity, chronic fatigue syndrome, candidiasis, nervous system disorders, viral infections, constipation and prescription drug side effects. Never self-diagnose, and see a medical professional if you are concerned about your symptoms.
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17 comments:
Thanks for this great article, but I think I liked thinking it was just mom brain!! You always have such great things on your site Tracy!! Really great site!!!
Thanks Kathy, you are too kind! My youngest is 3, so I'm not sure if the mommy brain excuse can fly anymore...though I do believe brain cells die during pregnancy!
This is a fantastic post! You should consider posting this or something similar to WikiMommy. :-) Anyway, I had no idea about the artificial sweeteners. I refuse to use them or eat any "light" foods that contain them. Nor will I allow my children to consume them. I knew they were unhealthy, but this post just confirmed it for sure.
Always love your blog!
~Blessings,
Rosann
Thanks Rosann! We also do not use artificial sweeteners, and I'm sure to check labels carefully as if something is labeled "light" or "low/no sugar" it usually has some man-made sweetener in it.
This is a wonderful article! I know when I get the "foggy" brain, the main contributors are #1-5 for me...well..not #5; as I don't use Artificial sweeteners, they are just nasty to me; but there was a time in my past when I was desperately trying to lose weight so i was consuming them a lot, and my brain was ALWAYS in "Fog" mode. I couldn't function, so I quite using them and shortly there after I was able to function normally again.
Wonderful Article!
-Your Friend/Follower from VB JadeLouise Designs
This was great! Lists are wonderful, especially with options of solutions on what you can do to help yourself. Brain fog is so annoying. I would add, Exercise. Nothing clears my brain fog then some good old natural endorphin boost.
Yes, definitely exercise! I can't believe I omitted that one. Any type too. I'd also add some form of meditation.
Great tips as always! Water is a huge one for me. And I am in a constant state of struggle and frustration over de-cluttering. Maybe you should do a whole post on de-cluttering tips!
Oh man, I feel like I am in a constant state of brain fog lately. I have "pregnancy" brain going on right now on top of a crazy schedule which has just left my brain in a permanent funk. These are some wonderful tips. I never think to make a to-do list, but every time I do, I instantly feel better. And getting enough sleep is so important too but that can be a tough one! Great post!
Great tips! I feel like this more often than I would like to admit. As an extreme multi-tasker, I think this comes with the territory...lol
Excellent tips! I like how you broke it down to things we can do and not be victims of "mommy brain". For me I get this way when I don't drink enough water or get enough sleep. Thanks for the reminder :)
Feeling "foggy" or not, I think all of these apply to just achieving a healthier lifestyle in general...and more organized.
I strongly believe that a cluttered mind creates a cluttered life, so I truly appreciate the last three tips.
Thanks for posting!
Love it! So helpful. I really needed to be reminded of these culprits--especially aspartane! Always enjoy reading your blog.
Ali from VB
Great article, Tracy! I so identify with this (unfortunately!). I found my problem was foods I was eating, not getting enough water and lack of sleep. Adjusting those things have helped me tremendously.
Thanks for sharing this information. I look forward to your next posts!
Roz
What great tips :) I know that sometimes is hard for mommies to take care of yourselves especially when you're doing so much. Thanks for the reminder to be good to us moms.
These are great! I have always avoided the artificial sweeteners. I just know in my gut that they are going to cause problems. Don't they kill the lab rats?
So, what we can take from this is the feeling that we are not alone! @Health Revival...yes, I completely agree...a cluttered home or cluttered mind creates chaos & stress! Like many of you mentioned, water is a big one! By the time we feel thirsty, our body is already dehydrated, I need to work on this one too!
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