Common Causes of Brain Fog

Everyone’s had it before. Maybe you lost your glasses a few too many times one day, forgot an important meeting, or just felt plain foggy and unable to think clearly. We’re talking about brain fog.

You might be experiencing confusion, memory loss, trouble thinking and concentrating, unintentional negligence, or just feel plain spacey. You may just be having a day of brain fog here and there or it might be a chronic issue that’s disrupting your life.

According to a study done at the University of Birmingham (UK), when you have brain fog your brain is suffering from inflammation and isn’t functioning properly. Depending on the root cause of your brain fog, your brain might even be degenerating.

No matter the cause of your brain fog, there are some options for combating brain fog including lifestyle changes like food and exercise, learning practices like meditation that help with focus, BioActivate bio-frequency patches that naturally provide clarity, and quitting smoking.

Here are some of the main causes of brain fog, and while these are some common reasons, you should always get checked out by your doctor. There’s a lot of overlap in symptoms, so it’s best not to self-diagnose.

Fluctuating Hormones

Women going through menopause, who are pregnant, and some who are premenstrual are all susceptible to experiencing brain fog. Low testosterone in men can also cause brain fog.

ADHD, Depression or Anxiety

A condition called CDD, or Concentration Deficit Disorder (formerly called SCT, or Sluggish Cognitive Tempo) has all the hallmarks of brain fog and often appears comorbidly with these mental health issues.

Stress

Chronic stress really does a number on your body both mentally and physically. It can cause high blood pressure, lower your immune system leaving you more susceptible to infection and disease, and can cause cognitive problems. If your brain is tired from stress, you won’t have the energy for things like focusing, thinking, or memory.

Inflammation From Medical Conditions

There are many things that can cause inflammation, from disease and infection to autoimmune disorders, and brain fog might be an extra symptom on your list. It’s common for brain fog to show up alongside inflammation.

B-12 Deficiency

If you’re feeling foggy throughout the day, you might have this vitamin b-12 deficiency. It’s somewhat common amongst vegans and vegetarians. Since vegans and vegetarians don’t eat meat, which is one of the best sources of vitamin b-12, it’s important to take a supplement.

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep or poor sleep quality is a common cause of brain fog. It’s important to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night in order for your body to function properly. Sleep time is when the body and mind regenerate and when your immune system recharges. There are definitely consequences to lack of sleep.

Dehydration

Believe or not, if you’re not hydrating properly, dehydration might be the cause of your brain fog. A relatively small drop in hydration can cause issues with focus and memory. It’s especially common in the elderly.

Medication

It’s possible you’re experiencing a side effect or drug interaction. It’s important to speak with your doctor about any possible changes. Another one of the main causes of brain fog from medication is from chemotherapy.

Unhealthy Gut

The brain and gut are constantly in communication and if you’re suffering from digestive upset, there’s a good chance your brain fog is linked to it. When your digestive system isn’t working properly it’s a prime environment for chronic inflammation and a whole slew of other unpleasant symptoms like - you guessed it, brain fog.

Blood Sugar Fluctuations

When your blood sugar swings too high or too low, it can cause brain fog. This usually happens when someone frequently overeats or eats too much sugar and white carbohydrates. A well rounded healthy diet with very limited sugar will keep your blood sugar stable and keep that brain fog at bay.