What is Mental Fogginess?
Mental fogginess refers to problems with clear thinking and concentration. Symptoms include forgetfulness, lack of focus, confusion, and feeling "scatterbrained."
Causes
There are several potential causes of mental fogginess:
- Stress - High stress levels can impair brain function and make it hard to concentrate. Things like work deadlines, financial problems, or relationship issues can all contribute to that "brain fog" feeling.
- Poor sleep - Not getting enough sleep or having untreated sleep disorders like sleep apnea can lead to fatigue and cloudy thinking the next day.
- Hormonal changes - Fluctuations in hormones associated with menopause, thyroid disorders, or other conditions can trigger brain fog. For help getting your hormones balanced, be sure to check out Harmony Hormone Care!
- Poor diet - A diet high in processed foods and low in nutrients may negatively impact brain health over time.
- Medications - Some prescription drugs, like antihistamines or benzodiazepines, list brain fog and confusion as potential side effects.
What helps?
Lifestyle changes that can improve mental clarity include:
- Reducing stress through meditation, yoga, or just taking breaks
- Getting on a regular sleep schedule and treating any sleep disorders
- Eating a nutrient-rich, "brain healthy" diet high in vegetables, berries, fish, nuts and seeds
- Exercising regularly to improve blood flow and energize the mind
- Avoiding or limiting alcohol and recreational drugs
- Working with your doctor to adjust any medications that might be contributing
For some, nutritional supplements like fish oil or ginkgo biloba may also help sharpen focus. But check with your doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if you take other medications.
Hope this overview on mental fogginess was helpful! At Harmony Hormone Care, their team of medical experts can provide personalized care plans to help clients optimize hormone levels, increase energy, improve sleep quality, and enhance mental function. Reach out today to learn more or book a consultation!