Professional fog on the brain natural herbs solutions and more healthy lifestyle tips: More and more research is being undertaken to better understand brain fog, a term that’s almost as vague as brain fog itself. Definition of Brain Fog – Brain fog isn’t something doctors diagnose their patients with. Brain fog is a broad term used to describe some common cognitive symptoms that folks face. These can be varied but generally center on the idea that your thinking or memory isn’t as efficient or effective as it used to be, she says. One of the challenges with understanding brain fog is that there are so many potential causes, and the term “brain fog” alone doesn’t tell doctors what exactly is going on. That said, here are a few common causes to consider. See additional details on Fog on the brain: Clearing the Haze.
Some scientists also speculate that dysfunction of the gut microbiome might lead to brain fog in some cases, as one small study published in October 2024 found evidence of brain fog in more than half of participants with gastrointestinal diseases like inflammatory bowel syndrome. Scientists hypothesize that changes to the gut microbiome might play a role in long COVID-related brain fog too, and some research suggests that a microbial imbalance in the gut might contribute to neuroinflammation. But in many other conditions, scientists haven’t found out much about the biology of brain fog. That’s because there have been very few high-quality studies on brain fog in general, Denno says. And the higher quality studies that have specifically looked into brain fog are often inconsistent in their results and methodology. The link between brain fog and chronic pain, for example, remains murky for this reason, researchers argue.
Increased blood glucose levels can also be a symptom of insulin resistance, which can develop into pancreas fatigue and, as follows, one’s inability to produce enough insulin. To diagnose the issue on time and follow its development, knowing the ways to measure it regularly is vital, and thankfully, you can even do it at home, so let’s look closely at some of the available options. Blood Test and Other Ways to Measure Insulin Resistance at Home – Fortunately, for those who don’t want to run from clinic to clinic to understand their current situation with blood sugar levels, there are some ways to monitor insulin resistance calculations at home.
According to research, turmeric may boost brain health and stave off Alzheimer’s disease by clearing the brain of beta-amyloid (a protein fragment).2 The buildup of beta-amyloid is known to form Alzheimer’s-related brain plaques. In addition, turmeric may shield brain health by inhibiting the breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. Turmeric is a key ingredient in curry powder, which typically includes spices such as coriander and cumin. To increase your intake of turmeric, try adding curry powder or turmeric to stir-fries, soups, and vegetable dishes. Long used as a treatment for dementia, ginkgo biloba is a commonly taken remedy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is well known for its benefits. It’s thought that ginkgo biloba might help improve cognitive function in part by stimulating circulation and promoting blood flow to the brain.
In alternative medicine systems such as Ayurveda and TCM, Gotu kola has long been used to improve mental clarity. Findings from animal-based research suggest that this herb may also help the brain by fighting oxidative stress. A 2021 review published in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology suggested that gotu kola may inhibit Alzheimer’s-associated oxidative stress and improve cognitive function. An herb often taken in tea form and frequently used to ease anxiety and insomnia, lemon balm may help improve cognitive function. Some research suggests that this may be a great herb for memory loss.
Brain detox: Lack of sleep also interferes with your brain’s ability to detox. During waking hours, gunk accumulates in your brain that must be cleared during sleep. And because the glymphatic system—the system of blood vessels in the body that removes waste from the brain and central nervous system—is most active at night during sleep, not sleeping enough impairs this detoxification process, which can leave you feeling mentally dull and foggy in the morning. For anyone looking to optimize brain functions, herbs are a saving grace. Let’s check out our best five herbal recommendations for mental clarity. See even more details at Fog on the brain: Clearing the Haze.