What is Brain Fog?
The best definition I’ve ever read of brain fog is, “A clouding of consciousness”. That’s actually how it feels – like every thing and every action has a cloud or a bank of fog over it -difficult to see the way.
Definition of Fog:
A thick cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere at or near the earth’s surface that obscures or restricts visibility (to a greater extent than mist; strictly, reducing visibility; something that obscures and confuses a situation or someone’s thought processes.
Symptoms
What do the symptoms look like? Most of us have experienced the familiar, “What the hell did I do with my keys or where the hell did I park my car”? episodes. You can read about my personal experience with brain fog here.
Brain fog in it’s simplest description can be one, a combination of, or all of these symptoms:
- difficult focusing
- lack of clarity or comprehension
- trouble remembering information
- anxious
- difficulty exercising
- forgetfulness
- uninspired
- depressed
- fatigued
- irritable
- insomnia or trouble sleeping through the night
- can linger for days, weeks, and even months
Dr. Roberta Lahita, MD, PhD, rheumatologist and chairperson of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and professor of medicine at Rutgers University in New Jersey says, “The biggest difference between dementia and brain fog is its impermanence”. It can come and go just like the fog.
Causes
There are various causes of brain fog including hormone imbalance, inflammation in the body, food toxins, allergens, toxic metals, stress, insomnia, cancer therapy, and a host of other possibilities.
Whatever your case, make an appointment with your doctor or healthcare professional to test your blood sugar, thyroid, and your lifestyle habits. Lifestyle habits can contribute greatly to brain fog, or on the other hand, can assist in effectively removing it. You can also learn more about brain fog here.
I’ve been able to measurably diminish brain fog by incorporating a number of herbs into my healthcare strategy.
Here are three herbs that have taken the “f” out of conFusion and put it into “Focus”.
- Bacopa Monnieri – What you say? Is that your long lost Italian aunt Ava? No, but just as precious. God willing I will never ever be without this magic herb which has effectively assisted me in turning my upside down – around. Also known as Brahmi, this powerful herb is an adaptogen and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It’s known to combat stress and help memory. I take this daily and it has changed the quality of my life.
- Gingko Biloba is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant plant extract. Research suggest it supports cognitive function, improved energy, improved memory, and positive mood. I also take this daily and attribute my improved mood and better cognition to taking it. No more staring at the same sentence in a book or on my computer for twenty minutes. Gingko Biloba keeps it movin’.
- Ashwaganda – Thank you mother nature for this herb. Excellent for promoting clarity, reducing the side effects of stress, and promoting an overall “I can handle this ” attitude. If you’re overworked or anxious please consider taking this. It’s an adaptogen and works with the cortisol in the body to relieve stress and assists the adrenal glands in processing the stress hormone cortisol. It also protects the brain against cell deterioration and is fantastic for nervous exhaustion.
These are three key herbs I take that have made a significant difference in how my brain functions throughout the day. I’m noticeably more clear, more energetic, happier, and more accomplished since incorporating them into my daily life. Get an okay from your healthcare professional and give them a try.
Until next time,
Blessings…
