Brain fog - Why does it occur? How to get rid of it? (Patreon)

Brain fog is a phenomenon that many people may encounter daily, often without realizing it. According to studies, everyone has experienced brain fog at least once in their lifetime.

It manifests as a lack of mental clarity, poor concentration, tiredness when working or engaging in other routine activities, and as a mild up to intense memory problems. We tend to describe this phenomenon as mental fatigue that occasionally happens, especially when we didn't sleep well last night, however, brain fog can periodically appear without any particular reason. Why? Is it something to take seriously? Should we be worried about it, even though it is not formally recognized as a medical condition?

Experiencing brain fog regularly indicates that something wrong might be happening to our organism and symptoms should never be ignored. Of course, when occurring randomly, e.g., once per month, there's no need to be spooked. In such a case, just get some rest, and you should be back on track right soon. However, if you find yourself facing the aforementioned symptoms several times a week, it is a high time to pay closer attention to your mental health and physical well-being.

We distinguish 8 leading causes of brain fog:

1. Lack of sleep, or its poor quality

How to take care of proper sleep hygiene? I explained it in this article: https://www.patreon.com/posts/proper-sleep-one-38288940

2. Stress

Especially chronic stress that will, piece by piece, sabotage the body and mind functions. That is the main reason many people suffer from having poor immune systems (during the coronavirus "pandemic," watching/reading news doesn't seem like a good idea), brain fog, or even severe depression. I will write another article about this topic, as chronic stress is the most severe root-cause disease of the XXI century.

3. Improper diet

Brain fog will be strictly associated with B-12 vitamin deficiency, dehydration, insulin resistance, or deficient carbohydrate intake - exactly why people tend to experience brain fog on vegan or keto diets, but also upon obesity accompanied with insulin resistance. Additionally, food intolerance can also trigger diverse brain fog symptoms, as well as hunger or dehydration.

Water plays a crucial role in neuronal excitability. Insufficient hydration can reduce cortical thickness, causing brain fog, impairing executive functions.

Glucose is the brain's primary fuel, and there is a firm reason why it should stay that way.

4. Hormonal changes

Especially testosterone and DHT deficiency in men just as elevated prolactin and estrogen

I don't need to explain how optimal testosterone level is essential for men; you know it. Low testosterone levels, particularly alongside high prolactin and estradiol, makes the brain work much less efficiently; brain fog may become the everyday problem.

Hyperthyroidism is also known for its negative influence on brain functions, and if you already had some issues related to the thyroid gland, then it would also be necessary to examine it once again (at least with blood tests - TSH/ Ft3/Ft4), and if needed set an appropriate treatment.

5. Medical conditions

Especially anxiety, diabetes, depression, or migraines. Add general neurotransmitter disturbances.

There are numerous possible root causes for each of these medical conditions - impossible to describe in a single article. That said, whenever you experience brain fog and suspect one of the mentioned medical conditions, you should start connecting the dots. Best, reach out for a medial evaluation to diagnose and treat the condition respectively.

6. Anabolic-androgenic steroids abuse

Especially nandrolones and its derivatives. Some of their metabolites are known for their negative influence on brain function, with Trenbolone as the most popular AAS that metabolites accumulate in the hippocampus, eventually disturbing its functioning. Moreover, nandrolones may negatively impact the serotonin-melatonin pathway and sleep quality, making people more aggressive and worsening mental clarity, memory, and focus.

7. Central Nervous System (CNS) Fatigue

CNS fatigue results from, i.a., improper recovery after a heavy workout, excessive use of stimulants, chronic stress, or prolonged caloric deficit

read more: https://www.patreon.com/posts/central-nervous-69589788

8. Medications

Whenever you experience brain fog after taking a particular medication, don't hesitate to contact a doctor who has prescribed them. Brain fog isn't something that should be ignored, and the fact of experiencing it must be examined, and if needed changing your meds.

How to get rid of brain fog?

Review all of the sub-points above and carefully analyze your everyday life, then eliminate/fix opposing factors. Bear in mind that treating brain fog by taking medications isn't the way to go, especially if the problem occurs more frequently. It is always best to hit the source of an issue instead of masking its symptoms.

Binaural beats are also known for their ability to counter mild brain fog, and listening to - Modafinil -, - NZT-48 - or - Armodafinil - will be very handy.

Several nootropics may also be helpful, e.g., Alpha GPC, Rhodiola Rosea, or Noopept with GABA. Dosing should be matched individually.