Do you struggle with brain fog? It’s that feeling when you aren’t sure why, but you can’t focus, your eyesight may even be affected, and you feel a bit sluggish and tired. It’s a feeling of mental confusion, a lack of clarity, and sometimes it includes forgetfulness. So, what are the causes of brain fog and how do you stop it from happening to you?
5 Different Causes of Brain Fog
These are the top 5 different causes of brain fog.
FOOD ALLERGIES
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause brain fog, and in fact are one of the most common causes of brain fog. Gluten is the biggest culprit and it’s often one of the first symptoms people notice because it shows up before digestive issues. Brain fog from gluten or other irritating food can show up almost immediately after you eat the food and can last for hours. If you find that you’re experiencing brain fog, consider what you just ate.
Start paying attention to what you eat and how it impacts your body. Note: gluten is found in a lot of foods beyond bread and pastries. It can be found in lunchmeat, sauces, and even ice cream.
You can even use a food diary to help you uncover hidden triggers in your body.
DEHYDRATION
Your blood pressure can drop when you are dehydrated. This can lead to brain fog, dizziness when you stand, and just a general feeling of wooziness. If you’re feeling foggy and you’re pretty sure it’s not caused by a food you ate recently, try drinking a glass, or two, of water.
BLOOD SUGAR
When your blood sugar levels drop, it can leave you feeling foggy. Low blood sugar is one of the most common causes of brain fog. Try to eat meals with less sugar and fewer starchy carbs. Focus on protein, healthy fats, and vegetables. You’ll balance your blood sugar levels. In the meantime, while you’re experiencing the fogginess from low blood sugar, eat something like nuts or cheese. The protein and fat will help you regain clarity.
MEDICATIONS
Are you on any new medications? Some medications can cause brain fogginess. These include, but aren’t limited to, pain killers, both NSAIDs and opioids, as well as sleeping pills, and medication for anxiety or depression. If you feel like a medication may be causing your brain fog, talk to your doctor to see if you can switch medications and look for lifestyle changes that may help you wean yourself off of medications.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
Some health conditions can also cause brain fog. They include autoimmune diseases like MS, Lupus, IBS, and even allergies. If the brain fog is chronic and you’re unable to determine the cause for your brain fog, you may want to go to the doctor to have some tests run.
Brain fog can happen to anyone, and the causes for brain fog can be simple and easy to avoid. Start paying attention to when it happens for you and look for patterns and connections. You’re your own best health advocate. Paying attention to your body can help you get healthier and achieve more mental clarity.
For me, I used an elimination diet like the one found in Glow from the Gut program to uncover what foods were still causing brain fog.