Photo credit: Shannan Muskopf [CC BY-SA 3.0]
Here are five possible reasons you are suffering from brain fog –
Poor Nutrition
Eating a diet filled with highly processed foods, aka junk foods, will leave you feeling foggy. There isn’t much, if any, nutrition left in these foods after they’ve been stripped of their natural state, taking this and that out and adding in more chemicals than we can count to come up with something that will stay on the shelf indefinitely.
When you put bad gas in your car, it makes your car sputter, cut out, and just run poorly. Well, think of highly processed foods as lousy fuel for your body.
Get more fresh whole foods into your diet to combat brain fog. Eat organic as often as possible and fill your body with the goodness that comes from real food.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Leading a life without much movement can cause brain fog because your brain isn’t getting what it needs to be sharp and alert.
Your brain needs oxygen and vital nutrients, which are carried to it through the bloodstream. If you don’t get your blood pumping to increase blood flow through exercise, your brain lacks the very things it needs to do its job correctly. Exercise improves brain function, so get off the couch. Even a quick 10-minute walk will go a long way towards improving your brain power.
Toxic Buildup
Our bodies can get polluted from chemicals in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the foods we eat. If you don’t eat healthily and get some exercise, these toxins can build up, causing your body and brain to function at sub-optimal levels.
Detoxifying can be an unpleasant experience the first time because we’re stirring up all the crud that has built up over our lifetime. The more often you do this, the easier it becomes, and you will feel the effects of having a cleaner body and a clearer mind.
Stress
Chronic stress is another factor that can lead to physical and mental problems. Stress elevates a hormone in your body called cortisol that causes inflammation in your brain and body. Chronic inflammation can cause many health issues, including fatigue, damaged brain cells, depression, weight gain, and glucose imbalance.
Finding an outlet for your stress would be immensely helpful, such as adding an exercise regimen to release endorphins in your brain, which cause you to feel good; it can even help you shed unwanted weight. You can also choose to pamper yourself by taking a hot bath, getting a massage, meditating, or trying yoga.
Dehydration
If you don’t consume enough water, you may suffer from dehydration.
Water can help flush the waste and toxins out of your body that can accumulate in your intestinal tract.
Try to consume at least 8 cups of water per day. An easy way to incorporate more water into your day is to drink a full glass upon rising and another before each meal. For advanced hydration and flavor, a healthy sports drink will do the trick.
If you find yourself feeling foggy regularly, chances are good you’re suffering from one or all of these issues. Get some exercise, eat better, drink lots of water and release your stress, and you’ll feel sharper in no time.
Resources
Bolero Advanced Hydration
