If you are one of those people who occasionally can’t find your glasses because you are wearing them, take comfort in knowing that happens to everybody. If something like that happens on a regular basis, it may be time to give your brain a tune up.
Struggling to focus or concentrate, often called “brain fog, can have specific causes such as heavy metal toxicity that interferes with the function of enzymes and proteins in your body, or food sourced issues like MSG that contains glutamate and is toxic to brain metabolism.
Here are 17 ways you can clear out the fog and get your brain back into focus:
- This will help nerve cells to multiply and strengthen them against damage. When we exercise, the nerve cells release neurotrophic factors, proteins that trigger many other chemicals that help cognitive functions, including learning.
- A good nights’ sleep. It recharges the brain and memory skills and improves brain function overall. It doesn’t take much sleep deprivation to slow down the cognitive process.
- This is what your body produces when it converts fat into energy, and a primary source of ketones are the medium chain triglycerides (MCT) found in coconut oil. It contains about 66 percent MCTs you need.
- This omega-3 fat is an essential structural component of your brain. About 60 percent of your brain is composed of fats, 25 percent of which is DHA. The best food source is wild caught fish.
- Vitamin D. It increases nerve growth in the brain, specifically in the hippocampus and cerebellum, areas that are involved in processing information and the formation of new memories. The best source is sunlight, but some need supplementation to get adequate amounts.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency. Brain fog is a major warning sign that you lack vitamin B12. Supplementation is often necessary.
- Gotu Kola. This is an adaptogen (a natural substance considered to help the body adapt to stress) that is used as a tonic to balance overall brain function, enhance blood circulation and support memory function.
- Used as an essential oil, it’s believed to improve efficiency with mental tasks and help with memory retention.
- This is used to help treat nervous system disorders and can help with the detoxification of brain tissue.
- Widely used to rejuvenate and enhance brain functions, specifically in the hippocampus. It has been shown to treat nervous exhaustion and prevent the deterioration of brain cells.
- This is often used for providing protection against Alzheimer’s Disease because it lowers beta-amyloid in the brain and reduces inflammation.
- The root of this plant has been used for centuries to improve brain performance. It helps to regulate mood by reducing anxiety, depression, mental fatigue and memory retention.
- Huperzine- A form of Chinese moss, blocks an enzyme in the brain that destroys acetylcholine; a neurotransmitter that transmits information between brain cells.
- Ginkgo Biloba. This can help to heal and regenerate the cells in the brain, enhance memory, attention and even enhance learning capabilities. It’s a natural blood thinner and should not be used with NSAIDs, ibuprofen, aspirin, warfarin or any other blood-thinning medications.
- It helps oxygenate the brain and boosts circulation to enhance your mood.
- It’s used to increase vitality and help to better cope with the effects of stress. It protects brain cells against toxins and beta-amyloid, which is integral to prevent age-related mental decline.
- It has been shown to help the left and right spheres of the brain to function more synergistically. It is also used to provide adrenal support, alleviate anxiety and treat insomnia.
Herbal therapies can interact with medications or be have adverse reactions in certain health conditions. It’s best to consult your health care provider before using them.
