Clouding of consciousness, also termed as foggy brain, is a psychological condition that is caused due to various physical, emotional, and biochemical factors.
The term ‘foggy brain’ or ‘clouding of consciousness’ may be used to describe a state of condition wherein the affected person faces various disorders with the normal functioning of his thoughts. To put it in a different way, the person experiences abnormal changes or disturbances in clarity of thought. If the incidence of foggy brain is occasional in nature, then often there is nothing so serious about the condition. However, if the problem shows up frequently and with increased intensity, then there are enough reasons to worry about. Causes could be many, and depending on the types, the treatment also varies.
Factors Behind Brain Fog
Experts do not have definite answers as what exactly are the brain fog causes. However, there are factors which are well-associated with this condition. These are as follows:
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Adrenal fatigue
- Poor sleep
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Circulatory disorders which hamper the flow of blood to the brain
- Metal poisoning (mercury, cadmium, lead, etc.)
- Low blood sugar
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Candidiasis
- Leaky gut syndrome
- Thyroid disorders
- Allergies
- Food intolerance
- Fibromyalgia
- Side effects of medications
Foggy brain and menopause are related to each other. It occurs mainly due to fluctuating hormonal levels in the body. When estrogen level dwindles, it manifests itself with mood swings, depression, unclear thinking, and other symptoms, which are typical of brain fog.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Problems in concentration in studies and/or work
- Exhibiting reluctance or difficulty in acquiring new skills
- Finding multitasking jobs daunting
- Confusion
- Short-term memory loss
- Not able to give attention to a particular thing for a long time
- Slow in completing usual tasks
- Difficulty in recalling a conversation or finding the right word to form a sentence
- Forgetfulness with image or list of words
- Fatigue, mild depression, and anxiety could also be some of the brain fog symptoms
Treatment
Addressing the underlying causes of foggy brain, is the treatment plan to deal with the condition and its symptoms. For instance, if the cause is diagnosed to be any kind of thyroid disorders, then the patient would be treated with medications, which would help improve the condition. Then again, if fatigue or stress happens to be a cause, a few changes in lifestyle and diet do well in dealing with the condition.
According to most experts, when brain fog hits, the patient must take a walk outside. This activity helps in improving blood circulation in the body thus, reducing the symptoms to some extent. Diet must include foods rich in complex carbohydrates and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Protein rich foods are also required, as they boost important neurotransmitters. Avoiding foods such as simple carbohydrates, those which are caffeine-based, junk foods, trans fats, and hydrogenated ones, also help in increasing the efficacy of the treatment.
As insomnia also happens to be one of the causes of foggy brain, getting adequate sleep does provide great help in dealing with the condition. 8-9 hours of sleep is known to be the standard requirement for all individuals. Needless to say, following a regular exercise schedule is also one of the effective ways to ward off all kinds of medical disorders. Physical activity not only helps the body to function optimally, but it also increases mental strength, keeping the body healthy in all aspects. One of the important benefits of regular exercise is reduced stress, which ultimately, helps in brain fog treatment.
Whenever you feel that you are experiencing the symptoms of foggy brain, sip in a cup or two of green tea. It helps in rejuvenating the body and clearing your senses. But what is more important to know is, if even after making modifications in the lifestyle and diet, the condition does not show any signs of retreat, then medical intervention is advised. You may never know if some serious medical condition is causing the brain fog. So, once you get diagnosed by a qualified physician, he can suggest you the required measures and advice to deal with your condition.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
