Here is what causes brain fog and how to improve concentration

Brain fog Medical herbalist and columnist Jenny Logan writes about losing concentration and how to combat brain fog. Following Brain Health Week (March 11 to 17), I thought I would have a look at natural ways to boost brain function and mental performance – and therefore lift that all too common brain fog. So many people describe a sensation of ‘brain fog’, but what does it actually mean? Brain fog encompasses a poor memory, lack of mental clarity, issues with concentration – the mind wandering, and therefore also a lack of focus. Sound familiar? Unsurprising really – most of us will have days where we feel like this. Brain fog is not a medical complaint, but it can be a symptom of another issue. There are many different causes of brain fog including: STRESS: Long term stress leads to fatigue, which in turn can severely affect mental performance. When you feel exhausted, it is hard to think and focus as you would like to be able to. POOR SLEEP: Sleep is the time when your brain ‘resets’ filing away memories and refreshing for the next day. Poor sleep will lead to low concentration and brain fog. DIET: A diet low in omega 3 fatty acids or B vitamins – particularly B12, can affect brain function. The omega 3 fatty acid DHA has been identified as important to normal brain function, and could be low in any diet which excludes oily fish. Low levels of B12 have also been linked to brain fog, as B12 only really occurs in animal products, vegan diets particularly may be low in this vitamin. MEDICATIONS: Certain medications could lead to low levels of B12 – this is specially true of antacid medications, as lack of stomach acid can prevent the absorption of vitamin B12. […]

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