Do you feel like your mind is working slower than usual? You probably have brain fog. Brain fog is a medical condition that impairs your ability to focus, recall things, and think clearly. It can interfere with your day-to-day living, causing everything from trouble focusing to memory loss. What causes brain fog? It can be caused by stress, lack of sleep, or excessive screen time.
What is Brain Fog?
Brain fog is thought to be cellular induced by high levels of inflammation and hormonal changes that affect mood, energy, and attention. Among the common symptoms of brain fog are confusion, memory loss, and a loss of concentration and mental clarity.
What are the Potential Causes of Brain Fog?
Managing brain fog is only possible once you have identified the underlying cause. There are many reasons for brain fog, including:
1. Hormonal Changes
Brain fog can be caused by menopause or pregnancy. According to research, pregnant women experience confusion, disorientation, and fogginess, which can result in behavior like losing possessions and forgetting routine duties. This condition is referred to as “pregnancy brain.”
Similarly, a decrease in estrogen levels during menopause might result in foggy thinking, forgetfulness, and impaired focus.
2. Compromised Airways
Brain fog can be caused by airway obstruction. Airway blockage can result from crowded teeth or a high vault. These problems can cause the tongue to become constricted and pushed upward into the neck. Thus, oral diseases have a major impact on brain function in addition to their effects on tooth health and other organs.
3. Sleep Problems
Sleep is necessary for your brain to function properly, poor sleep can interfere with your brain and cause it to work slower. Similarly, getting too much sleep may also make you feel groggy and lead to lack of concentration. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep every night.
4. Chemotherapy
Strong medications used in chemotherapy can cause chemo brain, making you struggle to multitask, lose track of names or dates, or take longer to complete tasks. Though some people may continue to have symptoms long after therapy, it usually goes away after the treatment.
5. Medications
Certain drugs, including several sleep medicines and painkillers, have been linked to brain fog as a side effect. Reducing the dosage or trying a different medication could help with your problems.
6. Diet Challenges
Brain fog might occur from eating a limited diet and not getting enough vitamins and minerals. In particular, anemia can be brought on by a B12 or iron shortage, which can lower energy levels and indirectly impact cognition. Additionally, food allergies and sensitivities can also change your cognitive capabilities.
Final Say!
Brain fog may make you feel stuck and frustrated, causing your thoughts to lag. Even if you are motivated and able to finish some activities, you feel as though something is stopping you. What causes brain fog? It is typically caused by stress, lack of sleep, or certain medications.
If you’re unsure about your symptoms for brain fog, visit us at Whole Health Dental Center. Book your appointment by calling (703) 385-6425.