4 Nutrients to Battle Brain Fog

We all experience brain fog from time to time.

This tired and sluggish feeling that makes it hard to focus isn’t considered a medical condition.

But it doesn’t have to be an official “disease” to take a MAJOR toll on your quality of life.

Common causes include lack of sleep, medication side effects, and COVID-19.

But if none of those factors apply to you, there’s another possible underlying cause you should consider.

Many people write off vitamin supplements as a waste of money.

But the reality is vitamins and minerals have VITAL roles in your body! Because not only are they necessary for your continued good health but ALSO for your very survival.

And many of us fall short because of diet and absorption problems.

If you’re battling brain fog, it could be because you’re not getting enough of several critical nutrients.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a true multitasker. In addition to building bone density, D supports cognitive function.

Studies link vitamin D deficiency to aspects of executive function like processing speed and episodic memory.

A deficiency can be connected to depression and fatigue as well.

In other words, without enough vitamin D, you won’t be as “sharp” as you would be otherwise.

To boost vitamin D, spend more time in the sun and eat more oily fish (like salmon and tuna), mushrooms, and cod liver oil. Supplements are available, as well.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 and healthy brain function go hand in hand. B12 helps make red blood cells and plays a role in the development of healthy nerves.

Severe B12 deficiency can cause a type of anemia. This leads to poor oxygen flow to your organs—including your brain. Common symptoms include brain fog, weakness, and fatigue.

Even in less severe cases, low B12 is connected to confusion, memory issues, and depression.

You can boost vitamin B12 levels by taking a supplement or by including more B12 foods in your diet, such as salmon, cod, milk, and eggs.

Iron

Iron is necessary to prevent anemia. Even minor iron deficiencies can lead to fatigue, trouble concentrating, and dizziness.

Low iron can also cause memory and attention problems.

Iron-rich foods include red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, and dark leafy green vegetables, like spinach. Iron supplements are also available.

If you’re on a blood thinner, check with your doctor before increasing your iron levels.

Magnesium

Sometimes when you feel sluggish, tired, and weak, you don’t need more SLEEP. You need more magnesium.

Magnesium impacts how your brain functions. Lack of this critical nutrient is connected to slower reaction times, increased stress levels, and difficulty focusing.

Add more dark leafy greens, whole grains, beans, and pumpkin seeds to your menu to get more magnesium in your diet. Magnesium pills are also available anywhere supplements are sold.

You’ll have to do some trial and error—or “bio-hacking” —to see if any of these deficiencies are causing your brain fog.

If they are, you should see significant improvements when you boost your levels.

You can increase dietary sources for each. But for true deficiencies, a supplement could help you get back on track faster.

P.S. Poor sleep leaves you feeling groggy and gross the next day. But over time, it can ALSO play a big part in just about any MAJOR health issue you can think of. CLICK HERE to discover the simple nutrient solution.

SOURCE:

Daugherty, L. (2023, March 22.) “Have Brain Fog? You Might Be Deficient in These 4 Vitamins and Minerals.” CNET.