The Mystery of Brain Fog and How to Beat It

by Niko Sayu, age 11

You’ve probably heard of it — brain fog. It’s often thought of as something that only affects older adults, but that is not the whole story.

Brain fog is a term for a large collection of symptoms that many people experience in their lifetime. For example, you could be working, exercising, or just relaxing, and then you get a strange feeling. You are tired, fatigued, forgetful, and possibly even dizzy. Sound familiar?

It is perfectly reasonable if brain fog is not the first thing that jumps to mind. After all, brain fog has recently been associated with long COVID and the aftereffects of anesthesia. There are many factors that can contribute to brain fog. A common factor is lack of sleep. This happens because sleep loss inhibits proper communication between brain cells. This, in turn, leads to side effects such as fatigue, exhaustion, confusion, and a slow thought process. This can be extremely dangerous depending on the individual’s performed task. Another cause of brain fog is dehydration. Dehydration lowers blood volume and reduces the amount of oxygen and electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium in the body.

While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for brain fog, there are certain things that can be done to manage it. Unity Point Health says that eating healthy, staying hydrated, getting sleep, taking breaks, and caffeine in moderation may be some ways to mitigate the effects of brain fog. Specific foods like salmon, avocados, olive oil, or dark leafy greens can also help as they are high in omega-3s. It is also important to manage one's hydration and make sure to drink enough water daily. According to PennMedicine, about half an ounce to an ounce for every pound of weight is a healthy amount of water to drink on a daily basis. HealthDirect suggests individuals consult their doctor if they have been chronically experiencing brain fog symptoms.

There is no need to worry if you occasionally experience brain fog symptoms, but if you are noticing them consistently and for extended periods of time, try making changes in your diet, such as eating foods rich in healthy fats. Drinking more water in general is another good measure for preventative care. But as always, if you are experiencing these symptoms often, make sure to contact a medical professional.

[Sources: Healthline; UnityPoint Health; Healthdirect]