4 Factors That Can Lead To A Foggy Brain

October 23, 2015

Are you finding it difficult to focus lately? Do you feel confused or forgetful? If yes, then you could be suffering from brain fog.

Brain fog is a clouding of consciousness, which has signs of forgetfulness, confusion, lack of focus and mental clarity. With so many toxins around us, they are bound to have an impact on our health and, in this case, our brain, too. Research has found that neurotoxins can impede brain development in kids, something that might cause autism at birth and ADHD or Parkinson’s later on in life.

Four Lesser-Known Causes Of Brain Fog
While you’re finding it difficult to think clearly, concentrate and relax your mind, your brain could have invasive forces that could impact its health.

1. Air Pollution
Research suggests that traffic pollution can lower memory test scores and slow cognitive development in kids.^[1] But, traffic pollution is not the only source of harmful chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS). Burning coal and tobacco smoke can also be major contributors.

2. Stress
When a person is under stress, the body releases cortisol in small bursts. The problem, however, arises when a person is under constant stress.^[2] If a pregnant woman is under stress, the cortisol could enter the placenta and reach the fetus and tamper with the baby’s brain and its circuitry. After birth, the child’s cortisol levels could continue to sabotage brain development.

3. Exposure To BPA
The toxicity of BPA is such that many manufacturers are now making BPA-free products. However, studies show that BPA is now substituted with bisphenol-S, or BPS, which could be as harmful to your brain. In fact, BPA/ BPS exposure can alter brain growth and hyperactivity.^[3] Be extra careful while buying canned foods since there are still a lot of canned food brands that use BPA in the linings of cans.^[4]

4. Diabetes
Studies suggest that type 2 diabetes can affect cognition and decrease one’s ability to control emotions, behavior and thought.^[5] Since most doctors emphasize on self-management of diabetes through control over blood sugar, diet, and medication, patients may burn out when it comes to managing the condition, which is worrisome in itself.

Tips To Improve Brain Function

If you are feeling foggy, here are the things you can do. Firstly, get outdoors. A study found that kids who played outdoors experienced positive cognitive development.^[6]Isn’t it a great idea for all ages!
Add a lot of probiotics to your diet. Research suggests that our gut health is directly connected to our mental health.^[7]
Follow a regular exercise routine. It is a great way to rev up your analytical thinking and creative skills.
You can also take some herbs that could improve mental health.

For more interesting stories, visit our Health page. Read more about Diseases & Conditions here.

References:
1. Sunyer J, Esnaola M, Alvarez-Pedrerol M, Forns J, Rivas I, López-Vicente M, et al. (2015) Association between Traffic-Related Air Pollution in Schools and Cognitive Development in Primary School Children: A Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS Med 12(3): e1001792. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1001792

2. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2005/2014). Excessive Stress Disrupts the Architecture of the Developing Brain: Working Paper No. 3. Updated Edition.

3. Kinch, C. D. et al. Low-dose exposure to bisphenol A and replacement bisphenol S induces precocious hypothalamic neurogenesis in embryonic zebrafish. PNAS.

4. Environmental Working Group. BPA in Canned Food. Environmental Working Group.

5. Vincent C, Hall PA. Executive Function in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychosom Med. 2015 Jul-Aug;77(6):631-42. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000103. PubMed PMID: 25469685.

6. Dadvand, P. et al. Green spaces and cognitive development in primary schoolchildren. PNAS.

7. Reardon, S. Gut-brain link grabs neuroscientists. Nature. 515 (7526).