Many people experience mental lapses from time to time, commonly referred to as brain fog, which regularly occurs as the result of an underlying health condition. It can lead to forgetfulness, confusion, and an inability to focus on certain tasks. While it’s fairly normal for such issues to arise on occasion, it may begin interfering with your daily life if you encounter these episodes regularly. Here are some common reasons brain fog develops, so you can understand what causes it and have a naturopathic doctor properly address it.

Why You May Have Brain Fog

1. Poor Nutrition

A nutrient-packed diet is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Vitamin B12 is especially key in promoting good neurological functions, and cases of vitamin B12 deficiency have been linked to poor memory and confusion. Some good sources of vitamin B12 include red meat, cheese, eggs, fish, and milk. If you don’t consume enough of these foods, consult a naturopathic doctor about getting vitamin B12 injections to help elevate your body’s B12 levels.

2. Inadequate Sleep     

It’s recommended that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night to feel fully rested and fight off health problems. Lack of sleep can lead to short- and long-term memory issues, as well as trouble paying attention and making rational decisions. If you’ve tried getting more sleep but still experience brain fog, you may be dealing with a sleep disorder, such as insomnia or sleep apnea. This will require treatment to help improve your quality of sleep.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a significant role in brain health. When your hormone levels become imbalanced, such as with pregnancy or menopause, you can have difficulty remembering and maintaining clarity. Thyroid hormones also connect directly to the brain, so if your thyroid gland fails to generate all the hormones your body needs (known as hypothyroidism), it can begin to cause forgetfulness and sluggishness, making it hard to concentrate. A naturopathic doctor may treat this with special dietary strategies and the use of natural hormones.

If brain fog is affecting your quality of life, see how A Path to Natural Health in Issaquah, WA, can help. Led by naturopathic doctors Maura Scanlan and Emily Bender, this practice provides holistic treatment options for a wide variety of conditions. Backed by more than 25 years of experience, they’ll create a customized plan based on your unique situation and personal health goals. Call (425) 270-3047 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information on the services they offer.