May 04, 2023

Brainfog: Our tips for more focus in the here and now

Since the Corona pandemic at the latest, most of us have been familiar with the term brain fog . The brain feels like it's been packed in cotton wool, the thoughts are foggy - somehow the head feels so mushy, as if we can no longer think clearly.

The bad news: Brain fog makes our lives difficult. Focused learning or work? Stressful. The everyday? As if only vaguely tangible behind a bank of fog. The good news: In most cases, this fog in the head has nothing to do with Long Covid or other serious physical or mental illnesses.

In this story we want to tell you what you can do against the annoying clouding of consciousness and how the sun can shine again after a brain fog. We look at the symptoms and causes of brain fog and tell you what you can do about brain fog . Important: We cannot and do not want to give you medical advice. This story is intended to encourage and offer tips that can help with short-term or mild brain fog. If you have severe and, above all, long-term symptoms, please contact your family doctor.

And now: Read on! Fog lights on and off into the world of brain fog. Are you in?

Brain fog, what is that exactly?

First of all: not a medical term. Nevertheless, brain fog is on everyone's lips and is also used by neurologists, scientists and politicians. Brain fog refers to the feeling of fatigue, lack of motivation, cognitive deficits, difficulty concentrating and much more , which can individually or collectively result in brain fog. Brain fog is also called darkening of consciousness , clouding of consciousness or brain fog . It can be the result of serious illnesses such as cancer or Long Covid, but in most cases its causes are more mundane and - more importantly - quite easily curable.

Symptoms of brain fog

In itself , brain fog is already a symptom that can have numerous causes. Brain fog itself manifests itself through a clouding of consciousness , which can sometimes have a massive impact on our focus and concentration. The list of symptoms is long, but the most important are

fatigue
Lack of motivation
forgetfulness
dizziness
Cognitive deficits

In other words: you find it difficult to think , you can hardly stick to one thing and you feel listless. Your brain feels like it's been wrapped in cotton wool , the fog seems like a veil in front of your eyes. By the way: Many affected people have problems describing the phenomenon of brain fog. Precisely because it is so diffuse and intangible.

A woman walks across an autumnal meadow.

Brain fog? No thanks! Use our tips to clear your head.

Causes and treatment of brain fog: Everything is usually very simple

As mentioned at the beginning, if you are suffering from severe and/or long-term brain fog and the symptoms do not improve after following a few more general tips, you should urgently contact professionals for professional brain fog treatment .

But before you assume the worst, we want to reassure you first: The causes of (mild) brain fog are usually very harmless. And with a little discipline it's very easy to get under control.

Most often the culprit: lack of sleep

The bitter truth for everyone who likes to turn night into day and regularly only sleep four to five hours a night: lack of sleep is often the main reason for brain fog. The reason for this is obvious: you are not giving your body and brain a sufficient reset. Noise, light, appointments, exercise, stress: How is your brain supposed to deal with it if it doesn't get a break? Therefore: Pay attention to a healthy sleep rhythm. If you want to know more about this, you can take a look at our stories about poor concentration and the powerful chronobiology .

Tension and brain fog: think more clearly, relaxed

It is often tension in the neck or jaw that makes those affected think they are surrounded by annoying brain fog. In fact, it's the constant tension that exhausts your body and literally doesn't allow you to relax. The constant pressure on the nerves then leads to the brain constantly receiving (sometimes incorrect) signals. Body and head suffer - an unpleasant combination that really gets the fog in the brain flowing. That’s why we strongly recommend visiting a physiotherapist.

Brain fog and stress: one plus one equals brain fog

Even the greatest thinkers in history needed time off . Einstein, for example, enjoyed sailing or playing the violin. But before you buy an expensive yacht or violin, you can simply take our free advice: Give yourself some time out, “me time” as the saying goes. Whether at work, in countless hobbies, while studying or in everyday life: we all tend not to listen to the signals our bodies give us. One of these may be mild brain fog. That's why we recommend mindfulness training, meditation, yoga or simply a daily walk in a place you love. Take a breath. And the fog disappears in most cases. By the way, the flow principle can help you combat brain fog stress . Take a look at our story about it now!

Mineral and vitamin deficiency

Whether vitamin B12, vitamin K and D, vitamin C, magnesium or calcium: many vitamins and minerals are important for the normal functioning of the nervous system. They can reduce fatigue and basically keep us feeling well. If you are deficient in certain essential minerals and vitamins , this can trigger brain fog . The simplest remedy: a balanced diet, initially including supplements. To find out what is wrong with you, you can have a blood test with your family doctor. But be careful: you have to order certain values separately - and pay extra. Once you have your results, you can equip yourself with fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and high-quality supplements. That's why we have added vitamins and minerals to many Dextro Energy* products that help keep vitamin and mineral deficiencies on track, for example our Fuel° Orange with thiamine, riboflavin, B6, B12, C, E, niacin, biotin , folic acid and pantothenic acid. Small, fine biohacking , if you will.

Lack of water in the head

It's the golden rule for almost all ailments: Please drink enough water. According to the DGE (German Society for Nutrition), it should be at least 1.5 liters. The reason: The brain mass consists of 80 percent water. Even a small error can trigger headaches, confusion and even brain fog. So: water march!

Low energy? Carbohydrates against brain fog

Due to numerous misunderstandings, marketing hype and influencer campaigns, more and more people are following a diet that is low in carbohydrates. The problem: Carbohydrates are converted into energy by the body. They are the fuel that keeps our muscles , organs and even the brain running. If you then consider that our brain requires around 20 percent of all added energy , it is clear why carbohydrate deficiency can lead to brain fog. But the solution to this is as simple as it is obvious: supply your body and brain with high-quality brain food . If you drink enough water and eat nuts, vegetables and whole grain products, your brain has what it needs. And if you're in a hurry, you can also take a look at our dextrose products . Dextrose is a short-chain carbohydrate that immediately goes into the blood - and from there quickly reaches the brain. Whether it's a dextrose drink , energy* gums or our classic cubes : at Dextro Energy* you get what you're looking for.

Sport against brain fog: Movement is everything

Did you know that every type of sport is actually a brain teaser? Because when we run, ride a bike, swim, climb or move in other ways, it promotes blood flow to the brain. And this is how sport and exercise can drive away brain fog . That's why our advice to everyone who would describe themselves as couch potatoes or office chair fans: Get outside. Move. And in most cases the head becomes clear again. You just have to stick with it.

So if you’re thinking to yourself, “What’s wrong with me? "The brain is like it's covered in fog, I can't think clearly anymore!", then that doesn't have to mean the end of the world. In most cases , brain fog is simply an indication from your brain and your body that something is wrong If you correct this, the brain fog will disappear and the sun will rise.

* contains carbohydrates

° Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and normal mental performance.

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.