Brain fog can be characterised as a clouded mind literally, when thoughts are not clear and you’re unable to focus or process information quickly, you cannot concentrate on a task and feel you need to read the same sentence over and over again for it to make sense. It may be difficult to remember things and you may be forgetful. it may even be described by some people as mental fatigue. You may even feel numb as if on stand by mode, waiting for the green light... this may last a short while or longer depending on the cause.

Brain fog is not a disease per se but a manifestation of other disorders and conditions, which ultimately lead to poor nutrient profile and/or an increased flux of toxins that can enter the brain, due to a compromised blood-brain barrier, a condition commonly known as 'leaky' brain.

Common causes of brain fog include:

- lack of sleep
- intense, chronic stress (including anxiety and depression, and anticipatory, the kind of stress you create in your own mind, and rumination)
- social disconnection and social isolation
- pregnancy, menopause and hormone-led disorders
- excessive exercising and other taxing activities on the body (increased requirement for nutrients and antioxidants)
- overwhelm and overwork
- some medication and some treatment (e.g. cancer therapy)
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- certain foods
- abnormal blood glucose levels and insulin dysfunction
- heavy metal toxicity

What to do:
- eat a balanced, nutrient-dense and antioxidant-rich diet, focussing on greens (kale, broccoli, radishes, and the entire selection of the vegetables from the brassica family), as well as wild blueberries, haskap, açaí and many more, and nuts and seeds (and sprouted seeds). Feed your brain as well as every cell in your body, so that the body can work as one and restore the way you feel and think.
- avoid ultra-processed foodstuff, vegetable oils and other refined foods (the 'white' stuff)
- manage stress
- exercise more
- socialise more (and take part in games that strengthen brain power)
- restore healthy sleep patterns
- check for low thyroid function, hormonal imbalances and blood dysfunction (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), and food sensitivities
- check medications for side effects
- talk to a health professional if you suspect heavy metal toxicity and discuss safe options to eliminate these extremely toxic compounds out of the body and out of the brain.