Last updated on 24 September 2025 by Brisbane Livewell Clinic Editorial Team
Are you are suffering from ‘Brain Fog’? Can’t focus at work? Having difficulty remembering things? Does your mind feel disoriented or foggy? Although not a recognized medical condition, it affects a large number of individuals. In a few words, brain fog affects a person’s ability to think clearly. Different people experience different symptoms due to different reasons. However, if they don’t take steps to address it, it may aggravate and adversely affect their life quality.
Brain Fog Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms:
- Forgetfulness
- Mental confusion / clutter
- Lack of focus or trouble concentrating.
- Difficulty processing information or putting thoughts into words
- Trouble remembering information
- Low energy
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Low motivation
- Anxiety and mild depression
Brain Fog Causes
Brain Fog can occur due to varying factors. In general, lifestyle-related or side effects of medication can result in fuzzy thinking. According to a New York Medical College Valhalla study, symptoms are “an interaction of physiological, cognitive, and perceptual factors.” Therefore, inflammation and hormonal imbalances can contribute to it as well.
Other than these factors, additional contributory factors include:
- Nutritional deficiencies: An unhealthy diet (low fat, high on sugar) can disturb the body’s blood sugar level and cause brain fog, exhaustion, mood swings and impaired judgment. The brain needs high levels of vitamin B12, magnesium and amino acids to function properly.
- Neurological disorders: Certain neurological disorders such as fibromyalgia, lupus and multiple sclerosis can lead to brain fog.
- Anxiety and stress: High levels of anxiety and stress can take a toll on a person’s mental and physical health.
- Menopause: Due to fluctuating hormones during menopause, women can develop brain fog.
- Diabetes: Fluctuating glucose levels can cause hinder a person’s ability to think clearly.
- Medicine: Certain conventional medication, including prescribed and over-the-counter, can cause mental confusion.
Brain Fog Treatment
The key to overcoming it is making lifestyle changes, eating a nutritious diet, staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep. There are also are several natural and alternative therapies, such as massage and Acupuncture, that can help reduce your symptoms. Massage and Acupuncture reduce stress hormones in the body by focusing on specific pressure points. This helps improve a person’s mental well-being.
