Brain fog - how to help! Any magic supplements?

[BathMarshmallow]

I've always had it but now that my life is more stressful and I'm sleeping less well it's terrible! I feel like I'm fighting through foggy treacle. At work I feel like an idiot, I can't always articulate myself or follow what's going on. It's even worse around ovulation/my period. Please tell me there's a magic bullet. I'm thinking I could add in a supplement that might help. I'm already on Omega 3 and a multi. Was considering blueberry extract but would appreciate some anecdotal evidence of what worked for others. Thanks in advance

I’m not sure but it be worth speaking to your gp about the vitamin b12 injection xxx

Following!! Mine started a couple of years ago (I’m 50) and is getting worse, even though I’m on HRT. Weirdly my brother is 2 years older than me and he has this, started at the same age. 😬

I have had long term side effects from the astra zeneca jab (8 weeks and counting) which included brain fog. I started taking the following, which are working. Ginseng (daily). Floradix (daily for the iron and B12). Turmeric (every other day because you have to be v careful of taking too much). Gingko (every other day). Fish oil (daily). Sambucol (daily). I have also made a huge effort too to get out of the house (I'm working at home) every day at lunchtime - firstly for a walk around the park which I have built up to a short run. Also I am really focussing on getting more sleep than usual.This has all started to work and after 3 weeks I am 90% better, although I still have off days. Hope some of this helps.

most likely the stress you are going through mean that the quality of your sleep is suffering. We need REM sleep (dream) and deep sleep to recover physically and mentally. If you don't get enough, your body and brain are sluggish and you can't concentrate properly any longer. It then becomes a vicious cycle.

Sadly there are no miracle cure. The best way to deal with it is to try to manage your stress. Mindfulness or CBT are the best methods to tackle stress and sleep issues.

How old are you? Perimenopause can give you brain fog. A real pea-souper.

I suffered terribly from brain fog. The only thing that works are giving up alcohol and white carbs. I also found a nootropic supplement helps (or it may be placebo). I use The Nue Co Nootro Focus, but it is pricey.

Thanks all, am willing to try/invest in anything! I'm 40 but I've suffered with it a long time, sometimes worse when I was younger. It just seems to not be lifting for very long at the moment.

@Woollff I have definitely been over indulging with wine so should cut back on that for sure

I used to take a multi vitamin, now I take an omega three with B12 in and it seems to have the same effect tbh. I think it is B12 in my case. My vit D was also low so I take a pharmanord capsule. Difficult though as it could be a variety of things, including wine!

Other things- HIIT exercise is meant to improve oxygen flow to the brain and takes just a few minutes a day. I also use a tisserand essential oil roll on thing. There are also ‘focus’ herbal teas which may or may not work. As you can see I was pretty desperate.

My brain fog has definitely improved.

If I was to pick one thing to do differently I would say carbs. I overindulged with take outs a couple of days last week and felt awful. If you drink wine pick an expensive one that is less likely to lead to a hangover. I can get away with half a bottle every now and then but not regularly.

for me, a vit D spray (as my vit D was just over the level the NHS would do anything about it, so I self medicate); HRT (was honestly gobsmacked how quickly it had an effect, within days!); and stopping the nightly glass(es) of wine, which had the knock-on of improving my sleep.

Also cutting out stresses from my life by leaving exH and moving three hours away, but that's a more drastic option .

Get bloods done as a first resort. Specifically iron, B12, Vit D, thyroid (your GP will know what to test for).

Sleep studies are also worth doing in case of sleep apnoea.

Assessment for adult ADHD as well.

I'm sure there are other causes of brain fog, but those are the most common ones that I know of, especially if you've always had it to an extent.

Lots to go on here, thank you. To be honest I hadn't even thought to ask for bloods - I'm just so used to it it's become normal. First step will be my diet, thanks for the advice on carbs and wine. Will look into everything else suggested too, thanks everyone for responding

Two more things I forgot. Up your water intake - at least an extra pint, ideally two, of water a day in addition to the usual tea, coffee etc. And look to your gut - try kefir or a probiotic supplement. Making your own kefir is really easy, or you can buy it ready made.

Thanks @Epwell - funnily enough I just added in Inulin this morning.

@Woollff omg those Nue Co supplements look amazing if £££.

I'm considering this citicoline (www.british-supplements.net/products/clean-cdp-choline-citicoline-355mg-per-veg-cap-very-rare) which seems to be the main ingredient. But it's also pretty expensive!

Also looking at these: www.brainzyme.com/products/brainzyme-focus-pro-brain-fog-7

5htp has improved the quality of my sleep massively.

Also cutting out stresses from my life by leaving exH and moving three hours away