Best Vitamins for Brain Fog

Can’t help but fall asleep during your Zoom meeting? Coffee just not doing its job anymore? It might be worth a shot to try out a few supplements for brain fog. Read on for our top picks that can help get you back to a clear mind.

What’s brain fog?

Brain fog is a type of mental fatigue and lack of clarity that can be caused by experiencing long-term stress or hyperactivity.

This stress can stem from any part of your life and can be recognized through various symptoms. Emotional signs include feeling anxious, angry, and depressed, while physical signs include headaches, appetite changes, and insomnia. Behaviorally, you might not be performing at work and might start to isolate yourself socially.

Brain fog doesn't necessarily indicate that you're dealing with something serious. While it's easy to start worrying that you might be experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer's disease or dementia, the symptoms of brain fog aren't usually indicative of anything serious if you only experience it once in a while.

However, that forgetfulness, trouble focusing, confusion, and an overall reduction in your mental clarity can be frustrating, and it can disrupt your everyday life.

How do you beat the fatigue?

There are numerous steps you can take to reduce brain fog and bounce back from a bout of fatigue.

• Practicing relaxation techniques. Taking steps to calm your mind can improve mental performance, and getting enough relaxation in your day-to-day routine is essential for a balanced lifestyle. Habits like meditating, taking a short nap, reading a book, or journaling can all positively impact your mental health, and these healthy lifestyle practices can work alongside brain supplements and stress management techniques to get your focus and energy back on track.
• Visiting the doctor. If you suspect that your fatigue is caused by an issue with your brain health or an energy-related disorder like chronic fatigue syndrome, it's wise to visit your doctor and get evaluated. A healthcare professional can check to see if you are dealing with imbalances in hormones, or deficiencies in nutrients, which can both contribute to symptoms of fatigue and brain fog. Deficiencies in B vitamins (especially vitamin B6 and B9), vitamin D, and others in the antioxidant family are all associated with fatigue, and your doctor can help you get back on track if you're deficient in any of these important nutrients.
• Adding exercise to your daily routine. If you're suffering from frequent bouts of fatigue, exercise might sound like the last thing you need. However, physical activity tends to have an energizing effect on your body and mind, helping you get closer to the mental clarity and physical boost that you need to get through the rest of the day. Even something as simple as a short walk in the afternoon can make a major difference in your overall energy levels.

What are the best supplements to help combat brain fog?

The above strategies can help you combat mental fatigue in many cases, but they're not always enough on their own. Keep reading below to find out about supplements for brain fog that may help to relieve fatigue.

Fish Oil

If you've ever been advised to add fatty fish like salmon to your menu to help with fatigue, there's a reason why. Fish oil is one of the most popular supplements for brain fog, in large part because of its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The key healthy fat to know about in fish oil is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may help to alleviate your mental fatigue, while also supporting bone health and healthy skin.

NAD+

NAD+ is a critical compound for cellular health, particularly mitochondrial function, which is imperative for metabolism and overall health. As we age, our NAD+ supply becomes depleted. NAD+ supplementation helps combat these effects. Those who have taken NAD+ supplements have experienced sharper memory, deeper concentration, and noticeable added energy, all of which can help reduce feelings of brain fog.

Ginseng Extract

Ginseng extract works by regulating the effects of stress on the immune system. It can improve mental capabilities, such as memory and mood, while offering other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine is a non-essential amino acid that is found in certain types of tea, especially green tea. This focus-boosting chemical is associated with reduced stress and increased ability to focus, and it's also thought to have positive effects on the stress response that occurs in your central nervous system. If you're relying on coffee to wake you up in the morning but are still dealing with fatigue, you might want to experiment with drinking green tea instead, or going straight for a nootropic that contains L-Theanine as an ingredient.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is a plant that can be used to help support mental clarity, learning, and memory under stressful situations.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine helps with mental exhaustion because it contains amino acids and fatty acids. These can improve your mood and promote cellular function in the brain.

Soy Lecithin

Lecithin is a fat found in the cells of your body. It can support brain function by improving memory and the ability to learn new skills. Other health benefits include aiding breastfeeding mothers and moisturizing skin.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginkgo Biloba Extract comes from a tree and can help improve cognitive function by improving memory and reducing symptoms of anxiety.

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin B Complex can help improve brain fog by reducing stress and boosting mood. It can also improve poor memory and a weakened immune system. Vitamin B12 helps stabilize the function of the brain and boost your overall energy levels.

H2O

Be sure to wash these supplements down with a tall glass of water! Dehydration plays a significant role in feeling fatigued. Simply staying properly hydrated might be the answer to why you’re having a hard time focusing.

Sources:

Rhodiola rosea L. Improves Learning and Memory Function: Preclinical Evidence and Possible Mechanisms | NCBI