Having trouble recalling things? Taking longer than usual to complete simple tasks? Feeling mentally fatigued, easily distracted, or confused? If any of these sounds familiar, you are most likely dealing with brain fog! It feels like having a constant cloud over your brain that keeps you from thinking straight.
What is brain fog?
Living in a fast-paced environment, you may find yourself juggling multiple tasks at the same time and having a constant drive to keep up the momentum. The ever-increasing demands can sometimes zap your energy and mental performance, leaving you overwhelmed or emotionally drained. Brain fog has become more common than ever before.
Also known as mental fatigue, brain fog is not a medical condition but rather a cognitive dysfunction involving:
- Inability to focus
- Poor concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Headaches
More than just a nuisance, these challenges can damper your mental clarity and interfere with your ability to complete daily tasks to varying degrees. If left unaddressed, it can snowball into chronic fatigue which ultimately leads to burnout.
Brain fog can come and go over a period of time, commonly triggered by:
- Stress
- Lack of sleep
- Hormonal changes
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Medications
How to sharpen your mind?
Sharpen your mind with nootropics, or “smart pills”, which have been gaining popularity in today’s competitive society. They can help boost your brainpower so you can perform at your fullest potential, whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a working professional striving to excel at your duties or a senior looking to preserve your grey matter.
Acetyl-L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid produced naturally in your body. It supports cellular energy production energy to fuel your brain for better focus and concentration. As an antioxidant, it helps protect the brain cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for the proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system. It supports the formation of myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells, ensuring fast and effective transmission of nerve impulses. It is also required to produce mood-enhancing dopamine and serotonin.
Phosphatidylserine
Often called simply PS, phosphatidylserine is an essential building block of cell membranes, with high concentrations in the nerve cells of the brain. It increases the production of acetylcholine, an abundant neurotransmitter in the brain, which plays important role in alertness, learning and memory.
Together, these nutrients work synergistically to:
Relieve mental fatigue
Increase focus & alertness
Boost memory
