Clearing Out The Cobwebs: Nutrients for Brain Fog
Sep 26th 2023

Clearing Out The Cobwebs: Nutrients for Brain Fog

Written by
Jolie Root, LPN, LNC
Jolie is the Senior Nutritionist and Educator for Carlson. She travels throughout North America attending medical conferences, lecturing, and educating about the role of nutrition in integrative medicine.

Brain fog, a term used to describe feelings of mental confusion or lack of clarity, has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. It can manifest as forgetfulness, decreased focus, and difficulty in processing information, which can significantly impact an individual's cognitive health and daily function. Fortunately, there are essential vitamins and supplements that can help support healthy brain function.

The Role of EPA and DHA in Boosting Neuronal Signaling

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are two primary types of omega-3 fatty acids known for their potent neuroprotective properties. These fatty acids play a crucial role in boosting neuronal signaling and enhancing memory function and learning abilities. DHA and EPA facilitate efficient communication between neurons, ensuring optimal brain performance.

The Influence of DHA on Supporting New Neural Networks

DHA promotes the nerve growth factor required for developing new neural networks. This process is pivotal for maintaining brain plasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections throughout life. 

The Importance of EPA for Supporting Brain Housekeeping

Synaptic pruning is an essential process where unnecessary neuron connections are eliminated to enhance overall brain efficiency, like housekeeping at a cellular level. EPA plays a vital role in supporting synaptic pruning, further contributing to cognitive health.

The Supporting Roles of Other Beneficial Nutrients

Several other supplements also show promise in promoting cognition and mental clarity:

  • Acetyl L-Carnitine: Known for supporting cognitive health, brain function, and energy production.
  • Vitamin D3: Essential for overall brain health; deficiencies can negatively impact cognitive health and contribute to forgetfulness, decreased focus, and difficulty in processing information.
  • Phosphatidyl Serine: Supports mental energy, reduces stress hormone levels, and boosts memory and learning.
  • Magnesium: Optimal magnesium levels may reduce susceptibility to stress and improve cognition and mental clarity.
 

Studies have linked suboptimal levels of certain nutrients like vitamin D3 and magnesium with reduced cognitive function, slower reaction times, and difficulty concentrating. 

Understanding the underlying causes of cognitive issues is key to determining effective strategies for regaining mental clarity. Incorporating essential vitamins and supplements into our diet can support optimal cognitive health by improving neuronal signaling, promoting nerve growth factor for new neural networks, supporting synaptic pruning, reducing stress hormone levels, and boosting memory function.

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