Heights logo
Heights logo

All articles

Brain Fog: What Is It, What Causes It, and How to Manage ItUpdated 3 hours ago

Brain fog can feel like your mind is wrapped in cotton wool — sluggish thinking, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, or just not feeling “like yourself.” Sound familiar? You’re not alone — and the good news is, there are things you can do to feel sharper and more energised again.


What exactly is brain fog?

Brain fog isn’t a medical condition, but rather a term used to describe a collection of cognitive symptoms, like:

  • Mental fatigue or slow thinking 🧠

  • Trouble concentrating or focusing

  • Forgetfulness or disorganisation

  • Feeling spaced out, “cloudy,” or detached

  • Difficulty finding words or making decisions

It’s something many of us experience from time to time — especially during periods of stress, sleep disruption, or hormonal shifts.


What causes brain fog?

There’s no single cause, but common culprits include:

  • Poor sleep – Not getting enough deep, restorative sleep can significantly affect memory, focus, and energy.

  • Chronic stress – When your body’s in constant fight-or-flight mode, cognitive clarity can take a hit.

  • Nutrient deficiencies – Low levels of key nutrients like B vitamins, omega-3s, magnesium, or iron can impact brain health.

  • Hormonal changes – Many people notice fogginess around menstruation, pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances.

  • Poor gut health – Your gut and brain are closely connected, and imbalances in the microbiome may influence cognitive function.

  • Burnout or overwork – When you’re constantly switched on, your brain doesn’t get time to reset.


What can help reduce brain fog?

🟡 Small changes can make a big difference. Here are a few places to start:

1. Prioritise sleep

Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night, and try to keep your bedtime consistent — even on weekends.

2. Nourish your brain

A nutrient-rich diet supports brain function. Focus on:

  • Omega-3 fats (found in oily fish, flax, walnuts)

  • B vitamins, iron and magnesium

  • Leafy greens, colourful veg, whole grains

Psst — that’s exactly what Vitals⁺ was designed to support: long-term brain and body health with 20 high-impact nutrients, including DHA omega-3, B-complex, and more.

3. Move your body

Regular movement increases blood flow to the brain — even a short daily walk can help boost clarity and lift your mood.

4. Support your stress response

Chronic stress = cognitive overload. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and calming botanicals like L-theanine (found in Calmer⁺) are well-researched for promoting mental clarity, calm focus, and resilience over time.

5. Hydration matters too

Even mild dehydration can cause concentration dips. Aim for 1.5–2L of water a day — or try Hydrate⁺ for a refreshing boost with added minerals and no added sugar.


When should I be concerned about brain fog?

Occasional fogginess is totally normal — but if your symptoms are ongoing, worsening, or impacting daily life, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying issues.


Final word

Feeling foggy now and then doesn’t mean anything’s wrong — it’s your body’s way of saying something needs attention. With a bit of self-care, the right nutrients, and some gentle lifestyle tweaks, it is possible to get back to feeling clear, calm, and focused again. ✨

If you have any questions about how our supplements might support your brain health, we’re always happy to help.

Was this article helpful?
Yes
No