04/21/2026
Brain fog is essentially an issue with the battery power in your body, specifically with the neurons, supportive glial cells and the surrounding nervous system tissue, as well as with vitamin and nutrient intake and absorption, gut function and circulation and oxygenation. Sleep deprivation or sleep apnea, excess stress, traumatic brain injuries and concussions, an inflammatory diet or one that leads to high or low blood sugar, and hormonal imbalances including low estrogen and low thyroid, all affect brain fog. In addition, environmental and mycotoxins, allergies and sinus issues, and chronic infections that inflame the brain such as Lyme, Babesia, Bartonella and Helicobacter pylori, as well as post-viral inflammation can all cause brain fog. All of these factors cause mitochondrial dysfunction, a drain in your batteries that reduces brain attention, processing speed, executive clarity and even mood and motivation.
Top 5 ways to beat brain fog
1) Balance your blood sugar with electrolytes, proteins, and healthy fats and eat a diet that is lower in carbohydrates and sugars.
2) Move your body and get outside. Activate your circulation through qigong, yoga, dancing, HIIT or any exercise that floats your boat. The fresh air provides bonus oxygenation.
3) Balance hormones which will help with sleep, mood, and energy. Thyroid hormone and estrogen are helpful for mitochondrial function ie “battery power”
4) If you have suffered a traumatic brain injury, talk to a provider about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, IV ozone, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme q10, neurofeedback and vestibular therapies.
5) Identify and treat hidden chronic infections that are silently draining your batteries… and your brain function. Advanced testing and deep listening are both helpful here.
Work with functional medicine practitioners that can uncover and address root causes of brain fog - your brain and body deserve it. Go to cihealth.org to learn more!
