Over a year after a pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), scientists are still uncovering discoveries about COVID-19. The virus that has already infected millions worldwide continues to reveal new surprises, including aftereffects that last for several months after initially testing positive for the illness.
Experts found definitive proof that symptoms of COVID-19 continue to occur long after recovery for a percentage of people. They experience shortness of breath, fatigue, general feeling of malaise, and brain fog. One research found that more than half of infected will experience lingering symptoms up to six months after recovery.
Brain fog, in particular, is a common complaint.
That Sluggish Feeling
It is not exactly a recognized medical condition, but it appears as a symptom in many illnesses. At some point, you probably have already experienced feeling rather mentally sluggish. No matter what you do, you cannot concentrate on your task or find it difficult to remember things.
The overall lack of mental clarity and sharpness is what is characterized as brain fog. It is a common enough experience that, although there are no statistics available, an expert estimates that about 600 million worldwide suffer from it. While it is not deadly, it can be debilitating. Those who experience brain fog may not feel like themselves, and it can prevent them from effectively performing their duties at work.
There is a lot that is still not known about brain fog. Scientists believe that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can reach and affect the brain, interfering with cognitive function. The presence of the virus has already been detected in the brain, and scientists found that it infects astrocytes, a type of brain cell that aids in the normal functioning of the brain.
However, other factors can lead to brain fog. Women going through menopause may also experience a decline in mental clarity because hormonal changes in their bodies during this period also affect the brain.
In addition, scientists also found that the drugs used in chemotherapy harm the brain. The side effect is so common that there is a term to describe it: chemo brain.
Moreover, specific mental health issues may also be behind brain fog. Both anxiety and depression, especially, list brain fog as a symptom.
Focus on Nutrition
Diet has an impact on cognitive function. Certain food types will give your brain energy to fight infection and cognitive dysfunction.
The food commonly consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet provides nutrients that keep the brain healthy. Salmon, avocado, kale, spinach, collard greens, and olive oil are all good for the brain and will help clear the fuzziness in the brain.
A quicker way to find relief from brain fog is by getting a specially formulated intravenous (IV) drip that will give your body and brain the necessary nutrition to restore mental clarity and sharpness.
Get Good Quality of Sleep
Experts also recommend that those experiencing brain fog regularly get at least seven hours of quality sleep. Sleep is vital in normal cognitive function because it enables the brain to eliminate toxins that accumulate throughout the day. The effect of sleep on the brain is similar to a clean and empty street, without traffic jams, at nighttime.
Previous studies also found that sleep maintains and repairs the nucleus, the organelle that contains each cell’s genetic material. Without sleep, the nucleus will deteriorate, damaging its genetic information, contributing to aging and disease formation. It also leads to poor functioning of the affected organ, which, in this case, is the brain.
If you wake up groggy and feel sleepy throughout the day, you are not getting enough quality shut-eye. The chemical adenosine, which is present in all human cells and an inhibitory neurotransmitter, has not been cleared from the brain.
Keep Your Mind Stimulated
Your brain also needs a workout to be strong and healthy. One way to do it is to do something different to challenge your mind. If you learn, for example, a new hobby, your body produces a chemical called norepinephrine, which is responsible for brain stimulation. However, brain fog often interferes with learning ability and motivation, so try a simple action instead. Listen to a genre of music that you do not usually enjoy, or walk a different route when you jog outdoors.
Millions of people from around the world experience brain fog. Aside from COVID-19, numerous other ailments cause brain fog. There is no cure to it, but there are ways that have, in the past, been proven to restore cognitive function and aid in maintaining brain health.
