Bringing clarity to brain fog: Can nutrition help?
Key Takeaways
While there is no widely accepted definition of brain fog, HCPs recognize it as an umbrella term for symptoms ranging from reduced focus and mental clarity to increased mental fatigue and forgetfulness.
Research states that a third of patients who contract COVID-19 may deal with persistent respiratory, neurological, and psychiatric symptoms known as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Patients who live with PASC may experience brain fog.
Experts say that patients can help manage brain fog by reducing inflammation in the body and intaking clinically tested nutrients that support overall brain and body health.
What comes to mind when you hear “brain fog”? Prior to the emergence of COVID-19, the term was commonly associated with women’s health issues—especially those related to menopause, according to research published by Harvard Health.[]
But a 2022 article published by the Journal of Health Service Psychology reported that about a third of patients who contract COVID-19 are left with an array of persisting symptoms, including brain fog.[]
This has sparked greater clinical interest in this neurological phenomenon—and how to manage it through means such as nutrition.
What is brain fog?
According to the Journal of Health Service Psychology, brain fog is associated with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and generally refers to cognitive impairments among those who experience it.
The Journal of Health Service Psychology article recounted the clinical vignette of Ella Smith, a patient who struggled with this condition as a result of COVID-19.
Smith is a 35-year-old critical care nurse who tested positive for COVID-19. Although hospitalized for 1 day, she did not require life support.
Smith’s symptoms, however—which initially included shortness of breath, cough, fever, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping—remained. On top of that, she struggled to stay attentive and recall information, which she described as brain fog.
While COVID-19 has been linked to this condition in patients like Smith, clinicians should keep in mind that COVID-19 is just one of many illnesses linked to it.
Mysteries of brain fog
To get a better look at the role nutrition plays in the management of brain fog, MDLinx spoke with Crystal M. Gossard, DCN, CNS, LDN, and team member of the wellness company Life Extension.
Between treating patients with thyroid issues, food sensitivities, fibromyalgia, seasonal allergies, and respiratory infections, Dr. Gossard is no stranger to brain fog. She said that chronic fatigue and chemotherapy treatments may also pave the way for this condition to take hold of patients.
According to Dr. Gossard, brain fog doesn’t have a definitive cause, but is rather associated with many illnesses. She described the condition as a collection of neurological symptoms. Reduced focus, memory impairment, and increased mental fatigue are just a few that could fall under the umbrella term.
"In my world of nutrition—but more specifically functional nutrition (integrative medicine)—brain fog has always been something that we’ve talked about. "
— Crystal M. Gossard, DCN, CNS, LDN
The question remains, then: How can doctors effectively treat it?
The role of nutrition
For Dr. Gossard, returning to nutritional basics is crucial to mitigating cognitive impairment associated with brain fog. The goal is to address neuroinflammation, which is associated with COVID-19-related complications.
"First things first: Try to get inflammation down in your body. You have to look at foods that are pro-inflammatory and limit those."
— Crystal M. Gossard, DCN, CNS, LDN
For Dr. Gossard (who had COVID-19), that meant cutting out red meat due to its omega-6 content, as well as limiting eggs and dairy.
On top of cutting back on certain foods, Dr. Gossard recommended foods that may help patients strike a better overall nutritional balance.
“Adding in omega-3 fatty acids—which can offset the omega-6 fats—can bring you to a healthier ratio of omega-6 to -3,” she said. She also encouraged patients to make sure they’re taking vitamin B-complex and getting adequate protein, which provides patients with the amino acids needed to make serotonin, dopamine, and GABA.
In addition, certain herbal supplements have been shown to increase focus and memory function in individuals.
Standardized mangiferin (a product of mango leaf extract) was shown to improve attention as soon as 30 minutes after ingestion in a study published in 2020 by Nutrients.[] It can also improve working memory function, helping to convert short-term memories to long-term, according to research published in Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences.[]
Herbs containing menthol have also shown to provide cognitive benefits by targeting inflammation; Peppermint and spearmint are two examples. As reported in a 2018 Nutrients article, peppermint can help fend off mental fatigue, while spearmint can improve concentration.[]
Other options may help
Dr. Gossard believes that relying on nutrition and supplements is an effective approach to managing brain fog—but she’s not writing off other forms of treatment.
"There is definitely a role for prescription medication and pharmaceuticals. But I think the beauty with natural remedies is that we know what they’re doing but it’s more than just targeting that one little pathway."
— Crystal M. Gossard, DCN, CNS, LDN
“These nutrients can go in, and while we know that they may be helping to regulate a specific pathway, they are doing so many other great, nourishing roles in the body that can help the body to do its job,” Dr. Gossard said.
What this means for you
Brain fog refers to reduced focus and memory—and increased mental fatigue among those who have it. COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses may pave the way for it to develop. Experts say patients can manage it by reducing intake of pro-inflammatory foods, such as red meat, eggs, and dairy, and adding omega-3s, B-complex, and curcumin to their diet. Research shows that supplements like mango leaf extract and peppermint may help improve focus and working memory.
Caring During COVID speaks directly to clinicians who are still facing the realities of the pandemic. Each week we feature perspectives, lessons, research, guidance, and more. Submit any question or topic you'd like to see covered, and let us know if you’d like to be a guest author.