In addition, research shows evidence that a low-inflammation diet may be protective for brain health as we age, Wilhour adds. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, for adults, to keep not only the heart in good shape but the brain, too.

Research also shows that physical activity induces changes in the brain, such as an increase in gray matter and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a molecule that plays a role in creating neural connections related to learning and memory, per MedlinePlus.

Memory, executive control, and attention may all get a boost when you work up a sweat. Plus, exercise is a great antidote to stress for many people, and as additional research shows , it builds up your cognitive reserves to help your brain become more resilient as you age.

Activities that stimulate and support your cognitive health include reading books, tackling crossword puzzles, playing games or instruments, and keeping updated on current events, among others.

Like physical exercise, consistency is key. To maintain a regular practice, lean in to activities you find enjoyable. Turning on some tunes can be another brain-tickling strategy.

Listening to music has been shown to stimulate the brain and help with stress reduction and mood disorders, per research. Sleep helps keep you sharp. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommends that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night.

Sleep deprivation can lead to a range of brain fog-like symptoms such as issues with short-term memory, attention, processing speed, and alertness, research shows. Addressing sleep problems by improving your sleep hygiene like ditching devices before bed or creating a wind-down routine may help you beat fatigue so you can think more clearly the next day.

Sleep apnea , when you experience pauses in breathing during sleep, is another concern and can create disruptions that affect sleep quality, per the CDC. A hallmark sign of sleep apnea is appearing to get enough sleep but still feeling excessively sleepy during the day.

According to Wilhour, health concerns that can contribute to brain fog include chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia , depression, diabetes, mild cognitive impairment and dementia , and autoimmune conditions, among others. Lagging focus, lacking understanding, trouble finding words, and poor concentration are all symptoms of brain fog in multiple sclerosis, and a brain-fog feeling can sometimes be the first symptom of the disease, per to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

brain boosters , drive drugs , memory boosters , neuroenhancers , nootropics , smart drugs. Drug List Drug Wheel. Last published: November 08, What are nootropics? Other names Nootropics, smart drugs, brain boosters, memory boosters, neuroenhancers, drive drugs, study drugs.

How do they work? Types of nootropics The drugs often used to enhance cognition can generally be divided into 3 groups: Eugaroics, ADHD medications and Nootropic Supplements. Eugeroics Eugeroics are a class of drugs that promote wakefulness and alertness.

Brand names: Modavigil®, Modafin®, Nuvigil® The drug was introduced in the late s to treat narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea and shift work sleep disorder.

Modafinil affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects include: increased alertness and focus reduced fatigue anxiety headache pins and needles chest pains dizziness sleeplessness nausea nervousness.

ADHD medications Types of ADHD medications used as nootropics include: Methylphenidate, Lisdexamphetamine, Dexamfetamine Brand names: Ritalin®, Ritalin la®, Concerta®, Ritalin 10®, Dexamphetamine tablets®, Vyvanse® Ritalin was introduced during the s to treat chronic fatigue, depression, and psychosis associated with depression.

Methylphenidate affects everyone differently, but the most common side effects may include: euphoria and heightened sense of well-being high body temperature cardiovascular system failure hostility or paranoia irregular or increased heartbeat and palpitations increased blood pressure and respiration increased activity, talkativeness and alertness reduced fatigue, drowsiness and appetite dry mouth, dilated pupils, nausea and headaches increased sex drive feelings of cleverness, great competence, and power.

Upfal J. The enhancement use of neuropharmaceuticals: More scepticism and caution needed Addiction 12 Botox for the brain: enhancement of cognition, mood and pro-social behavior and blunting of unwanted memories.

Urban K, Gao W. Performance enhancement at the cost of potential brain plasticity: neural ramifications of nootropic drugs in the healthy developing brain. Frontiers in systems neuroscience,. Baker A, Lee N, Jenner L. Models of intervention and care for psychostimulant users.

Canberra: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Lashkaripour M, Adibi A, Mahhadi F, Dashipor A. Modafinil for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Dependence. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. We need inflammation to fight off infection and to heal—we would all be goners without a healthy inflammatory response.

But as with everything else in the body, it's all about balance! Too much inflammation in the body can cause your protective blood-brain barrier BBB to be more permeable, leading to brain inflammation. This neuro-inflammation is sometimes called " leaky brain syndrome ," and this inflammatory oxidative stress OS in the hypothalamus of the brain is the underlying cause of brain fog.

Many people are deficient in vitamin B12 , but it often goes unnoticed 1. Symptoms can include difficulties with fatigue, memory, mental fogginess, and even depressed mood. Vitamin B12 helps with normal functioning of the nervous system, including the brain.

People with higher levels of vitamin B12 seem to have less brain shrinkage as they get older. Taking vitamin B12 when you are deficient can be helpful to address memory, mental clarity, overall energy, and depressed mood.

However, if you are not deficient in vitamin B12 a blood test will tell you , it may not be as helpful. A group of Canadian scientists recently studied the brain activity of fruit flies and found that acute fasting directly influences the stability of neuronal circuits, a type of wiring that dictates the flow of information in the brain and nervous system.

According to their paper, the cellular stress and lack of nutrition catalyzed by fasting blocks the synaptic activity of neurons that normally occurs in the brain, which essentially means that the brain slows down. And although a brain "slowing down" sounds undesirable generally speaking, it may actually be beneficial for brain health.

In fact, overactive synaptic activity has been associated 2 with diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other degenerative diseases. So in a way, when we slow down our brain activity , it's possible that we are protecting the organ by allowing it to recharge.

Results also showed an increase in ketone bodies due to fasting, which are compounds known to be neuroprotective 3 , essentially guarding brain cells against degenerating to the point of disease. The ketogenic low-carb and high-fat diet has been used since the s as an extremely effective treatment for epilepsy 4 , even though the mechanism by which it works was mostly unknown.

One can't discuss brain fog without mentioning rosemary. This is a go-to essential oil to support memory and mental exhaustion, and the vibrant and oxide-rich smell can help snap you into the present moment.

It has a penchant for clearing the mind and alleviating mental fatigue. Inhalation has been shown to improve speed and accuracy on cognitive tasks 5.

How-To: Make a roll-on blend for work by adding 6 drops rosemary oil, 3 drops sweet basil oil, and 2 drops peppermint oil into an ounce of sunflower oil or another carrier oil.

Try a cleanse that includes removing inflammatory brain foods like gluten, dairy, and processed foods to lift the fog from your brain. Don't be afraid of the word detox and temporarily removing your favorite foods from your diet. Our bodies are detoxing every day.

This is just a revved-up version focusing on whole foods with balanced portions of lean protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats.