Brain fog can leave you feeling sluggish, unfocused, and struggling to think clearly, but fortunately, some nootropics, like lion's mane, may help lift your mental haze and sharpen your cognitive function.
Before we dive right into how nootropics combat brain fog, it's helpful to know what causes brain fog in the first place:
- Lack of quality sleep.
- Chronic stress.
- Poor diet and nutrition.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Certain medications.
- Underlying health conditions.
Inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter imbalances, or reduced blood flow to the brain usually cause brain fog. Some nootropics can target these underlying issues and clear away the mental cobwebs.
How nootropics can reduce brain fog
Increasing cerebral blood flow
Many nootropics work by acting as vasodilators, expanding blood vessels to improve circulation to the brain, with this increased blood flow delivering more oxygen and nutrients to brain cells, enhancing their function and energy production.
For example, lion's mane boosts cerebral blood flow [1], which may explain its cognitive-enhancing effects by fuelling your neurons.
Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress
Chronic inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain can contribute significantly to cognitive decline and brain fog.
Natural nootropics like lion's mane mushroom have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and compounds like hericenones and erinacines help protect delicate brain cells from damage, allowing them to function optimally.
Quelling inflammation and neutralising harmful free radicals helps to reduce some of the biochemical "noise" causing mental fog.
Balancing neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters are the brain's chemical messengers for mood, focus, and cognitive function, so dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine imbalances can contribute to brain fog and mental fatigue.
Modulating neurotransmitter systems - for instance, L-theanine, found in green tea and vybey Braincare Smart Focus, can boost levels of calming GABA and mood-enhancing serotonin to help you think clearly.
Restoring neurotransmitter balance is one of the most potent effects of nootropics, which could be the ticket to reducing your brain fog.
Enhancing neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form new neural connections and adapt to new information, and some nootropics, particularly lion's mane mushroom, can stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF) [2].
NGF is a critical protein that supports the growth and maintenance of your brain's neurons – without it, your brain wouldn't work well at all.
Reducing stress and anxiety
Chronic stress and anxiety are major contributors to brain fog [3], and many nootropics have adaptogenic properties, helping the body and mind better cope with stress.
Compounds like Rhodiola rosea and Ashwagandha can modulate the stress response, potentially alleviating the mental fatigue and lack of focus associated with chronic stress.
Even caffeine—from coffee and green tea—can reduce stress in some people, although it can sometimes have the opposite effect.
Lion's mane mushroom
This edible mushroom can improve your sleep and focus, as it contains hericenones and erinacines, which can stimulate NGF production.
Lion's Mane Mushroom Fruiting Body Extract 10:1 is the standardised extract most supplements, including vybey Complete Meal Replacement and Braincare Smart Focus use - it's made exclusively from the mushroom's fruiting body instead of the mycelium (the underground part).
Studies have shown it can also restore depleted levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the hippocampus in animal models of depression and stress (which can cause brain fog).
L-theanine
L-theanine is a natural amino acid found in tea plants and vybey Braincare Smart Focus that directly affects the brain's alpha frequency band [4] to help reduce stress and anxiety while improving attention and working memory.
This unique combination of effects makes it an excellent choice for clearing brain fog without the jitters often associated with coffee.
Bacopa monnieri
This herb has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to enhance memory and cognitive function. Modern research supports its brain-boosting potential for memory, attention, and information processing.
Bacopa reduces inflammation, protects neurons from oxidative stress, and enhances neurotransmitter function.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an adaptogenic herb known for reducing mental fatigue and improving cognitive function under stressful conditions. It helps the body better cope with stress.
It can help clear brain fog associated with chronic stress and overwork and improve attention, processing speed, and overall mental performance.
How long do nootropics take to clear brain fog?
Some nootropics, like caffeine, provide an immediate boost in mental clarity, while others, like lion's mane, take a few weeks to work.
You can also get products that combine short and long-term nootropics. For example, vybey Braincare Smart Focus is a nootropic coffee alternative with caffeine, L-theanine, and lion's mane to offer short and long-term benefits.
Lion's mane can take 1-2 weeks of consistent use before noticeable improvements in cognitive function occur, and the full benefits may not be realised until after 1-3 months of daily supplementation.
Other ways to clear brain fog
- Exercise and walking. Regular movement boosts blood flow to the brain, releases mood-enhancing endorphins, and stimulates the growth of new brain cells. A brisk 20-minute walk can help shake off mental cobwebs and improve cognitive function.
- Improve your sleep. Poor sleep is a major contributor to brain fog. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Consider limiting screen time before bed and creating a cool, dark sleeping environment to nod off faster.
- Get a handle on your stress. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and light reading can help calm your mind. Try to get ten minutes of mindfulness practice daily and see if it helps.
Summing up
Lion’s mane clears brain fog with compounds that stimulate new neuron growth to form pathways that can boost your brain power.
Other nootropics like caffeine stimulate your brain by increasing blood flow and vessel size, helping improve mental clarity quickly. Adding L-theanine to caffeine improves and extends the effects (check out vybey Braincare Smart Focus).
You can also try lion’s mane extract with vybey Complete Meal Powder, the perfect calorie-control replacement for one or two daily meals.
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