Brain fog is not a medical diagnoses, but it can happen for many different reasons. But neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Willeumier says the #1 reason for brain fog is dehydration.
Your brain is comprised of 75% water, so it needs fluids to stay healthy.
“Water will keep your blood pressure managed and flush out waste, and keeps your cells healthy,” Willeumier says.
Water is also crucial for mental clarity: Willeumier says that only a 2% decrease in hydration can give you symptoms like brain fog or headache, along with bad concentration.
How to get more water.
So, how much water should you drink? This is different for everyone depending on your situation and activity. But a good rule is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces per day.
Use a water bottle and start sipping! If you need even more help getting hydration, Willeumier says you can start consuming more hydrating foods like cucumbers, chia seeds or green juices to give yourself an extra helpful dose of hydration.
If you have brain fog, the first thing to do is check your hydration. Try this simple experiment: Chug down a big glass of water (will take you 30 seconds or so) and see if your brain fog goes away.
Author: Steven Sinclaire