Is brain fog really a thing?

May 25, 2025 2:17 am

Happy Saturday, !

Ever walk into a room and forget why you’re there?

Or read the same sentence 3 times and still don’t know what it said?

Or maybe you feel distracted, foggy—or just not like yourself?

If so… it might not be “in your head” at all.

👉 It could be your body.

Dr. Mark Hyman calls this the “broken brain” phenomenon—and it’s a lot more common than you think. It works like this: Your brain doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s connected to everything else going on in your system.

Your gut.

Your mitochondria.

Your hormones.

Your nutrient levels.

Your sleep.

Your stress.

And if any of those are out of whack… your brain feels it. So if your thoughts are foggy or your focus is non-existent, it could be your body’s way of waving a flag that says:

“Hey! Something’s off. Help me out here.”

A few common culprits:

Blood sugar swings
Nutrient deficiencies (especially magnesium, omega-3s, B vitamins, vitamin D)
Environmental toxins (like mold or heavy metals)
Chronic stress or poor sleep (which literally shrinks the memory center of your brain over time)

The good news?

Your brain can bounce back!

But you can’t “fix” it by pushing through, forcing focus, or drinking more caffeine.

You fix it by getting curious about your body….

And by supporting the systems that support your brain.

Try this:

✅ Start your day with protein + healthy fat (instead of sugar or skipping breakfast)

✅ Get outside for sun in the am—it boosts dopamine and your circadian rhythm

✅ Move your body—even a walk improves blood flow + brain power

✅ Add magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate!)

✅ Cut out anything ultra-processed—it messes with your mood and your mind

Bottom line: Clearer thinking starts in the body.