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You’re staring at the screen, but no matter how hard you concentrate, you can’t think of the right word. You switch to reading a book and realise you’ve read the same sentence repeatedly without taking anything in. Someone asks you a basic question, and you stare at them blankly. Why can’t you remember the answer?
Brain fog affects everyone from time to time, and it’s frustrating when you have a mountain of work or an exam to study for. But what can you do about it? Keep reading to discover if the mushroom brain supplement Lion’s mane could help clear brain fog and boost concentration.
What is brain fog?
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Brain fog is when you struggle with mental clarity or focus. Try as you might, you can’t seem to concentrate and find your mind wandering or ‘zoning out.’ You may get frustrated, and completing a task feels like dragging your feet through mud.
Brain fog symptoms
- Unable to think of the right word for something
- Forgetting what you’re doing
- Finding it hard to concentrate or focus
- Trailing off midsentence or losing your train of thought
- Taking longer than usual to react or process thoughts and actions
- Feeling mentally tired
Common phrases you might say or think when you have brain fog:
‘What was I doing again?’
‘Why did I come into this room?’
'What’s that word?’
'Can you repeat that?’
What are some brain fog causes?
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There are many different causes of brain fog. Some are quickly solvable, while others may need to be managed long-term.
- Burnout or stress - Burnout is chronic stress characterised by complete mental, physical and emotional exhaustion. Your brain feels so ‘full’ that you struggle to take anything in or make small decisions.
- Lack of sleep - Not getting enough sleep is one of the biggest culprits of brain fog. When you’re tired, your response and reaction times slow down, and you find it challenging to concentrate.
- Poor nutrition - Foods with low nutritional value, such as processed and high-sugar foods, don’t give you the vitamins and minerals your body needs to nurture your brain health, causing brain fog.
- Menopause brain fog - During menopause, your hormones are all over the place, resulting in extreme forgetfulness and difficulty focusing.
- Pregnancy brain fog - They call it ‘baby brain’ for a reason. When you’re pregnant, your hormones are constantly fluctuating, which affects concentration, memory and attention span.
Can you clear brain fog instantly?
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You can sometimes clear brain fog instantly, depending on the cause. If you have brain fog from staring at a screen for too long, taking a break, like going for a walk, could immediately clear some fogginess. However, if you are struggling from a lack of sleep, you will need a full night’s rest before brain fog disappears.
Lion's mane extract for brain fog treatment
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Lion's mane mushroom, or hericium erinaceus, is a white pom-pom-shaped mushroom resembling a beard or mane. Its mental-enhancing properties make it the best mushroom supplement for brain health. You can take Lion's mane powder, Lion’s mane tablets, or Lion’s mane extract.
Lion’s mane for mental clarity and focus
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A 2018 study discovered that Lion’s mushroom enhances nerve growth factor (NGF), which boosts the brain’s potential. Healthy nerve growth can improve mental clarity and allow you to focus more easily. The mushroom may even help mental clarity in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease and depression.
Lion’s mane mushrooms for memory
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Real mushrooms, such as Lion’s mane, have been used for centuries for their ability to strengthen memory and improve cognitive impairment. A 2019 study gave ageing mice an oral supplementation of Lion’s mane for 2 months. Researchers found that the supplement positively impacted the brain’s hippocampus and helped memory recognition.
Lion’s mane for mental performance and concentration
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A 2023 study asked healthy adults to complete a cognitive function test. Half the participants were then given a Lion’s mane supplement for 28 days, and the other half a placebo supplement. At the end of the 28 days, the group completed the test again.
Scientists discovered that the adults taking Lion’s mane had improved performance speed and reduced stress compared to the placebo group.
Can you use Lion's Mane for ADHD?
Lion’s mane is not recommended for ADHD as there’s not enough evidence to support that it’s an effective treatment. However, you may be able to take the mushroom for brain health alongside ADHD medication for its mental clarity benefits - just ensure to check with your doctor first.
The best Lion's mane extract
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Improve Me Lions Mane Mushroom Extract comes from sustainably sourced Lion’s mane mushrooms. Just 20 drops (a daily dose) is equivalent to 250mg of dried Lion's mane. Consistently taking the extract can nurture brain health, boost cognitive function, and stimulate nerve growth factors.
Additional natural remedies for brain fog
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- Coffee - Coffee is high in caffeine, which can give you a temporary boost in concentration. Coffee has a long half-life, so ensure you drink it in the mornings and early afternoons to prevent sleep disruption.
- Green tea - Regularly drinking green tea has been found to improve mental clarity and cognitive function. Have a refreshing cup in the morning or afternoon, but avoid drinking it in the evening, as it contains caffeine.
- Eat foods with high nutritional value - Nuts, seeds, legumes, beans, vegetables, and fruit are packed with vitamins and minerals that reduce inflammation and protect your brain with antioxidants.
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- Get outside and away from screens - A dose of natural light and vitamin D is an instant brain boost. If you find your mind fogging up, step away from energy-draining screens and take a breath of fresh air.
- Exercise - Consistent exercise keeps circulation healthy, which improves focus and mental performance. For a quick brain boost, do a few star jumps or go for a quick run to get your blood flowing and reduce brain fog.
- Take a nap - Tiredness is a common cause of brain fog. If you’re struggling to concentrate, take a quick nap and then carry on your day. Make sure your nap is no longer than 30 minutes, or it can have the opposite effect and leave you feeling groggy.
Reduce brain fog with Lion’s mane mushroom
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Instead of struggling to finish a work task, complete your to-do list, or study for an exam, boost your brain function and reduce brain fog with Lion’s mane. Take it consistently for improved clarity, concentration, memory, and cognitive performance. Rediscover your focus and clear away your brain fog with Grape Tree.
