Many of us suffer from ‘brain fog’ sometimes. For some people, it can be a daily feeling that is difficult to shake. So how can we help ourselves to gain better mental clarity, and what are the best supplements to support this?

Brain fog, mental fatigue or a general lack of mental clarity are all ways people describe the issue of not being able to think sharply. People suffering from this can find it difficult to focus, and struggle with concentration. They can even be a little more forgetful than usual.

There are many reasons for having a lack of mental clarity. Some of the most common, everyday reasons that cause people to suffer from this are stress and not getting enough sleep. Lack of good nutrition in your diet can be another key reason for brain fog. In addition, certain medications can cause mental fatigue and other related side effects, so if you started suffering from this since beginning a new medication, this may be the cause. Medical conditions can induce a symptom of mental fatigue, so if there is no other obvious cause, it is always worth speaking to a doctor.

There are particular solutions that some people say help to improve their mental clarity. This can include practicing good sleep hygiene and ensuring you get enough sleep each and every night, which should ideally be around eight hours. Recognizing if stress might be a contributing factor to your brain fog can help you find ways to better manage your stress. Doing regular exercise, infusing your diet with nutritious food and taking up a hobby can also be incredibly helpful. Some people do some brain training exercises to help as well.

Overall, it is important to address mental fatigue in a holistic way, by trying out all the possible solutions available to you. Some people also find that medications or supplements can help them on their journey towards better mental clarity. Here are some of the supplements that people find most helpful.

Vitamin D

This vitamin is gained naturally from sunlight, but many people do not get enough Vitamin D in this way, either because of long working hours spent inside, or the climate they live in. Vitamin D is known to contribute to brain function, meaning that a deficiency can cause brain fog symptoms. People who take Vitamin D report better concentration and also improved mood, which can help to improve overall mental clarity. Food sources containing Vitamin D include fish such as salmon and sardines, and you can often find milk and juices in the supermarket that have been fortified with Vitamin D too.

Vyvamind

This over-the-counter nootropic supplement is shown to help people achieve a sharper focus, better attention span and improved mental energy. With added B vitamins, it helps with longer term brain health too. Some people who take Adderall use Vyvamind in their Adderall stack, which is reported to be very effective in achieving a better attention span as well as mental clarity.

Omega-3s

A type of fat that the body cannot make for itself, Omega-3 fatty acids are also crucial for multiple bodily functions. They form part of cell membranes, help hormones that enable blood clotting, and contribute to healthy artery walls. As such, Omega-3s can help prevent heart disease, stroke and even some cancers. It has also been a long-held belief that Omega-3s are essential for brain health, with many people reporting that they have improved brain function after taking Omega-3 supplements. Omega-3 is also naturally found in fish, vegetable oils, nuts and green, leafy vegetables.

Magnesium

An essential mineral for the human body, magnesium has strong links with brain function. Magnesium is essential for nerve transmission and neuromuscular processes, and is often used to treat people with conditions such as migraine and depression. Researchers are also looking at the possibility of using magnesium to help Alzheimer’s patients. These scientific links between brain health and magnesium show the value of magnesium in helping people who struggle with mental sharpness. Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diet, but they do see improved mental clarity when they take supplements. Natural sources of magnesium include beans and seeds.

B Vitamins

The main B Vitamins linked with better brain function are B6, B9 and B12. Research shows that these vitamins help to break down homocysteine, which in turn helps to reduce the risk of diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. People who are deficient in B Vitamins report symptoms of brain fog, forgetfulness and general difficulty in concentrating. For those suffering with these symptoms, the effect of B Vitamin supplements can be quite profound, with many reporting their mental sharpness improves noticeably. Foods that are good sources of B vitamins include fish such as salmon, eggs, cow’s milk and legumes including black beans, chickpeas and pinto beans. Leafy greens such as spinach are particularly good for Vitamin B9, also known as folate.