If you feel like your brain is stuck in a rut, then your body is telling you something. That frustrating feeling of forgetfulness and lack of focus is a sign that you’re suffering from brain fog. But don’t worry, you can always cleanse your palate. There are scientific breakthroughs that reveal the connection between our diet and cognitive clarity. Today, we’re bringing you 10 foods that can help reclaim your sharpness in just days!
10. Leafy Greens
We always knew that leafy greens are good for us. But it’s even more important in sharpening our cognitive function. One study revealed that green leafy veggies, especially spinach, are associated with fewer signs of Alzheimer’s brain pathology. It’s not just the iron working but also the vitamin K, lutein, and folate. They shield your brain from inflammation and oxidative stress that causes cognitive decline.
9. Fermented Foods
Remember, a healthy gut is a direct path to a clear mind. With that, fermented vegetables are the perfect food as you get a source of psychobiotics from them. It’s a live bacteria that can impact your mental state for the better. The microbes in your gut produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine needed for mood and focus. It can even be a bonus for easing anxiety and depression through the gut-brain connection.
8. Avocados
Make way for avocado toast as they’re a powerhouse for your brain. Regular avocado consumers are found to have better scores in cognitive tests thanks to lutein. It’s a powerful antioxidant known for eye health and accumulating in the brain. Also, monounsaturated fats enhance your memory and prevent mental fatigue that brings brain fog.
7. Turmeric
That yellow spice called turmeric is one of the anti-inflammatory agents, where the benefits go into your head. It’s the curcumin working, which is an active compound of turmeric that crosses the blood-brain barrier to directly combat neuroinflammation. Pair it with black pepper to increase your body’s ability to absorb the curcumin. Just think of it as a natural way to cool down your brain that’s been overstressed.
6. Eggs
The egg is making a comeback for brain health, thanks to choline. It has a direct impact on fighting brain fog and preserving memory. Think of the acetylcholine as your brain’s own messaging system. Also, it was found that eating an egg daily could actually lower the risk of developing dementia.
5. Walnuts
Walnuts happen to be one of the most powerful brain-boosting foods you can consume. It was found that eating walnuts for breakfast can improve brain function for the entire day. How? They have the highest amount of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. It’s crucial for reducing inflammation and improving blood flow in the game.
4. Dark Chocolate
Surprise, surprise, dark chocolate made it to the list as a certified brain booster. Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) features less fatigue and offers improvements in the function of memory, as confirmed through MRI scans. It’s all thanks to cocoa polyphenols, which are antioxidants that increase the blood flow to the brain. Meanwhile, flavanols can also reduce fatigue caused by stress, fighting mental exhaustion overall.
3. Matcha or Green Tea
If coffee gives you the jitters, swap it with matcha. It’s a green tea powder that clears brain fog through its L-theanine. It’s an amino acid that promotes the production of alpha waves in your brain. With that, it enhances your clarity and reduces your brain fog by making you sharp and energetic.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Fish
Long-term users of omega-3 supplements have just reduced their risk of Alzheimer’s. Yup, it’s all thanks to DHA and EPA, which are two types of omega-3 fatty acids that build healthy neuron membranes. Consuming fatty fish such as salmon, cod, or mackerel at least twice a week helps supply your brain and clears out the beta-amyloid plaques that cause brain fog.
1. Blueberries
If you want to cure your brain fog fast, then blueberries are your best friend. Just a single cup serving can improve cognitive performance within hours. Thanks to anthocyanins that give off their deep blue pigments, they cross your blood-brain barrier and get to work. Think of it as your go-to when you feel the stress coming, as it naturally improves communication between your neurons.