If you’re struggling with brain fog or dealing with a lack of mental clarity, you’re not alone. According to Ayurveda, these types of issues have several root causes and once you determine the reason, you can implement diet and lifestyle changes to enjoy a clearer mind.
Toxin Overload
One of the major reasons for brain fog is a toxin overload. According to Ayurveda, one is likely to develop ama (also known as toxic build-up) from poor digestion. Ama can also accumulate from excessive exposure to toxins (e.g. improper diet, chronic stress, unresolved emotions, etc.). When ama accumulates, our pathways can become blocked leading to malabsorption, symptoms, and disease. One of the major symptoms of toxin overload is brain fog.
If you suspect ama accumulation, an Ayurvedic Cleanse can help you restore balance.
Doshic Imbalances and Brain Fog
Another reason for brain fog is a doshic imbalance. Whenever one of your doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) is out of balance, you may experience mental or emotional symptoms. Specifically, though, imbalances in vata or kapha may trigger brain fog or reduced mental clarity.
When vata is out of balance, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Lack of concentration
- Forgetfulness and memory problems
- Difficulty following through on tasks
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
A kapha imbalance may lead to:
- Lethargy
- Trouble getting motivated
- Depression and melancholy
- Complacency
On the other hand, signs of a pitta imbalance often include anger, irritability, frustration, and hostility – which aren’t immediately associated with brain fog or mental clarity issues. However, if you’re constantly having these types of feelings, you may find it difficult to focus or concentrate.
If you suspect a dosha imbalance may be causing your mental clarity issues, it’s important to work with an Ayurvedic practitioner to implement diet and lifestyle changes to resolve the imbalance. You can learn more about the doshas here:
Tips to Reducing Brain Fog and Improve Mental Clarity
If you’re looking to reduce brain fog, boost mental clarity, or simply improve your overall mental health, the first step is addressing potential toxin overload and doshic imbalances. The next step is to work on supporting the brain and mind health. Here are several Ayurvedic strategies to try:
Rasayana Therapy
In Ayurveda, rasayana therapy is a process of deep rejuvenation intended to nourish your body, improve your resistance to disease, and balance your doshas. It can involve different practices, including yoga and mantra therapy, as well as consuming Chyawanprash, an ancient Ayurvedic herbal superfood with a blend of 30+ herbs and spices, including Amalaki and Ashwagandha.
Build Your Ojas
It’s also smart to focus on building your ojas (which translates to “vigor” or “vitality”), an essential substance that supports your overall health and immunity. One of the best ways to do this is by consuming Ghruta, a high-quality ghee that stimulates agni (or digestive fire) and enhances cognitive health – which is ideal if you’re suffering from brain fog.
Take Ayurvedic Herbs and Supplements
In addition to consuming Chyawanprash (a rasayana therapy), it’s also beneficial to consume rejuvenative herbs for the mind like PIOR Living Mind. This restorative formulation has a blend of organic and wild-harvested herbs and ingredients, including:
- Nootropics, such as moringa and gotu kola, that support cognitive function
- Adaptogens, like tulsi and maritime pine bark, that promote calmness
- Nervines, including brahmi and frankincense, that nourish the nervous system and improve brain health