9 Silent Signs You’re Not Taking Good Care of Yourself

You’re having major brain fog

After what you considered a good night’s rest, you wake up feeling spacey, and you walk out the door without your wallet. First, rule out these eight medical conditions that can trigger brain fog. And don’t just chalk up forgetfulness to aging, says Martin G. Bloom, MD, a cardiologist and functional medicine expert. He says brain fog can be indicative of something more serious, like a hormone imbalance that impacts cognitive issues. For women especially, mind lapses may indicate a dysfunctional thyroid. “Consider a comprehensive blood test that measures all of your hormones and biomarkers, and a complete thyroid test that not only measures your thyroid hormones but also possible thyroid antibodies, to determine the root causes of your brain fog,” he says.

For both men and women, the bacteria populations of the gut could also cause scattered thoughts. Because your intestinal microbiome is connected to your brain, improving your diet can bring clarity and concentration. “Most patients are amazed by the difference a healthy gut can make in their cognitive function. They report feeling sharper, smarter, and quicker with an improved ability to focus, remember things and complete mental tasks,” Dr. Bloom says. Eating more probiotic foods could help balance your microbiome: Here’s a guide to seven foods that can boost good gut bacteria.

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