Last updated on November 27th, 2019…
Overcoming ADHD brain fog requires a heavy dose of willpower, energy and action.
But, it can be done.
I’ve been fighting a serious “case” of ADHD and brain fog for many years. And, I’ve created a formula that can help almost anyone eliminate brain fog as soon as it strikes.
So today, I’m listing 7 original solutions that will actually help you eliminate brain fog – or drastically reduce your brain fog, at the very least.
But first, let’s address how brain fog occurs in people with ADHD or Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT).
Contents
How brain fog occurs in people with ADHD or Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)
Almost everyone experiences brain fog at some point throughout the workweek.
But, two distinct groups of people seem to experience brain fog far more than most.
These two groups of people include:
- People with ADHD
- People with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT)
Below, I’ve listed details about the types of brain fog that people experience in regards to ADHD brain fog and Sluggish Cognitive Tempo brain fog.
(Don’t worry. The 7 solutions for fighting brain fog are listed further down in the article.)
ADHD brain fog
People with ADHD are likely to experience brain fog because the ADHD brain is essentially a total mismatch for the modern day environment.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes children and adults to feel inattentive, impulsive, hyperactive, or any combination of these three symptoms.
This naturally leads people with ADHD to experience bursts of brain fog throughout the day. People with ADHD often feel spaced out, drowsy or “slow” in comparison to their peers – even if their diet, exercise regimen and overall well-being is in good shape.
Of course, many people dismiss all of these ADHD-related issues by claiming that ADHD is fake.
However, recent breakthroughs in scientific research have confirmed that people with ADHD have distinct differences in several regions of the brain.
So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that people with ADHD experience severe bouts of brain fog on a regular basis.
Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) brain fog
On the other hand, people with Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) experience brain fog symptoms that are similar to the issues that people with ADHD commonly deal with.
But, according to Wikipedia, Sluggish Cognitive Tempo is a disorder that’s distinct from ADHD.
Here’s Wikipedia’s definition of SCT:
Sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) is a cluster of symptoms that may comprise a novel attention disorder which is distinct from ADHD. It is characterized by dreaminess, mental fogginess, hypoactivity, sluggishness and a slow working speed.
Medical professionals continue to debate the origin of SCT. Some suggest that SCT may actually be a subset of ADHD. Meanwhile, others argue that SCT is an original psychiatric disorder. The consensus on SCT is definitely still unclear.
But regardless, SCT is a serious condition that demands tremendous lifestyle adjustments – similar to those with ADHD.
7 solutions that reduce your ADHD or Sluggish Cognitive Tempo brain fog
If you suffer from ADHD or SCT brain fog, then you will face challenges that most people won’t have to deal with.
Life is unfair. I know.
But, things could probably be a lot worse.
So, let’s go over the 7 real solutions that you can use to combat ADHD and SCT brain fog today.
The following brain fog remedies are designed to help you live life to the fullest extent possible (I practice what I preach)…
1. Try sulbutiamine
Sulbutiamine (Amazon) is essentially a hidden secret in the ADHD community. Sulbutiamine is a synthetic derivative of vitamin B1.
The nice thing about sulbutiamine is that it’s more fat soluble than vitamin B1, so it can provide quicker brain benefits than water-soluble vitamin B1.
Overall, sulbutiamine is excellent for temporarily clearing up brain frog, improving cognitive function, and helping you feel sharper and more motivated.
And because sulbutiamine helps with stress and brain fluidity, you can bet it will help you manage your brain fog over the long-term.
2. Fulfill your need for adventure
People with ADHD and SCT almost certainly experience greater amounts of stress than the average human being.
And, as you probably know, chronic stress is one of the biggest contributors to disease in the modern world.
So, is there a chance that chronic stress is contributing to your brain fog? Absolutely.
To find out if stress is at the root of your brain fog, try going on an adventure, cruise, expedition or some other type of an escape for a while. Just get away from the ordinary stresses of everyday life for some time, then come back home, and see how you feel.
If you feel significantly more mentally refreshed after de-stressing, there’s a great chance that you need more adventure (or relaxation) in your life.
Either way, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re fulfilling your need for adventure in one way or another. Life’s short. You need to have fun.
3. Change your environment
Did you know that your environment can have a major impact on your mood, thoughts and mental clarity?
That’s right. Just by making a simple move across town, or to an entirely new city, something in your brain shifts.
It has been shown that changing your environment can also lead to changes in behavior, and your overall mental model of the world.
So if you haven’t changed your environment in a while, now might be the perfect time to make a move. Your brain fog just might disappear as a result.
4. Drink high-quality green tea
There’s something about tea that’s much more “mentally awakening” than coffee.
I love coffee, don’t get me wrong.
But, when it comes to drinking good green tea, your brain feels a little bit more switched on for some reason.
This most likely has something to do with the l-theanine found in green tea, which naturally has a positive impact on anxiety, alertness, cognitive function and brain fog.
5. Use Korean ginseng
Korean ginseng (Amazon) is an awakening natural root that has been used in ancient medicine for centuries.
So, this is a time-tested natural remedy that can help you fight fatigue, overcome stress, and enhance mental performance.
If you feel like your brain is starting to get a little foggy, try taking a capsule of Korean ginseng root extract, and see how you feel afterwards.
Most likely, at least some of your brain fog will dissipate, and you’ll feel a whole lot better afterwards.
6. Learn to love sleep
Sleep is the greatest weapon against brain fog that you have.
Unfortunately, sleep is looked down upon in modern society, and this is a huge problem. Sleep is commonly viewed as a “weak” activity.
But, in reality, some of the most successful people claim that getting lots sleep is their greatest “life hack” for staying healthy, enjoying a more energetic lifestyle, and thinking more clearly.
I frequently write about the importance of sleep for people with ADHD. So, if you can get away with sleeping 8-9 hours per night, absolutely do it. This will help you feel more rested, and enjoy a life with less brain fog.
7. Consider modafinil
If your brain fog is severe enough, then you could be a good candidate for a prescription medication that promotes wakefulness such as modafinil.
I’ve already written an article about using modafinil for ADHD, which you should read in case you’re interested in learning more.
I personally loved the benefits of using modafinil, because it essentially kills brain fog while you use it. But, I also found it really difficult to sleep after taking modafinil. So, modafinil was a double-edged sword in my case. I ended up quitting the prescription medication after some time.
If you’re interested in modafinil or another form of prescription medication, simply find a doctor who you trust, and have an honest chat with him or her about your needs.
Conclusion
If you’re willing to put forth some effort into solving your problems related to brain fog, I’m confident that you can make vast improvements in your level of focus, mental clarity, and overall cognitive ability.
It will take a bit of hard work. You might even have to change up your routine. And, you’ll definitely have to try new things.
But, if you can just entertain the idea that it’s possible to defeat ADHD brain fog (or SCT brain fog) – you will go far.
Joseph Carrillo
I have this issue with brain fog. I have a hard time recalling child hood memories. I think this is the cause of it. I want to try modafinil. I am going to try Vinpocetine as well.
ADHD BOSS
Hi Joseph. Good look with modafinil! Even though modafinil wasn’t a great match for my body, I can definitely see the value in modafinil. Vinpocetine is a great one for most people.
Tracy
Oh my gosh–me too! I’ve never remembered much about my childhood (and it’s not because I’ve been traumatized in any way). Guess this is one girl whose memoirs will never be written. 🙂
Javier Resendiz
Hello.
My 10 years old son might likely have SCT.
1. Is there a place you might recommend for me to have a diagnosis?
2. Are any of these 7 better for kids?
Thanks
Stefan Taylor
Hi Javier. I would bring this up with a doctor since it concerns a 10 year old. Please ask your doctor for natural supplement recommendations! Thank you so much. Wish I could help you further.
Hannah
Hi Stefan,
Thanks for the post. I was wondering what combination to take these supplements in if any. I have started to take Vinpocetine (and have experience improved mental clarity and focus for a few hours at a time) but I’m interested in other options like L-theanine or ginseng. I was wondering if you have taken any of these at the same time, and if so, what the effect was. I’m also unsure whether to drink caffeine while taking vinpocetine as the former is a vasoconstrictor while the latter is a vasodilator. Are there any ill-effects that you know of with this combo? Thanks.
Stefan Taylor
Hi Hannah. Please play it safe and try just one of these supplements at a time. No need to combine too many. But I’m glad to hear you’re experiencing positive results with Vinpocetine!
Deep Singh
vinpocetine & Can I take both Korean ginseng
Stefan Taylor
Please try these supplements individually first! Then, you might try asking your doctor if you can combine them. I’m honestly not sure about the answer to that, since I haven’t tried combining these supplements.
Deep Singh
My psychiatrist prescribed me Concerta stating that I have Adult ADHD.
But when I searched I found many adverse effects of it. I am looking for alternative and I am finding Vinpocetine good, as most of the articles mention no Side Effects for the same.
So can I take both vinpocetine and Korean ginseng.
Stefan Taylor
Thanks for your comment Deep. I would try one or the other first, before combining both. You want to make sure that you respond well to these supplements individually!
Dapperbot
I have ADHD (even though I’m not that hyperactive)… it’s like information literally goes in one ear, and out the other… and I feel like I’m not even there most of the time. What’s sad is that they haven’t prescribed me any medication. And I’m a child. Soooooooooo….. I can’t casually go to a pharmacy and ask for those…. 😩
DJ
It’s a relief to stumble across an article that really puts into perspective what so many of are feeling and experiencing on a daily basis. The inability to think clearly, articulate your thoughts and verbally express your ideas in coherent and linear way. You feel trapped in your own mind. You feel incompetent because you’re not absorbing and processing information in a way that leads to productive outcomes. You move slower, you think slower. Your words are jumbled, and your memory is terrible. You can’t even carry through with a thought. Yes, I know. Trust me it’s frustrating when people around you possibly perceive you to be a little off. There so many symptoms that I can’t even spit them off.
Here’s what I found to help me think a little clearer even though it’s not 100% perfect, especially because I’m hypersensitive to even natural remedies.
Burbur pinella
Zembrin
Hyper zone A
B1
Vitamin D
Glutathione
Green tea (take l-theanine too if you’re hypersensitive to caffeine. It really lessens the effect)