Toxins are all around us, and while we already know how harmful they can be to the body, have you stopped to think about what they can do to the brain?

Studies suggest neurotoxins impede brain development in kids, something that might also lead to ADHD, autism, or Parkinson’s later in life. Keeping your brain free from toxin exposure could go a long way in boosting overall brain health, but if your thoughts are feeling a little sluggish, there might be other things—besides pollution—you should consider.

Four Causes of Brain Fog

If you’re having trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or even relaxing your mind, your brain may have invasive forces trying to impede your health. Here are just four reasons your brain could be foggy.

1. Stress

The body releases cortisol during stress; small bursts can help us manage things during these times. The problem comes in when the body is in a constant stressed-out state. If a pregnant woman were stressed from poverty, for example, cortisol could ‘“get through the placenta into the fetus, potentially influencing her baby’s brain and tampering with its circuitry.” After birth, the child’s cortisol could, then, continue to sabotage brain development.

2. Air Pollution

One study suggests traffic pollution could be responsible for lower memory test scores and slower cognitive development in kids. But, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) aren’t only from traffic pollution; they’re also products of everything from burning coal to tobacco smoke, so avoiding them completely might be easier said than done. You can definitely take steps to limit your exposure though.

3. BPA Exposure

BPA is such a nasty toxin that many manufacturers have started making BPA-free products; however, some studies say its substitute bisphenol-S, or BPS, could be just as bad for your brain health, suggesting BPA/BPS exposure could be linked to altered brain growth and hyperactivity. And always be careful when buying food; there are still a lot of canned goods out there that still use BPA in the linings of cans.

4. Diabetes

A new study even suggests type 2 diabetes “is associated with worse performance on cognitive tests measuring abilities involved in the control of emotions, behaviors and thought.” Because doctors encourage self-management (diet, blood sugar, medication) and many patients already burn out when it comes to managing the disease, this loss of executive function is worrisome, to say the least.

Other Ways to Improve Brain Function

So if you find yourself feeling foggy, there are things you can do. First things first: get outdoors. One study even found being outside was linked to positive cognitive development in kids. That sounds like a great idea for all ages! Another easy thing is taking probiotics. There’s lots of research that suggests our gut health is directly connected to our mental health. Exercise is also a great way to rev up the creative and analytical thinking skills.

What would you do when your brain gets a little foggy? Tell us about it in the comments.

This post originally appeared at the Global Healing Center.

The Emergency Election Sale is now live! Get 30% to 60% off our most popular products today!