Spices, Herbs & Other Food Sources To Help Fight Brain Fog, According To A Nutritional Psychiatrist

Brain fog is a group of symptoms, including lower cognition, an inability to multitask, and a possible loss of short- and long-term memory. Most commonly, it shows up in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, as well as some other medical and neuropsychiatric disorders. That said, it's definitely possible to feel foggy without these underlying conditions. 

For starters, luteolin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective actions. Research has shown that luteolin has a possible protective effect on learning1 defects and brain structures in people with Alzheimer's. These protective benefits may help to improve memory. Foods and spices rich in luteolin contain these brain-supporting properties and have been shown to help the symptoms of brain fog2 by sharpening thinking and decision-making. 

Good sources of luteolin include veggies, like celery, broccoli, artichokes, cabbage, and hot and sweet peppers; as well as apple skins; spices; and herbs, such as fresh peppermint, sage, thyme, celery seeds, parsley, and oregano (especially Mexican oregano). Even though fresh herbs are delicious, in the case of oregano, the dried Mexican type has a lot more luteolin than the fresh herb. So to help your brain fog, reach for some dried Mexican oregano to add to a soup, fall roasted veggies, or even some beans or lentils.

This comforting fall (or any season) soup contains several great brain fog lifters, such as artichokes, thyme, Mexican oregano, paprika, and parsley. Plus, it's vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. 

Makes 4 servings