Q: I am a man in my mid-30s. I struggle to focus on simple tasks at work, and my mind keeps wandering. I feel like I have “brain fog.” Am I losing my memory?
A: It is highly unlikely you are losing your memory. You are experiencing a lack of attention. Today, our brains are constantly bombarded by digital distractions, overloading our dopamine system and making it hard to focus on steady tasks. Medically, chronic stress, poor sleep, or a Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause this “brain fog.”
Tip: Try a “digital detox” during focused work hours and keep your phone far at night. If the fog persists, ask your doctor to check your Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels.
Q: I am a woman in my early 40s juggling work and family, and I am constantly drained. I drink coffee all day just to keep going. Please advise.
A: Women today carry immense physical and mental loads, often leading to burnout. However, we must also rule out medical causes. Two common culprits for profound fatigue in women are iron deficiency anaemia (especially with heavy periods) and an underactive thyroid. Without enough iron, your cells lack oxygen; with a slow thyroid, your whole metabolism drops. Coffee only masks these symptoms—it doesn’t fix the underlying problem.
Tip: Chronic fatigue is your body’s signal that you are overwhelmed and need to prioritise your health. Ask your doctor for a simple blood test to check your Ferritin (iron storage) and TSH (thyroid function).
