The modern world places great demands on the person who inhabits it in relation to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" of the brain cells, a correct lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, all readers will be interested in recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as age increases, not only the human body ages, but also its brain, its thinking skills and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, their cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivity to learning, reasoning and logical inference). Impaired attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decline in a person's ability to think, often appearing with age.
Causes of memory and brain impairment
- injuries and injuries after operations, past illnesses (strokes, concussions, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, work overload.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy by following the following rules:
- maintain good physical activity, exercise regularly;
- adherence to a diet and a normal weight, the use of foods that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and glucose levels in blood;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintain normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can find out how to improve brain function by consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medicine.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, aid and facilitate the memorization and learning process, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any condition, even extreme. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills on its basis that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavanols: activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vigor and activity. Such substances contain dark chocolate.
- Lecithin - one of the components of the body's cells, a phospholipid involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; together with vitamin B5, it is converted into acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); it is found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Caffeine: found in coffee and green tea, its intake helps to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while the brain activity decreases.
- L-Theanine - An amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine - A nitrogen-containing organic acid produced naturally during active physical activity, it helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, conserves the brain's energy stores, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in sea fish, nuts, seeds): improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the fatigue threshold, concentration, and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- B Vitamins: help restore nerve cells and improve brain function.
- Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that relieves chronic fatigue, improves memory and brain cell function, maintains carbohydrate balance and metabolism, and affects sexual performance.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is the strongest nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name; Its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improve memory and emotional stability.
Products that regulate the activity of brain cells:
Lifestyle and nutrition are the main factors affecting human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental abilities due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids; By consuming fatty acids, a person supplies them for the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which in turn is 60% fat) and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the work of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood andHelps increase concentration for mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cellsand improve mood.
- Walnuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds): contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, the daily intake is up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are berries that not only have a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on the work of the brain, and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins, antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between brain cells and memory.
- Oranges and lemons are a source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
- Broccoli: Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (essential for the formation of fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants to help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds as a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which influence the nervous system, learning and memory of a person.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
Effects of physical activity on the brain
Even a simple night walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining a high physical activity, exercising with a certain load, playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. Helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and in older people, to deal with minor cognitive deficiencies.
Scientists recommend aerobic gymnastics, short training sessions, yoga, and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep the body in good physical condition.
Mediterranean diet
According to many scientists, the Mediterranean diet contains an optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, as well as nuts and olive oil, which have a positive effect and protect the brain in the long term.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish, and a variety of wines. The restriction is imposed on the use of red meat, poultry and processed finished products.
Mind Training
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills daily. These methods include: solving crosswords and sudoku puzzles, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributing to its elasticity.
The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the reaction in the brain's neural network to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to practice new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect, altering brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel that they need treatment and turn to specialists to ask them which drugs improve memory and brain function. All of these medications and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
However, in emergencies (defense of diploma, session, exams, etc. ), taking these medications alone helps to focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What medications improve brain function and are sold without a prescription?
- Glycine is a popular and inexpensive "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity, and improves mood. It must be taken in a course of at least 30 days.
- Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid: prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, it helps eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract: a preparation made from leaf extract, is prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, impaired memory and attention, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed forunder 18 years).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues, drugs that help students to pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention problems, for elderly patients, in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve brain metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the consequences of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissues, used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, infantile encephalopathy.
- Pig Brain Peptide Complex - Sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should read the instructions for all medications carefully, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before starting to take drugs that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative to consult a specialist doctor and also take into account important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are selected in accordance with the age of the patient, the characteristics of his health and body, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
- Herbal preparations or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- to find out a positive or negative change in the work of the brain and memory, you need to regularly test, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- to choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help to identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking and memory skills in children
Medicines and medications are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended for those under 18 due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on the prescription of drugs, it is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor, after the examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of medicines, vitamins or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, prescription diet foods and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Popular recipes to improve memory
Traditional medicine over the years has compiled many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- infusion of clover flowers - prepared from 2 tablespoons. l. dried plants for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, duration of the course - 3 months;
- Decoction of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tablespoon. l. mass per 250 g of water, boil and insist for 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2-3 young pine shoots. twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a comprehensive examination. Having received the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take drugs that improve brain function and memory.