The modern world makes high demands on the person living in it related to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different fields of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" of brain cells, a correct lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as the age increases, not only the human body ages, but also his brain, his thinking abilities and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, his cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivityto learning, reasoning and logical conclusions). Impairment of attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decrease in thinking abilities in a person, which often appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain impairment
- injuries and injuries after operations, past illnesses (stroke, concussions, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, exercising regularly;
- adherence to a diet and a normal weight, the use of foods that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can find out how to improve brain function in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary drug.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on the human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, help and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills on their basis that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a sense of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in the 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 turns into acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine - found in coffee and green tea, its intake helps to focus, 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 - an organic nitrogen-containing acid produced naturally during active physical activity, helps to increase muscle growth and cellular responses, conserve energy reserves of the brain, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean 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 threshold of fatigue, concentration, and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- B vitamins - help to 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 balance and carbohydrate 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 itself is 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the occurrence 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 a positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps to 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 cells, and improve mood.
- Nuts (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, as well as relieve depression, due 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, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
- Broccoli Cabbage - 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 human nervous system, learning and memory.
- 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 evening walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, performing exercises with a certain load, playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in older people, to cope with minor cognitive impairments.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, 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, it is the Mediterranean diet that contains the 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 provide long-term protection for the brain.
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 meats, 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, 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 neural network of the brain 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 production is protective by altering brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic medicines:
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 with a request to tell what drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
However, in emergency cases (diploma defense, examinations, etc. ), taking such drugs on their own helps to concentrate attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular inexpensive “head vitamins” 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, helps to eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves - a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention impairment, normalizes metabolism in the cells and tissues of the brain (not prescribed until the age of 18).
Prescription pills to improve memory and brain function:
- Piracetam, and analogs - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention impairment, for elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the effects of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
- Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, since most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before you start taking 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 chosen according to the patient's age, 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 may occur, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects;
- to find out a positive or negative shift in the work of the brain and memory, you need to regularly test, write down your observations and perform a set of special exercises;
- in order 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 skills and memory in children
Medicines and drugs are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to be taken under 18 years of age due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on the prescription of medications, it is better to consult with 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 diseases, and only a doctor, after 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, prescriptiondietary food and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Folk recipes for improving memory
Traditional medicine over the years has collected many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- infusion of clover flowers - prepared from 2 tbsp. 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, course duration - 3 months;
- decoction of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tbsp. l. mass for 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 buds. twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you first need to clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. Having received the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.