The modern world demands a lot from those who live in 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 brain cells, a correct lifestyle, keeping 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 be of interest to all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as age increases, not only does the human body age, but so does your brain, your thinking skills, neuronal connections in cells deteriorate and your gray matter gradually decreases in volume, your cognitive abilities(thinking, understanding, receptivity to learning, reasoning and logical inference). Impaired attention and memory are the first signs of a decrease in a person's thinking skills, which usually appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain impairment
- injuries and injuries after operations, previous illnesses (stroke, 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 using the following rules:
- maintain good physical activity, exercise regularly;
- adherence to a diet and a normal weight, eating foods that improve brain function;
- control of blood cholesterol and glucose levels;
- stop smoking and other bad habits;
- maintenance of 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 medication.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase their efficiency, improve memory, assist and facilitate the process of memorization and learning and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the endorphin hormone in the body, providing a feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vigor and activity. These 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 becomes acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); found in eggs, chicken and beef liver, fatty fish, vegetables, 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, brain activity decreases.
- L-Theanine - An amino acid (found in green tea) that helps to prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine - an organic acid containing nitrogen produced naturally during active physical activity, helps to increase muscle growth and cellular responses, conserves the brain's energy reserves 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 in 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 brain cell memory and function, maintains carbohydrate balance and metabolism and affects sexual performance.
- The dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is the most powerful nootropic drug that bears the name of 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 brain cell activity:
Lifestyle and nutrition are the main factors that affect human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are several foods that can improve memory and brain function.
This includes:
- 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 provides them for the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which 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 the positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps to increase mood. 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 age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful B and E vitamins, 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 brain function, as well as relieving 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, 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 a person's 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 night walk outdoors 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 the functioning of the brain. It helps to improve intellectual skills at any age and in older people - to deal with minor cognitive disabilities.
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, the Mediterranean diet contains an ideal diet, rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, vegetables 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 meat, poultry and processed finished products.
Mental 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 at the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive skills 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, 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 medicines:
The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel they need treatment and go to specialists with a request to say which drugs improve memory and brain function. All of these drugs and pills can only be taken as directed by the doctor.
However, in urgent cases (defense of diploma, exams, etc. ), taking such drugs on your own helps to focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
Which drugs improve brain function and are sold over-the-counter
- Glycine is a popular cheap "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, helps to eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Dry leaf extract of Ginkgo biloba - a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, loss of memory and attention, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until age 18).
Pills prescribed to improve memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students 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 to treat the consequences of a stroke, etc.
- Piritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize the metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used to treat atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
- Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, as 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 medication and the duration of the treatment are chosen according to the patient's age, health and body characteristics, 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 discover a positive or negative change in brain and memory work, you need to test it regularly, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- to choose the ideal pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate your intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help to identify the most suitable medicine.
Development of thinking and memory skills in children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended for children under 18 due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on prescription medications, it is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that the decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor, after examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help ofmedications, vitamins or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, prescription dietary foods and the use of foods that help stimulate the functioning of brain cells.
Popular recipes to improve 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. I. dried plants for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is put in 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. I. dough for 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2 to 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 origin and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a thorough examination. After receiving the results and recommendations from a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.