The modern world imposes great demands on the person living in it in relation 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 proper 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 be of interest to all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as age increases, not only a person's body ages, but also his brain, mental abilities and neural connections in cells deteriorate, gray matter gradually decreases in volume, and his cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, susceptibility to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions) decrease.Disturbance in attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decline in a person's thinking ability, which often appear with age.
Causes of impaired memory and brain function.
- injuries and injuries after operations, past illnesses (stroke, concussions, etc.);
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc.;
- age-related changes in the body;
- consumption of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- Wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to maintain a healthy body and brain by following the following rules:
- maintain good physical activity, regular exercise;
- maintain a normal diet and weight, eat foods that improve brain function;
- control cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintain normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function by consulting 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 its performance, 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 conditions, even extreme ones.They are based on organic components.The modern pharmaceutical industry uses them to produce drugs and tablets 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 feeling of joy and happiness.They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vigor and activity.Dark chocolate contains these substances.
- Lecithin is 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 brain function, but after a while there is a decrease in brain activity.
- L-theanine is an amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain activity and increase productivity without further deterioration.
- Creatine is a nitrogen-containing organic acid, which is produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular reactions, preserves the brain's energy reserves and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, and seeds) improve memory, relieve depression and stress, and protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the threshold of fatigue, 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 processes, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and affects sexual abilities.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is the most powerful nootropic drug and is 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 influencing human mental activity.Scientific research has shown that there are several foods that 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 consists of 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee provides essential substances for the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves the positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps increase concentration for mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) includes 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 beneficial vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, 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 and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins, antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels, reduce their fragility and 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: contains fat-soluble vitamin K (essential for the formation of fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants, which help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect the nervous system, learning and memory in humans.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many useful substances (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
The effect of physical activity on the brain.
Even a regular 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.This helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and, in older people, to cope with minor cognitive impairments.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood supply 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 has a positive effect and provides long-term protection for the brain.
The diet also includes a small amount of dairy products, sea fish and various wines.Restrictions are imposed on the consumption of red meat, poultry and processed foods.
mental training
One of the effective means to improve memory and brain function is daily training of thinking ability.These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language.The latter, according to Finnish scientists at the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving “sharpness” to the mind and promoting its elasticity.
The more foreign languages a person knows, the faster the reaction in the brain's neural network to the accumulation of new information.Therefore, it is recommended that both children and adults engage in learning 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.Playing sounds has a protective effect by changing brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic medications:
The functioning 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 to tell them which medications improve memory and brain function.All these medicines and tablets can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
However, in emergency cases (thesis defense, sessions, passing exams, etc.), independent intake of such medications helps to concentrate 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 remedy, "vitamins for the head", which regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood;must be taken for at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid is prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, it helps eliminate toxins and normalizes nervous processes.
- Dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaves is a preparation based on leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, impaired memory and attention, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed to people under 18 years of age).
Pills that improve memory and brain function, taken with a doctor's prescription:
- Piracetam and its analogues, drugs that help students pass exams, are prescribed for impaired memory and attention and to 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 a stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate is used to treat decreased mental performance, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissues, and is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and childhood encephalopathy.
- A complex of peptides obtained from pig brain, sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, strokes, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before starting to take medications that improve memory and brain function, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor and also take into account important rules:
- the dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment are selected according to the age of the patient, the characteristics of his health and body and the presence of certain concomitant diseases;
- herbal medicines or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans;allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- to determine positive or negative changes in the functioning of the brain and memory, it is necessary to periodically carry out tests, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- To choose the best pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate taking them and observe the result of the effect on the body, this will help identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking ability and memory in children.
Medications and drugs are not always suitable for children;On the contrary, many of them are not recommended for use before the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences.Before deciding to prescribe medications, it is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in concentration and memory in children can be a consequence of any disease, and only a doctor, after an examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of medications, vitamins or by changing lifestyle and hobbies, prescribing dietary foods and eating foods that help stimulate the functioning of brain cells.
Traditional 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.l.dried plants for 2 tbsp.hot water, pour everything into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, course duration: 3 months;
- decoction of crushed red rowan bark: 1 tbsp.l.dough per 250 g of water, boil and let it brew for 6 hours, drink 1 tablespoon three times a day.l, course - 30 days, then a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
- eat young pine buds 2-3 pieces.twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms appear, it is first necessary to clarify the origin and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a complete examination.After receiving the results and recommendations from a specialist, treatment can begin and medications that improve brain function and memory can be started.