The modern world makes high demands on the person living in it regarding mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks at the same time in different fields of knowledge.
This is impossible without the additional "feeding" of the brain cells, a correct lifestyle, keeping the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition. Therefore, suggestions 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, not only as the human body ages, but the brain, thinking abilities, and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, cognitive abilities decrease (the ability to think, understand, receive learning, reasoning and logical consequences). Attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decrease in thinking abilities in a person that usually occurs with age.
Causes of memory and brain impairment
- post-operative injuries and injuries, past illnesses (paralysis, concussion, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong lifestyle: stress, insomnia, overload at work.
Scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy by using the following rules to slow down these negative processes:
- maintaining good physical activity, exercising regularly;
- adherence to a diet and normal weight, eating foods that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function by consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that have a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its effectiveness, improve memory, aid and facilitate the memorization and learning process, and activate cognitive functions. It also increases the "clarity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic ingredients. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills that improve brain function.
10 items that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - stimulate the production of endorphin hormone in the body, adding a sense of joy and happiness. They add vitality and activity by stimulating the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells. Such ingredients include dark chocolate.
- Lecithin - one of the components of body cells, a phospholipid involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; Along 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 brain activity decreases.
- L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps to prolong brain activity and improve performance without further impairment.
- Creatine, an organic nitrogen-containing acid produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, preserves the brain's energy reserves, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, reduce depression and stress, protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps the production of adrenaline and neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the fatigue threshold, concentration and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- B vitamins - help regenerate 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.
- Dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is the strongest nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, together they stimulate brain activity, improve memory and emotional balance.
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, the person allows the nerve cells in the brain (which is 60% fat) to multiply, and also slows the aging process and even prevents the formation of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds essential ingredients to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that inhibit the functioning of adenosine (prevent drowsiness and enhance positive perception of reality), stimulate serotonin production to improve mood and help increase concentration for mental work
- Dark chocolate (contains at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial ingredients to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants that improve memory and help slow age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contains beneficial vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, the daily intake is up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are fruits that have a positive effect not only on visual acuity, but also on the work of the brain, and also alleviate depression due to the content of antioxidant substances, which strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between brain cells and memory.
- Orange and lemon are a source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
- Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (necessary for fat formation in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants that help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds as a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper that affect a person's nervous system, learning, and memory.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many nutrients (folic acid, choline, B6 and B12 vitamins).
Effects of physical activity on the brain
Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has a positive effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, exercising with a certain load, exercising is one of the ways to improve brain function. It helps to develop intellectual abilities in all ages and the elderly to deal with minor cognitive disorders.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short training sessions, yoga, and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep the body in a good physical condition.
Mediterranean Diet
According to many scientists, it is a Mediterranean diet that includes healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, and optimal nutrition rich in nuts and olive oil, which has a positive effect and provides long-term protection to the brain.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. There are restrictions 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 improve your thinking skills on a daily basis. These methods include: solving puzzles and learning Sudoku, a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, gives "sharpness" to the mind and contributes to its flexibility by helping to improve cognitive abilities even in elderly people.
The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the reaction to new information accumulates in the neural network of the brain. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to apply new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the age of the student, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound production has a protective effect that alters brain waves and improves hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The work of the human brain and memory is often affected by the external environment, many people feel the need for treatment and turn to experts with a desire to tell which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such drugs and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
However, in emergency situations (diploma defense, exams, etc. ) taking such drugs alone helps to concentrate attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function and are available without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular and inexpensive "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, should be taken within at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to remove toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves - a preparation made from the leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention impairment, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until 18 years of age).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues - 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 - improves brain metabolism, blood circulation in head veins, etc. It is prescribed to cure.
- Piritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
- Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and can be used for Alzheimer's disease, stroke etc. is prescribed for treatment
You should carefully read the instructions for all medicines, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before you start taking medications that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative that you consult a specialist and also consider important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of the treatment are selected according to the patient's age, health and body characteristics, and the presence of some accompanying diseases;
- herbal preparations or supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions may occur, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects;
- To find a positive or negative change in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly test, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- to choose the most suitable pills that improve brain function, it is better to change their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help you determine the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking skills and memory in children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, most of them are not recommended to be taken 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 because a decrease in attention and memory concentration in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain after the examination: medications, vitamins, or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, prescription foods, and stimulating the work of brain cells. the use of helpful foods.
Folk recipes to improve memory
Over the years, traditional medicine has collected many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and develop concentration:
- clover flower infusion - prepared with 2 tablespoons. l. 2 tablespoons of dried herbs. 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;
- chopped red rowan bark decoction: 1 tbsp. l. Mass for 250 g of water, boil and insist 6 hours, drink 1 tablespoon three times a day. l, course - 30 days, then a break per year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2-3 young pine buds. twice a day before meals.
Result
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first go to a doctor to clarify the source and cause of these negative processes and have a comprehensive examination. After receiving the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.