The modern world places high demands on the person living in it, related to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.
Without further "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 different ways will interest all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as age increases, not only the human body but also his brain, his thinking abilities, neuronal connections in cells, and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, his cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, receptivity) to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions). Impaired attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decline in the thinking ability of a person, which often appears with age.
Causes of Memory and Brain Disorder
- injuries and post-operative injuries, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, 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 in the workplace.
To curb these negative processes, researchers recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintains good physical activity and exercises regularly
- adherence to a diet and a normal weight, use of foods that improve brain function
- control of cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- quit 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 medicine.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and substances 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 under all, 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 drugs that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, add a feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain cells and add power 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 becomes acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); found in eggs, beef and chicken livers, 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 activity of the brain decreases.
- L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine, an organic nitrogen-containing acid produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, conserves energy reserves in the brain, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in sea fish, nuts, seeds) - improves memory, relieves depression and stress, protects against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the threshold for fatigue, 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 most powerful 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 most important 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 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 sleepiness and improves a positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps increase concentration tomental 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) - contains 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 brain and also 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, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
- Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (important for the formation of fat 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 affect 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, exercises with a certain load, sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at all ages and in older people - to cope with minor cognitive impairments.
Researchers 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 food
According to many researchers, the Mediterranean diet, which includes an optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, as well as nuts and olive oil, has a positive effect and provides long-lasting protection of 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.
Mind Training
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills on a daily basis. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish researchers 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 responds to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to practice new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body gets older.
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 that changes brain waves and improves hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The workings of the human brain and memory are often affected by the external environment, so many people feel they need treatment and turn to specialists with a request to tell which substances improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
In emergencies (diploma defense, session, exams, etc. ) it helps to take such drugs alone to concentrate attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
Which drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular inexpensive "main vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood. It must be taken within at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed to treat head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Ginkgo biloba dry extract - a preparation made from leaf extract, is prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention deficit, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed under 18)
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention loss in elderly patients - for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissue, used to treat atherosclerosis, encephalopathy in children.
- Pig 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 starting to take drugs that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative to consult a specialist and also take important rules into consideration:
- dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are selected according to the age of the patient, characteristics of his health and body, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
- herbal 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 a positive or negative shift in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly test, write down your observations, and perform a set of special exercises;
- to choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to change their intake and observe the effect on the body, this helps to identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking and memory in children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to take under the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on a prescription for medication, it is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is because a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is a consequence of diseases, and only a doctor after examination can decide how to improve the child's brain function: with the help of medication, vitamins or lifestyle changesand hobbies, prescription diet foods and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Folk Recipes for Improving Memory
Over the years, traditional medicine has compiled many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- infusion of clover flowers - made from 2 tbsp. l. dried plants in 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 in 250 g of water, boil and insist for 6 hours, drink three times a day in 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then a break per year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2-3 young fire buds. twice daily before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you must first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a comprehensive examination. After receiving the results and recommendations from a specialist, it is possible to start treatment and take medication that improves brain function and memory.