The modern world places high demands on people living in it due to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different fields of knowledge.
Without additional "eating" brain cells, a correct lifestyle, keeping the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is not possible. Therefore, recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.
Brain and memory cells
Over the years, as we get older, not only the human body ages, but also the brain, its thinking ability, neuronal connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, acceptance tolearning, reasoning and logical inference). Decreased attention and memory problems are early signs of a decline in thinking ability in a person that often appears with age.
Causes of memory and brain problems
- injuries and injuries after surgery, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infection, kidney disease, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- the wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, excessive workload.
To slow down this negative process, scientists suggest trying to keep your body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, exercising regularly;
- adherence to a normal diet and body weight, the use of foods that improve brain function;
- controls cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintains normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can find out how to improve brain function by consulting 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, aid and facilitate the process of memorizing and learning, and stimulate cognitive function. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind under any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on both that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonol - activates the production of endorphin hormones in the body, increasing the feeling of pleasure and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, increasing strength and activity. Such substances contain dark chocolate.
- Lecithin - a component of the body's cells, phospholipids involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; together with vitamin B5, it converts to acetylcholine, which speeds up the course of processes and neurological 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, increases productivity and stimulates the brain, but after a while brain activity decreases.
- L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps to prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine - an organic nitrogen-containing acid that is produced naturally during active physical activity, helps promote muscle growth and cellular response, conserves brain energy reserves, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in marine fish, nuts, seeds) - improves memory, relieves depression and stress, protects against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that assists the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases fatigue threshold, concentration, and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- Vitamin B - helps 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 metabolism of carbohydrates, and affects sexual performance.
- Dried extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is a strong nootropic drug named after its tree, the 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 affecting human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.
This includes:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental ability 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 are 60% of their own fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds important substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the action of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and promotes a positive perception of reality), stimulates serotonin production to improve mood and helps 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 beneficial vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, daily intake reaches 100 g.
- Blueberry is a berry which not only has a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on the work of the brain, and also relieves depression, thanks to its content of anthocyanins - antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between brain cells and memory.
- Oranges and lemons are great sources of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
- Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (essential for fat formation in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants to help treat diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds are a great source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect a person's nervous system, learning and memory.
- Chicken eggs are a great source of many nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
The effects of physical activity on the brain
Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has beneficial effects on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, exercising with certain weights, exercising is one way to improve brain function. It helps improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in the elderly - to cope with mild cognitive impairment.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short training sessions, yoga and meditation to increase blood flow to the brain and keep the body in good physical shape.
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 have positive effects and provide long-term protection for the brain.
This diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, marine fish and various grapes. Restrictions are placed 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 practice your thinking skills every day. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of the Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in the elderly, gives "sharpness" to the mind and contributes to its elasticity.
The more a person knows a foreign language, the faster the neural network of the brain reacts to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to practice a new language to prevent cognitive decline as they get older.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the age of the student, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect, alters brain waves and improves hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel they need treatment and turn to specialists with requests to tell you which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such drugs and tablets can only be taken according to a doctor's instructions.
However, in case of emergencies (diploma defense, sessions, exams, etc. ), taking the drugs themselves helps to focus attention and increase brain activity in a short period of time.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular cheap "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, it should be consumed within at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - is prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to remove toxins and normalizes nervous processes.
- Dried extract of Ginkgo biloba leaf is a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed under 18 years of age).
Prescription pills to improve memory and brain function:
- Piracetam, and its analogues - drugs that help students get through sessions, are prescribed for memory and attention disorders, for elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - is prescribed to increase brain metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - is used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissue, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, encephalopathy of childhood.
- Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should read the instructions for all drugs carefully, as most of them have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before starting any medication that improves memory and brain function, it is very important to consult a specialist, and also consider important rules:
- drug dose and duration of treatment are selected according to the patient's age, health characteristics and body, the presence of several accompanying 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 positive or negative changes in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to take regular tests, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- to choose the optimal pill that improves brain function, it is better to change the intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking and memory skills in children
Drugs and medications are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended for consumption under the age of 18 because of their possible negative consequences. Before deciding on a drug prescription, it is better to consult with a pediatrician and neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is a consequence of any disease, and only the doctor, after an examination, can decide how to improve the child's brain function: with the help of drugs, vitamins or a change in stylelife and hobbies, diet recipes and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Traditional recipes to increase memory
Traditional medicine over the years has accumulated many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- infusion of clover blossoms - prepared from 2 tbsp. l. dry plant for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then filter and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, duration of course - 3 months;
- stew of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tbsp. l. Mass for 250 g of water, boil and insist for 6 hours, drinking three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, courses - 30 days, then rest, 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 need to clarify the source and cause of this negative process first by visiting a doctor and undergoing a thorough examination. After receiving the results and recommendations of a specialist, it is possible to start treatment and take drugs that improve brain function and memory.