The modern world places high demands on the person who lives in it in connection with mental activity, and it is sometimes necessary to carry out several tasks simultaneously in different fields of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" of the brain cells, a correct lifestyle, the maintenance of a normal physical condition and a good diet, this is impossible. Therefore, recommendations for improving brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.
Brain cells and memory
With age, not only does the human body get old, but also its brain, its thinking skills and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and the gray matter volume gradually decreases, its cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivity) to learning, thinking and reasoning). Attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decrease in a person's thinking ability, which often occurs with age.
Causes of memory and brain disorders
- Injuries and injuries after operations, previous illnesses (stroke, concussions, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious diseases, kidney diseases, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- consumption of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend keeping your body and brain healthy according to the following rules:
- Maintaining good physical activity, regular exercise;
- adherence to a diet and normal weight, the use of foods that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining normal blood pressure;
- If necessary, in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary drug, you can find out how to improve brain function.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and active ingredients that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, support and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in all extreme conditions. They are based on organic ingredients. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and mental performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body and ensure joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in the brain cells, giving them strength and activity. Such substances include dark chocolate.
- Lecithin - one of the components of the body's cells, a phospholipid that is 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 consumption helps focus, increases productivity, and stimulates the brain, but brain activity decreases after a while.
- L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine, an organic nitrogenous acid naturally produced during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, maintain the brain's energy reserves, and improve analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (contained in marine fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress and protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that supports the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the threshold for fatigue and 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 function of brain cells, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and impairs sexual performance.
- Dry extract from Ginkgo biloba leaves is the most powerful nootropic drug, which 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 diet are the main factors influencing human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Oily fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental abilities due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. A person who consumes fatty acids provides them for the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which itself is 60% fat), slows down the aging process and even prevents Alzheimer's disease from occurring.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the work of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves a positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and focusto increase intellectual work.
- Dark chocolate (with at least 80% cocoa) contains useful substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants that improve memory, slow down age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants. The daily intake is up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are berries that have a positive effect not only on visual acuity, but also on the brain, and due to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between brain cells and memory - also depressionalleviate.
- 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 building fats in brain cells and improving 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 positive effect on the health of the brain. Maintaining a high level of physical activity, doing exercises with a certain load, and playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. It helps improve intellectual ability at any age and in the elderly - to cope with minor cognitive impairments.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga, and meditation to improve 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 that is rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grain products as well as nuts and olive oil, which have a positive effect and protect the brain in the long term.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. The restriction applies to 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 on a daily basis. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and sudoku, learning a new foreign language. According to Finnish scientists at the University of Helsinki, the latter helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people by giving the mind "sharpness" and contributing to its elasticity.
The more a person speaks foreign languages, the faster the brain's neural network reacts to the accumulation of new information. Hence, both 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 age of the student, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. The sound reproduction has a protective effect by changing brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropics:
The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment. Many people feel they need treatment and turn to specialists to find out which drugs improve memory and brain function. All these drugs and tablets should only be taken as directed by a doctor.
In urgent cases (diploma defense, examinations, etc. ), however, taking such drugs alone helps to focus 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 "head vitamin" that regulates sleep and mental activity and improves mood. It must be taken within at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract - a preparation made from leaf extract, which is prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders and normalizes the metabolism in the cells and tissues of the brain (only prescribed at the age of 18).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass the session are prescribed in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in elderly patients with memory and attention disorders.
- Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve brain metabolism, blood flow to the vessels of the head when treating the consequences of a stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - is used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissue, and is used to treat atherosclerosis and encephalopathy in children.
- Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should read the instructions for all drugs carefully as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropics:
Before you start taking drugs that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative that you consult a specialist and follow important rules:
- The dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment depend on the age of the patient, his health and body characteristics, as well as the presence of some concomitant diseases.
- Herbal preparations or food supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans. Allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects can occur.
- To determine a positive or negative shift in the work of the brain and memory, you need to regularly test, write down your observations and do a series of special exercises.
- To choose the optimal pills that will improve brain function, it is better to switch pills and observe the effects on the body. This will help identify the most suitable drug.
Developing thinking skills and memory in children
Medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them should not be taken under the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding to prescribe any medication, it is worth consulting a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is the result of diseases and only a doctor, after the examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of drugs, Vitamins or lifestyle and hobbies changes, prescription diet foods, and the use of foods that stimulate the work of brain cells.
Folk recipes to improve memory
Traditional medicine has accumulated many recipes over the years 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 for 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 mountain ash bark: 1 tbsp. l. Mass for 250 g of water, boil and let rest for 6 hours, drink 1 tbsp 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.
Conclusion
If you experience memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you must first clarify the cause and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. After receiving the results and recommendations of a specialist, you can start treatment and start taking drugs that improve brain function and memory.