The modern world places high demands on the person living in it in relation to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks at the same time in different areas of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" of the brain cells, a correct lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, tips on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, with increasing age, not only the human body ages, but also its brain, its thinking skills, neuronal connections in cells deteriorate and 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 decrease in a person's thinking skills, which often appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain disorders
- injuries and injuries after operations, previous diseases (strokes, concussions, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep the body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintain good physical activity by exercising regularly;
- adherence to a diet and normal weight, eating foods that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and glucose levels in the blood;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- to maintain 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 drug.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, help and facilitate the memorization and learning process and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any condition, even extreme. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activates the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a sense of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vigor and activity. These 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 turns into acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nerve processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine - present 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) that helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine, a nitrogen-containing organic acid, naturally produced during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, conserve brain energy reserves and improve analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds): improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the fatigue threshold, 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 cells, maintains carbohydrate balance and metabolism, and affects sexual performance.
- The dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves is the most powerful nootropic drug that takes its name from the homonymous tree, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improve memory andemotional 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 numerous foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental abilities thanks 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 contains 60% fat), it also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset 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 toincrease concentration for mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) contains substances that are beneficial to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cells and improvethe mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - they contain 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, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improvecommunication 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 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, performing exercises with a certain load, playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. Helps improve intellectual abilities at any age and in older people - to cope with minor cognitive impairments.
Scientists 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 diet
According to many scientists, it is the Mediterranean diet that contains the optimal diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains, as well as nuts and olive oil, which have a positive effect and provide long-term protection for thebrain.
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.
Mental 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 crosswords and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of the Finnish scientists of the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in the elderly, 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 to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, 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 student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound production is protective by altering brain waves and improving 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 the request to say which drugs improve memory and brain function. All these medicines and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
However, in emergency cases (defense of diploma, exams, etc. ), taking such drugs alone helps to focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular inexpensive "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, should be taken on a cycle of at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - is prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to eliminate toxins and normalizes nervous processes.
- The dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaves is a preparation based on the extract of leaves, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizes metabolism in cells and brain tissues (not prescribedunder 18).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students get through the session, are prescribed for memory and attention disorders, for 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 stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol 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 prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions for all drugs, 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 doctor and also take into account important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of the treatment cycle are chosen based on the age of the patient, the characteristics of his health and body, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
- herbal preparations or food supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- to discover 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 number of special exercises;
- to choose the optimal pills that improve brain functioning, it is better to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help to identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking and memory skills in children
Medicines and medications are not always suitable for children, indeed, many of them are not recommended to be taken under 18 years of age due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on the prescription of drugs, it is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is a consequence of any diseases and only a doctor, after the examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with thehelp from medicines, vitamins or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, prescription diet food and use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Popular 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:
- clover flower infusion - prepared 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 rowan bark: 1 tbsp. L. mass for 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. 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 have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you must first clarify the origin and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a comprehensive examination. After receiving the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to begin treatment and take drugs that improve brain function and memory.