The modern world places high demands on the person living there in relation to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to multitask in different areas of knowledge at the same time.
Without additional "nourishment" of brain cells, a correct lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical shape and proper nutrition, it is impossible. Therefore, recommendations 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, as the age increases, not only the human body ages, but also its brain, thinking skills and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, his cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivity to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions). Disturbances in attention and memory are the first signs of a decrease in thinking skills in a person, which often appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain disorders
- injuries and injuries after operations, past illnesses (stroke, concussions, etc. );
- certain internal diseases: infectious diseases, kidneys, etc. ;
- body changes related to age;
- consumption of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- bad lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintain good physical activity, exercise regularly;
- adhering to a normal diet and weight, eating foods that improve brain function;
- cholesterol and blood sugar control;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintain normal blood pressure;
- 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 agents that stimulate a positive effect on 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 in all conditions, even extreme ones. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a feeling 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 nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, oily fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine - found in coffee and green tea, its intake helps focus, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while brain activity decreases.
- L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine - a nitrogen-containing organic acid produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cell responses, conserve brain energy stores, and improve analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in marine fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid which helps in the production of adrenaline and dopamine neurotransmitter, increases the threshold of fatigue, 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 cell function, maintains carbohydrate balance and metabolism, and affects sexual performance.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is the strongest nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenes, which together stimulate activitycerebral, improve memory and emotional stability.
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.
This includes:
- Oily fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental capacities due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids; By consuming fatty acids, a person supplies them for the reproduction of the nerve cells of the brain (which itself is 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset of the disease. 'Alzheimer's.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants which block the work of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves a positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve lmood and helps increase 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 changesin brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, the daily intake can reach 100 g.
- Bilberries are berries that not only have a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on the work of the brain, and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vesselsand 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 against free radicals.
- Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (essential for fat formation 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 influence 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 open 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. It helps improve intellectual capacities at any age, and in the elderly, to cope with minor cognitive disorders.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, 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 an optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, as well as nuts and olive oil, which have a positive effectand provide long-term protection for 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 meats, poultry and finished processed products.
Formation of the mind
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills daily. These methods include: solving crosswords and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in the elderly, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributing to its elasticity.
The more foreign languages a person knows, the faster the brain's neural network reacts to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, children and adults are encouraged to practice new languages to avoid 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 reproduction has a protective effect, modifying 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 the need for treatment and turn to specialists to ask what drugs improve memory and performance. brain function. All of these drugs and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.
However, in urgent cases (diploma defense, exams, etc. ), taking such drugs on their own helps focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function that can be bought without a prescription
- Wisteria is an inexpensive and popular "vitamin for the head" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, it should be taken in a course of at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head trauma, helps remove toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves - a preparation based on leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizes metabolism in cells and tissuesbrain (not prescribed before the age of 18).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention problems, in elderly patients - in the treatment ofAlzheimer's.
- Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve brain metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the effects of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissue, 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 read the instructions for all medications carefully, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before starting to take medicines that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative to consult a specialist doctor, and also to take into account the important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are selected depending on the age of the patient, the characteristics of his health and body, the presence of certain concomitant diseases;
- herbal preparations or food 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, record your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- in order to choose the optimal pills that improve the functioning of the brain, 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 skills and memory in children
Medicines and medications are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, it is not recommended to take many of them before the age of 18 because of possible negative consequences. Before deciding on the prescription of drugs, it is better to consult with 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 examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: Using medications, vitamins, or lifestyle and leisure changes, prescribing diet foods and using foods that help stimulate brain cell work.
Popular Recipes for Improving 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:
- infusion of clover blossoms - 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. massage for 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day, 1 tsp. 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, sleeplessness, depression, or other symptoms, you should first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by seeing a doctor and having an examinationfull. After receiving the results and recommendations from a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take drugs that improve brain function and memory.