The modern world places high demands on the mental activity of the person living in it and sometimes it is necessary to complete several tasks in different areas of knowledge at the same time.
This is impossible without additional “nutrition” of brain cells, a proper lifestyle, maintaining a normal physical condition of the body and good nutrition.Therefore, recommendations for improving brain function and memory in various ways will be of interest to all readers.
Brain cells and memory
As a person ages, not only does a person's body age over the years, but his brain, mental abilities and neural connections in cells also deteriorate, and the volume of gray matter gradually decreases, and his cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, willingness to learn, reasoning and logical conclusions) decrease.Impaired attention and memory loss are the first signs of deterioration in a person's thinking ability, which often occurs with age.
Causes of deterioration in memory and brain function
- Injuries and lesions after operations, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, 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 maintaining a healthy body and brain using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, regular exercise;
- maintaining a diet and normal weight, consuming foods that improve brain function;
- controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining normal blood pressure;
- If necessary, you can find out how to improve brain function in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and active ingredients that have a positive effect on human brain tissue, increasing its performance, improving memory, supporting and facilitating the process of memorization and learning, and stimulating cognitive functions.They also increase the “clarity” of the mind in all, even extreme, conditions.They are based on organic components.The modern pharmaceutical industry uses them to produce drugs and tablets that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and mental performance:
- Flavonols – activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body and provide a feeling of joy and happiness.They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells and thus ensure strength and activity.Dark chocolate contains such substances.
- Lecithin is one of the components of body cells, a phospholipid involved in the production of enzymes and hormones;together with vitamin B5, it is converted into acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter);is found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine – found in coffee and green tea and its intake helps to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate brain function, but after a while brain activity decreases.
- L-Theanine is an amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain activity and increase productivity without causing a decline.
- Creatine is an organic nitrogenous acid that occurs naturally during active physical activity, increasing muscle growth and cellular reactions, preserving the brain's energy reserves and improving analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in sea fish, nuts and seeds) improve memory, relieve depression and stress and protect against aging.
- L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that contributes to the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the fatigue threshold 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 brain cell processes, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and influences sexual abilities.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is the most powerful nootropic, named after the tree of the same name;Its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improving memory and emotional stability.
Products that regulate the activity of brain cells:
Lifestyle and diet are the main factors affecting human mental activity.Scientific research has shown that there are a number of foods that improve memory and brain function.
This includes:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc.) has a positive effect on mental performance due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids;By consuming fatty acids, people provide them for the proliferation of nerve cells in the brain (which itself consists of 60% fat), also slow down the aging process and even prevent the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee supplies the human body with essential substances: caffeine and antioxidants that block adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and increase concentration for mental work.
- Dark chocolate (with at least 80% cocoa) contains useful substances for improving 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 the valuable 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 brain function, and also relieve depression and improve communication between brain cells and memory, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility.
- 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 (essential for the formation of fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants that help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect the human nervous system, learning and memory.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many useful substances (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
The effect of physical activity on the brain
A regular evening walk in the fresh air also has a positive effect on brain health.Maintaining high physical activity, performing exercises with a certain load and playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function.This helps improve intellectual abilities at any age and cope with minor cognitive impairments in the elderly.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood supply to the brain and keep the body in good physical condition.
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 has a positive effect and protects the brain in the long term.
The diet also includes a small amount of dairy products, sea fish and various wines.There are restrictions on the consumption of red meat, poultry and processed foods.
Mental training
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is daily training of thinking skills.These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language.The latter, according to Finnish scientists at the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in older people by giving the mind “sharpness” and promoting its elasticity.
The more foreign languages a person knows, the faster the reaction in the brain's neural network to the accumulation of new information.Therefore, both children and adults are recommended to engage in learning new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.
Learning a musical instrument also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells, regardless of the student's age.Playing sounds has a protective effect by changing brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropics:
The functioning of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment.Therefore, many people feel that they need treatment and turn to specialists who want to tell them which drugs improve memory and brain function.All medicines and tablets may only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
However, in emergencies (disputation, meeting, passing exams, etc.), taking such drugs independently helps to concentrate 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 remedy, “vitamins for the head”, which regulates sleep and mental activity and improves mood;It must be taken for at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid is prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalizes nervous processes.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is a leaf extract preparation prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizing metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed for people under 18 years old).
Prescription pills to improve memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass exams, are prescribed for deterioration of memory and attention, and for older 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 a stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate is used to treat reduced mental performance, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissue and is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and childhood encephalopathy.
- A peptide complex derived from pig brain, sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions of all medications as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropics:
Before you start taking medications that improve memory and brain function, you must consult a specialist and also follow important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are selected according to the patient's age, his health and physical characteristics, and the presence of certain concomitant diseases;
- Herbal-based medicines or dietary supplements are not always harmless and safe for humans;Allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- To detect positive or negative changes in brain and memory function, it is necessary to regularly conduct tests, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
- To choose the best pills that improve brain function, it is better to take them alternately and observe the result of the effect on the body.This will help identify the most appropriate medication.
Development of thinking skills and memory in children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children;On the contrary, many of them are not recommended for use before the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences.Before deciding to prescribe medication, you should consult a pediatrician and neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in concentration and memory in children can be a consequence of any disease and only a doctor, after an examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of medications, vitamins or changing lifestyle and hobbies, prescribing dietary foods and eating foods that stimulate the functioning of brain cells.
Traditional recipes to improve memory
Over the years, traditional medicine has collected many recipes that have a positive effect on memory and improving a person's ability to concentrate:
- Infusion of clover flowers – prepared from 2 tbsp.l.dried plants per 2 tbsp.hot water, pour everything into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, course duration - 3 months;
- Decoction of crushed red rowan bark: 1 tbsp.l.Mass per 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink 1 tbsp three times a day.l, course - 30 days, then a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
- eat young pine buds 2-3 pieces.twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms appear, you must first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and conducting a comprehensive examination.After receiving the results and recommendations of a specialist, you can start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.