The modern world demands high demands on the person living in what is related to mental activity and sometimes it is necessary to perform many tasks simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" brain cells, proper lifestyle, keeping the body in good shape and good nutrition, this 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 we age, not only does the human body grow, but also its brain, its thinking abilities, the neural connections in the cells deteriorate and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitionskills (thinking, comprehension, receptivity to learning, reasoning and logical inference). Impairment of attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decline in a person's thinking abilities, which often occurs with age.
Causes of memory and brain damage
- injuries and injuries after surgeries, diseases of the past (stroke, concussion, etc. ).
- certain internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc.
- age-related changes in the body?
- the use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking.
- wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy by using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, exercising regularly.
- Maintaining a diet and normal weight by eating foods that improve brain function
- control of blood cholesterol and glucose levels.
- to quit smoking and other bad habits.
- maintaining normal blood pressure levels.
- If necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.
Nootropics:
Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, aid and facilitate the process of memorization and learning and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic ingredients. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on which they improve the function of the brain.
10 substances that improve memory and mental performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a sense of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses to brain cells, adding vigor and activity. Such 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 is converted to acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and 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 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 - an organic acid containing nitrogen that is 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 (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging. L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the limit of fatigue, concentration and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- B vitamins - help repair 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 affects sexual performance. Ginkgo biloba dry leaf extract is the most powerful nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improve memoryand emotional stability.
Products that regulate brain cell activity:
Lifestyle and diet are the main factors influencing human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are certain foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental abilities 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 is the same 60% fat), and 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 inhibit the work of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps increaseof 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 cellsand 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. Cranberries are berries that not only have a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on brain function and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility. communication 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 treat diseases related to 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 night walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, exercising with a specific load, playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. Helps to improve mental abilities at any age and in the elderly - to treat minor cognitive disorders.
Scientists recommend aerobics, 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, 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 a positive effect and provide long-term protection to the brain.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, seafood and a variety of wines. The restriction is imposed 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 train your thinking skills on a daily basis. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to 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 neural network of the brain to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to learn new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body grows.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Audio playback has a protective effect, 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 the need for treatment and turn to specialists to ask which drugs improve memory and brain function. All of these medicines and tablets can only be taken as directed by your doctor.
However, in emergencies (defense of diplomas, sessions, exams, etc. ), taking such medications alone helps to focus attention and improve brain activity in a short period of time.Which 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, should be taken within at least 30 days. C-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalizes nerve processes. Ginkgo biloba dry leaf extract - a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention deficit disorder, normalizes metabolism in cells and tissues of the brain up to the age of 18 (no prescription).
Prescription pills for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues - medicines that help students get through the session, are prescribed for reduced memory and attention in elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head to treat the effects of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nervous 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 read the instructions for all medicines carefully, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before you start taking medicines that improve memory and brain function, it is imperative that you consult a specialist and also take into account 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 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 check, write your observations and perform a series of special exercises.
- To choose the best pills that improve brain function, it is best to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help identify the most appropriate drug.
Development of thinking and memory skills in children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to be taken under 18 years of age due to possible adverse effects. Before deciding on prescribing medication, it is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that the reduction of concentration and memory in children is the result of any disease and only a doctor, after examination, can decide how to improve the function of the child's brain: with the help of drugs, vitamins or lifestyle changes and hobbies, diet foods and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Folk 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 flower clover - made from 2 tbsp. large. dried herbs for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is poured into a warm for 2 hours, then drain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, course duration - 3 months.
- decoction of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tbsp. large. mass for 250 g of water, boil and insist for 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, of course - 30 days, after a break, per year - at least 3 cycles.
- Eat 2-3 small pine buds. twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a thorough examination. Having received the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.