The modern world places high demands on the person living in it related to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in various fields of knowledge.
Without additional “feeding” of brain cells, a proper lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical 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 age increases, not only a person’s body ages, but also his brain, mental abilities and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, and his cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, susceptibility to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions) decrease.Impaired attention and memory deterioration are the first signs of a decline in a person’s thinking abilities, which often appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain function deterioration
- injuries and lesions after operations, past illnesses (stroke, concussions, etc.);
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc.;
- age-related changes in the body;
- consumption of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- incorrect lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to maintain a healthy body and brain using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, regular exercise;
- maintaining a diet and normal weight, eating foods that improve brain function;
- control cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining 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 performance, improve memory, help 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 components.The modern pharmaceutical industry uses them to produce drugs and tablets 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.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);found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine - found in coffee and green tea, its intake helps to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate brain function, but after a while there is a decline in brain activity.
- L-theanine is an amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain activity and increase productivity without subsequent decline.
- Creatine is an organic nitrogen-containing acid, produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular reactions, conserve brain energy reserves, and improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) improve memory, relieve depression and stress, and protect against aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, 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 processes, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and affects sexual abilities.
- Dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves 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 memory and emotional 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 a number of foods that 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 itself consists of 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps increase concentration for mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) includes beneficial substances for improving brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cells, improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain beneficial 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 brain function, and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve 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 fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants, which help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect the nervous system, learning and memory of humans.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many useful substances (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
The effect of physical activity on the brain
Even a regular 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.This helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in older people to cope with minor cognitive impairment.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood supply to the brain and maintain 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 provides long-term protection for the brain.
The diet also includes a small amount of dairy products, sea fish and various wines.Restrictions are placed on the consumption of red meats, poultry and processed foods.
Mental training
One of the effective means of improving memory and brain function is daily training of thinking abilities.These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language.The latter, according to Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving “sharpness” to the mind and promoting its elasticity.
The more foreign languages a person knows, the faster the reaction in the neural network of the brain occurs to the accumulation of new information.Therefore, it is recommended for both children and adults to engage in learning 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.Playing sounds has a protective effect by changing brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic medications:
The functioning of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel that they need treatment and turn to specialists asking them to tell them which drugs improve memory and brain function.All such medicines and tablets can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
However, in emergency cases (thesis defense, session, 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, 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 normalize nervous processes.
- Dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaves is a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, deterioration of memory and attention, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed for people under 18 years of age).
Pills that improve memory and brain function, taken by prescription:
- Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass exams, are prescribed for deteriorating memory and attention, and for elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine is prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the consequences of stroke, etc.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate is used to treat decreased mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, and is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis and childhood encephalopathy.
- A complex of peptides obtained from pig brain - sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, since most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before you start taking medications that improve memory and brain function, you must consult a medical specialist and also take into account important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are selected according to the patient’s age, the characteristics of his health and body, and the presence of certain concomitant diseases;
- herbal-based drugs or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans; allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- to determine positive or negative changes in the functioning of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly conduct testing, write down your observations and perform a set of special exercises;
- To choose the best pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate taking them and observe the result of the effect on the body, this will help to identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking abilities and memory in children
Medicines and drugs 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 medications, it is better to 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 help stimulate the functioning of brain cells.
Traditional 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 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 pcs.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 undergoing a comprehensive examination.After receiving the results and recommendations from a specialist, you can begin treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.