The modern world places high demands on the people who live in it in terms of mental activity, and sometimes multiple tasks need to be performed simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.
Without further "nourishing" brain cells, maintaining a proper lifestyle, normal physical condition and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, recommendations for improving brain function and memory in various ways are of interest to all readers.
Brain cells and memory
As the age increases, not only does the human body age but also the brain, its thinking skills, the neuronal connections of the cells deteriorate and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, receptivity) to learn, reason andlogical conclusion). Deterioration in attention and memory is the first sign of a decline in thinking skills in a person, which often occurs with age.
Causes of memory and brain damage
- injuries and injuries after surgeries, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- incorrect lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork in the workplace.
To slow down negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy according to the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity, regular exercise;
- diet and adherence to normal body weight, use of foods that improve brain function;
- regulation of cholesterol and blood sugar levels;
- quit smoking and other bad habits;
- maintain normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function by consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that have 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 "purity" of the mind under any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and tablets based on these that improve brain function.
10 materials that improve memory and mental performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphins in the body, giving a feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding strength and activity. Such substances include dark chocolate.
- Lecithin - a component 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 to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while the activity of the brain decreases.
- L-Theanine - An amino acid found in green tea that helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine, an organic nitrogen-containing acid that is produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, preserves the brain’s energy reserves, and improves 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 promotes the production of adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the threshold for fatigue 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 function, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and affects sexual performance.
- The dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaf is the most potent 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 brain cell activity:
Lifestyle and nutrition are major factors influencing human mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These are:
- 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, man supplies them for the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which itself contains 60% fat) and slows down the aging process and even prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the work of adenosine (prevent drowsiness and improve positive perception of reality), stimulate serotonin production to improve mood, and help increase mental work concentration. .
- Dark chocolate (which contains at least 80% cocoa) contains useful substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants that improve memory and help slow age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful B and E vitamins, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, daily intake up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are a berry that has a positive effect not only on visual acuity but also on the work of the brain and relieves depression, anthocyanins - antioxidants that strengthen blood vessels and 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 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 fight diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper that affect a person’s nervous system, learning and memory.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
Brain effects of physical activity
Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, exercising with some load, exercising is one way to improve brain function. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and in older people - to treat minor cognitive disorders.
Scientists recommend aerobic gymnastics, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and maintain good physical condition of the body.
Mediterranean diet
Many scientists say the Mediterranean diet includes 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 protect the brain in the long run.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. The restriction applies to the use of red meat, poultry and processed finished products.
Thinking
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills daily. These methods are: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to Finnish scientists at the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving the mind "sharpness" and contributing to its flexibility.
The more people know foreign languages, the faster the accumulation of new information in the brain’s neural network responds. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to practice new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.
Learning to play an instrument, regardless of the age of the learner, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect, changes brain waves and improves hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The workings of the human brain and memory are often influenced by the external environment, so many feel they need treatment and turn to a professional with a request to tell them what medications improve memory and brain function. All of these medicines and tablets should only be taken as directed by your doctor.
However, in urgent cases (diploma protection, occupation, exams, etc. ), taking such drugs alone will help you focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What medications improve brain function and are available without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular, inexpensive “head vitamin” that regulates sleep, mental activity, and improves mood. It should be taken during a course of at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to remove toxins and normalize nerve processes.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract - a preparation made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until 18 years of age).
Prescription pills to improve memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues - medications that help students with sitting, memory and attention problems, are prescribed for elderly patients to treat Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the blood vessels of the head, to treat the consequences of stroke, and so on.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - is used to reduce mental performance, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
- Swine brain peptide complex - available in ampoules and for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc. prescribed to treat.
Read all of this medicine's instructions carefully as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before taking medications to improve memory and brain function, be sure to consult a specialist and follow the important rules as well:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of the course are chosen according to the patient's age, state of health and body characteristics, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
- herbal preparations or supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions may occur, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
- to regularly test, record observations, and perform a series of specific exercises to find out positive or negative shifts in brain and memory work;
- In order to select the optimal tablets to improve brain function, it is better to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help determine the most appropriate drug.
Improving thinking and memory in children
Medications and medications are not always suitable for children; on the contrary, we do not recommend taking them under the age of 18 due to the possible negative consequences. Before deciding to prescribe medications, it is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in attention and memory levels in children is a consequence of any disease and can only be decided after a doctor’s examination on how to improve a child’s brain function: medications, vitamins, lifestyle changes and hobbies, prescription dietsthe use of foods and foods that promote the work of brain cells.
Folk recipes to improve memory
Over the years, traditional medicine has collected a number of recipes that positively affect a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- Infusion of clover flowers - made from 2 tablespoons. l. dried plants 2 tbsp. hot water, all poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then filtered and drink 100 g half an hour before a meal, the duration of the course is 3 months;
- chopped red rowan peel decoction: 1 tbsp. l. weight to 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 shoots. twice daily before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first see a doctor to find out the source and cause of these negative processes and undergo a comprehensive examination. Once you have received the results and recommendations of the specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications to improve brain function and memory.