The modern world places high demands on the person living in it in terms of mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.
This is not possible without the additional "nutrition" of brain cells, a proper lifestyle, keeping the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition. Therefore, suggestions for improving brain function and memory in different ways are of interest to all readers.
Brain Cells and Memory
With each passing year, not only the human body but also the brain, its thinking ability, neuronal connections in cells deteriorate, the amount of gray matter gradually decreases, and its cognitive abilities (thinking, comprehension, perception)learning, reasoning, and logical reasoning). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and memory loss are the first signs of a decline in thinking ability, usually with age.
Causes of memory and brain impairment
- postoperative injuries and trauma, previous illnesses (stroke, contusion, etc. );
- Some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease, etc. b. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- Wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend using the following rules to keep your body and brain healthy:
- Maintain good physical activity, exercise regularly;
- diet and eating foods that improve normal weight and brain function;
- control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- smoking cessation and other bad habits;
- maintain normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can consult with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication and learn how to improve brain function.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropics are substances and agents that have a positive effect on the human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the “clarity” of the mind in various, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic ingredients. Modern pharmaceuticals produce drugs and pills that improve brain function.
10 Things to Improve Memory and Intelligence:
- Flavonol activates the production of the hormone endorphins in the body and increases the feeling of joy and happiness. They add energy and activity and stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells. 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 into acetylcholine, which accelerates neural processes and reactions (neurotransmitters); It is found in eggs, beef and chicken livers, oily fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine is found in coffee and green tea, and its concentration helps to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while the brain activity decreases.
- The amino acid L-theanine in green tea prolongs brain function and increases efficiency without further damage.
- Creatine is a naturally occurring organic acid that contains nitrogen during active physical activity, which helps increase muscle growth and cell response, 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, prevent aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that promotes the production of the neurotransmitters adrenaline and dopamine, increases the fatigue threshold, concentration and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
- B vitamins help to repair 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 has a sexual effect.
- Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract is the most powerful nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which stimulate brain function, improve memory and emotional stability.
Products that regulate the activity of brain cells:
Lifestyle and nutrition are the main factors that affect a person's mental functioning. Research shows that there are a number of 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 allows them to increase the number of nerve cells in the brain (which itself is 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds essential nutrients to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that interfere with adenosine (which prevents sleep and improves perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to boost mood, and increases the concentration on mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) contains nutrients that improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory, slow down age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, up to 100 g per day.
- Blueberries are a fruit that affects not only the sense of sight, but also the functioning of the brain, and with the help of anthocyanins, antioxidants, strengthen blood vessels, reduce their fragility and 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 small amounts of soluble vitamin K (promotes the formation of fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants to help treat diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds, as a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, affect the human nervous system, education and memory.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
Effects of Physical Activity on the Brain
A simple evening walk in the fresh air has a positive effect on brain health. Maintaining a high level of physical activity, exercising with a certain load, and exercising are some of the ways to improve brain function. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at different ages, and to overcome minor cognitive impairments in older people.
Researchers recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep the body in good shape.
Mediterranean Diet
According to many scientists, the Mediterranean has an optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables, legumes and 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 dairy products, seafood and various wines. Restrictions have been introduced on the use of red meat, poultry and processed finished products.
Mental Training
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to teach daily 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, "sharpens" the mind, promotes its flexibility and helps to improve cognitive skills in older people.
The more a person knows a foreign language, the faster the reaction to the accumulation of new information in the neural network of the brain. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to learn new languages in order to prevent the body from declining in age.
Regardless of a student's age, learning to play a musical instrument has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Increased noise has a protective effect by altering brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The human brain and memory are often affected by the external environment, so many people believe that they need treatment and ask which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and pills can be taken only on the advice of a doctor.
However, in emergencies (defense of diplomas, sessions, exams, etc. ) taking such drugs on their own can help focus and improve brain function in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular low-cost vitamin that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, and should be taken for at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- Dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaf - a drug made from the extract of the leaf, intended for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory impairment and mood disorders, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until the age of 18).
Medicines for memory and brain function:
- Piracetam and its analogues - drugs that help students with memory loss and mood swings - are used to treat Alzheimer's disease in older patients.
- Vinpocetine is used to improve metabolism in the brain, blood circulation in the arteries of the head in the treatment of stroke. b. y. с.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate is used to reduce mental activity, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
- Pork brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and can treat Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc. b. prescribed in treatment.
Read the instructions for all medications carefully, as most have side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs:
Before taking medications that improve memory and brain function, it is important to consult a doctor and follow the important rules:
- drug dose and duration of treatment is selected depending on the patient's age, health and physical characteristics, the presence of certain concomitant diseases;
- Herbal medicines or dietary supplements are always harmless and non-harmful to humans, can cause allergic reactions, have contraindications and unexpected side effects;
- In order to find out the positive or negative changes in the functioning of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly check, observe and perform a set of special exercises;
- To choose the best pills that improve brain function, take turns taking them and looking at the effects on the body, this will help you find the most suitable drug.
Developing children's thinking and memory
Medications are not always suitable for children, but due to the negative consequences, it is not recommended to take most of them until the age of 18. Before deciding to prescribe medication, it is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.
Since the decline in attention and memory in these children is the result of various diseases, only a doctor can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain only after examination: with the help of drugs, vitamins or lifestyle changes, hobbies, prescription diet and brain. The use of products that stimulate the activity of cells.
Folk recipes for improving memory
Traditional medicine has accumulated many recipes over the years that have had a positive effect on improving memory and concentration:
- Clover infusion - made from 2 tbsp. l. 2 tbsp for dried plants. 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 - 3 months;
- Decoction of crushed red rowan peel: 1 tbsp. l. The mass is boiled in 250 g of water, insist 6 hours, 1 tbsp three times a day. l, course - 30 days, followed by a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2-3 young pine buds. twice a day before meals.
Results
If you have memory, dizziness, insomnia, depression and other symptoms, first consult a doctor to determine the causes and causes of these adverse processes and undergo 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.