Today's world places great demands on the spiritual community, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks in different areas of knowledge at the same time.
This is not possible without the extra "nourishment" of brain cells, a proper lifestyle, the maintenance of the body's normal physical shape and good nutrition. Therefore, suggestions on how to improve brain function and memory in different ways will be of interest to all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as a person grows older, not only the human body but also the brain ages, his thinking ability and nerve connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases, his cognitive ability decreases (thinking, understanding, perception) learning, reasoning and logic. conclusions). Attention and memory impairment are the first signs of impaired thinking ability in a person, which often appear with age.
Causes of memory and brain problems
- injuries and injuries after surgery, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
- Some internal diseases: infections, kidney disease, etc. ;
- age-related changes in the body;
- alcohol, drug, antidepressant use, smoking;
- Wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork at work.
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to keep your body and brain healthy using the following rules:
- maintaining good physical activity through regular exercise;
- Adherence to diet and normal weight, consumption of foods that improve brain function;
- control of blood cholesterol and glucose levels;
- quit smoking and other harmful habits;
- maintenance of normal blood pressure levels;
- If necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function by consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medicine.
Nootropic substances:
Nootropic agents are substances and agents that stimulate positive effects on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, help and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive function. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in all, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry, on this basis, produces drugs and pills that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphins in the body, adding a feeling 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 body's cellular components, a phospholipid involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; together with vitamin B5 it is converted into acetylcholine, which speeds up nerve 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 brain's activity decreases.
- L-Theanine - an amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain function and increase performance without further degradation.
- Creatine, an organic nitrogen-containing acid that occurs naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, maintains brain 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 fatigue threshold, 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 reduces chronic fatigue, improves memory and brain cell function, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and affects sexual performance.
- 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 together stimulate brain function, improve memory and emotional stability.
Products that regulate brain cell activity:
Lifestyle and diet are the main factors influencing a person's mental functioning. Scientific studies have shown that there are several foods that can improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental capacity due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids; By using fatty acids, a person supplies them to the nerve cells in the brain for reproduction (which in itself is 60% fat), as well as slowing down the aging process and even preventing the development of Alzheimer's disease.
- Black coffee adds essential substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the action of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and improves positive perception of reality), stimulates serotonin production to improve mood, and helps increase concentration in mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial substances for improving brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants that improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cells and improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contains useful B and E vitamins, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, the daily dose is up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are berries that have a positive effect not only on visual acuity but also on brain function, as well as relieving depression due to the content of 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 (needed for fat production in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants to help overcome diseases associated with 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).
The effects of physical activity on the brain
Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has a positive 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. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age, and for the elderly - to cope with minor cognitive impairment.
Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood circulation to the brain and keep the body in good physical condition.
The 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 for the brain.
The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. The restriction is on the use of red meat, poultry and processed finished products.
Brain training
One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills every day. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to a conclusion by Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people by giving the mind "sharpness" and promoting its flexibility.
The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the brain's neural network responds to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to practice new languages to prevent cognitive decline during aging.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect by altering brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic drugs:
The workings of the human brain and memory are often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel that they need treatment and ask professionals to tell them which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and tablets should only be taken on the advice of a doctor.
However, in emergencies (defense of diplomas, exams, etc. ), the use of such medicines on its own helps to concentrate and improve brain function in the short term.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription
- Glycine is a popular low-cost "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood. It must be used within at least 30 days.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid - is intended 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 is prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and impaired attention, 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 - drugs that help students withstand the session, are prescribed for memory and attention disorders, in elderly patients - for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Vinpocetine - is used to improve brain metabolism, blood flow to the head vessels in the treatment of the effects of stroke, and so on.
- Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps to 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 Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc. treatment.
You should read the instructions carefully for all medicines, as most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for the use of nootropic drugs:
Before taking a medicine that improves memory and brain function, it is important to consult a specialist doctor and also consider the important rules:
- The dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment is selected according to the patient's age, his health and body characteristics, the presence of some co-morbidities;
- Herbal preparations or food supplements are not always safe and safe for humans, allergic reactions, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur.
- To find out the positive or negative changes in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly check, record observations and perform a special set of exercises
- In order to choose the most optimal pills that improve the functioning of the brain, it is better to change their doses and monitor the effects on the body, it will help to determine the most appropriate medicine.
Developing thinking skills and memory for children
Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended for use until the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences. It is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist before deciding to prescribe a medicine.
This is due to the fact that decreased attention and memory levels in children are the result of any disease, and only a doctor can decide how to improve a child's brain function: medication, vitamins or lifestyle and hobby changes, prescription diet foods andthe use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
Popular recipes to improve memory
Over the years, traditional medicine has compiled many recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:
- clover flower infusion - prepared from 2 tbsp. l. dried plants 2 tbsp. k. hot water, all poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, course duration - 3 months; Decoction of
- chopped red mountain ash bark: 1 tbsp. l. mass of 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then a break, a year - at least 3 cycles;
- Eat 2-3 new pine buds. twice a day before meals.
Conclusion
If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first find out the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting your doctor and have a thorough examination. With the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.