How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

The modern world places high demands on the mental activity of the people living in it, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different fields of knowledge.

This is impossible without additional "nutrition" of brain cells, proper lifestyle, maintenance of normal physical shape of the body and good nutrition. Therefore, recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in different ways will interest all readers.

Brain cells and memory

With age, not only the human body ages, but also the brain, the ability to think and neural connections in the cells deteriorates, and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitive abilities (thinking, comprehension, learning, reasoning, reasoning). Decreased attention and memory are the first signs of impaired thinking skills that often appear with age.

Causes of memory and brain impairment

Injuries and injuries after surgeries, past illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
Some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease, etc. Sh.
age-related changes in the body;
alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
Wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork at work.

To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend the health of your body and brain using the following rules:

Maintain good physical activity, regular exercise;
Adherence to diet and normal weight, use of foods that improve brain function;
control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
Cigarette smoking and other bad habits;
Maintain normal blood pressure levels;
If necessary, you will learn how to improve brain function after consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.

Nootropic substances:

Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its effectiveness, improve memory, aid and promote the process of memory and learning, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "purity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them that improve brain function.

10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:

Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphins in the body and increase the feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses to brain cells and increase energy and activity. Such substances are contained in dark chocolate.
Lecithin - one of the components of the body's cells, a phospholipid, which is involved in the production of enzymes and hormones. Together with vitamin B5, it is converted to acetylcholine, which accelerates the process of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); Found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improves memory, relieves depression and stress, protects against aging.
B Vitamins - Helps 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.
Ginggo biloba dry leaf extract is the most potent nootropic drug carried by the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes that together stimulate brain activity, improve memory and emotional stability.

Products that regulate the action of brain cells:

Lifestyle and diet are key factors that affect a person's mental activity. Scientific research has shown that there are plenty of foods that can improve memory and brain function.

This includes:

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 delivers them to the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which is 60% fat), as well as slows down the aging process and 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 (which prevents drowsiness and improves the positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and promotes mental work.
Dark chocolate (contains at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial substances to improve 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 vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, daily intake up to 100 g.
Oranges and lemons are vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
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).

Effect of physical activity on the brain

Even an 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. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and in resolving minor cognitive disorders in older people.

Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve cerebral circulation and keep the body in good physical condition.

Mediterranean diet

According to many scientists, it is the Mediterranean diet that contains the optimal diet, which is 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. Restrictions are 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 in everyday thinking skills. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and sudoku puzzles, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to a Finnish science report from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive abilities even in older people, gives the mind "sharpness" and promotes its elasticity.

The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the reaction to the accumulation of new information in the neural network of the brain. Therefore, both children and adolescents are encouraged to use new languages to avoid cognitive impairment.

Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of a student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound multiplication has a protective effect, alters brain waves and improves hearing.

Nootropic drugs:

The work of the human brain and memory is often affected by the external environment, so many think they need treatment and ask specialists about what medications improve memory and brain function. All such medications and tablets can only be taken with a doctor's prescription.

However, in emergencies (diploma defense, session, exams, etc. ), taking such medications arbitrarily helps to concentrate 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 "self vitamins" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, it should be taken for at least 30 days.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalizes nervous processes.
Ginggo Biloba Dry Leaf Extract - A drug made from a leaf extract prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention deficits, changes in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until 18 years of age).

Prescription Pills for Memory and Brain Function:

piracetam and analogues - Medications that help students through the session are prescribed for memory and attention deficit, for elderly patients - for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the blood vessels to treat the effects of stroke, etc. Sh.
Pyrithinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental activity, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissues, is used to treat atherosclerosis, pediatric encephalopathy.
Pig Brain Peptide Complex - Sold in ampoules and prescribed for Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc. Sh. For healing.

You should read the instructions carefully for all medications 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 necessary to consult a doctor and also follow important rules:

The dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are selected according to the age of the patient, his health and body characteristics, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
Herbal preparations or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
To find out for positive or negative changes in brain and memory function, you need to regularly check, write down your observations and perform a set of special exercises;
In order to choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is best to adjust their intake and monitor the impact on the body, this will help to identify a suitable drug.

Development of thinking skills and memory in children

Medications and medications are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to be taken before the age of 18 due to possible adverse effects. It is best to consult a pediatrician and neurologist before making a decision about prescribing medication.

This is due to the fact that the decrease in concentration and memory in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor, after examination, can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: by medication, vitamins or lifestyle changes and hobbies, prescription. Dietary foods and foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.

Folk recipes for improving memory

Over the years, traditional medicine has been collecting lots of recipes that have a positive effect on a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:

Infusion of clover flowers - prepared in 2 tbsp. K. Dried plants 2 tbsp. K. Hot water, pour everything into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before eating, the duration of the course - 3 months;
sliced red rowan bark: 1 tsp. K. Llama in 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day, 1 tbsp. K. L, course - 30 days, then break, a year - at least 3 cycles;
Eat 2-3 young 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 a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. After receiving specialist results and recommendations, it is possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.