How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

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

Without additional "nutrition" of brain cells, it is impossible to lead a proper lifestyle, keep the body in normal physical shape and eat well. Therefore, recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in different ways will be of interest to all readers.

Brain cells and memory

As the years go by, not only does the human body age, but also the brain, the ability to think, the neuronal connections in the cells deteriorate and the gray matter gradually decreases in volume, cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, perception) to learn, think and reason. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and memory loss are the first signs of a person's ability to think, often with age.

Causes of memory and brain disorders

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

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;
adhere to a diet and normal weight, eat foods that improve brain function;
control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
quit smoking and other bad habits;
maintaining 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 substances that have a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its effectiveness, 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, situation. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them that improve brain function.

10 things to improve memory and intellectual performance:

Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphins in the body, adding a feeling of joy and happiness. Stimulates the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adds strength and activity. 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 (a neurotransmitter), which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions; Found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, oily fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Caffeine - a nutrient found in coffee and green tea, helps to focus, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while the brain activity decreases.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
Creatine is an organic nitric acid that is naturally formed during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, protects the brain's energy reserves, and improves analytical thinking.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, reduce depression and stress, protect against aging.
B vitamins - help to 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 leaves is the most powerful nootropic drug of the tree of the same name, which contains 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 a person's mental activity. Scientific studies have shown that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.

These include:

Oily 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 provides them for the proliferation of nerve cells in the brain (which is 60% fat) and slows down the aging process and even prevents Alzheimer's disease.
Black coffee adds important substances to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the work of adenosine (prevents drowsiness and improves a 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) contains useful 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, the daily intake is up to 100 g.
Blueberries, anthocyanins, which strengthen blood vessels and reduce fragility, improve the connection between brain cells and memory - thanks to the composition of anthocyanins are fruits that have a positive effect not only on visual acuity, but also on brain function and depression.
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 prevent diseases associated with brain damage.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper that affect the human nervous system, learning and memory.
Chicken eggs are a great source of nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).

The effect of physical activity on the brain

Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. One of the ways to improve brain activity is to maintain high physical activity, exercise with a certain load, and exercise. Helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and to cope with minor cognitive deficits in older people.

Scientists recommend aerobic gymnastics, short exercises, yoga and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep the body in good physical condition.

Mediterranean Diet

According to many scientists, along with healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, the Mediterranean diet is an optimal diet with nuts and olive oil, which has a positive effect and provides long-term protection to the brain.

The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, seafood and various wines. The restriction applies to the use of red meat, poultry and processed foods.

Mind Education

One of the most effective ways to improve memory and brain function is to develop your daily thinking skills. These methods include: solving crosswords and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. Second, according to Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, it also helps to improve cognitive abilities in older people, "sharpens" the mind and helps flexibility.

The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the neural network of the brain responds to the accumulation of new information. Therefore, both children and adults are advised to use new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.

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, alters brain waves and improves hearing.

Nootropic drugs:

The functioning of the human brain and memory is often affected by the external environment, so many people say they need treatment and seek professional help to explain which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such drugs and tablets can be taken only with a doctor's prescription.

Only in emergencies (diploma defense, meeting, exam, etc. ) taking such drugs alone helps to focus and improve brain function in a short time.

Which drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription

Glycine is a popular, inexpensive "head 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 leaves - a preparation made from the extract of the leaf, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention impairment, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until the age of 18).

Prescription pills to improve memory and brain function:

Piracetam and its analogues - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in elderly patients with memory and attention deficits.
Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve blood circulation in the blood vessels of the head in the treatment of cerebral metabolism, the effects of stroke.
Pork brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and can treat Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc. Prescribed in the treatment.

You should read the instructions of all medicines carefully, because most of them have negative side effects and contraindications.

Rules for taking nootropic drugs:

Before taking any medication that improves memory and brain function, it is important to consult a specialist and follow the important rules:

The dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are selected according to the patient's age, health and physical characteristics, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
Herbal preparations or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, there may be allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects;
To find out if there is a positive or negative change in brain and memory function, you need to regularly test, record your observations and do a number of special exercises;
To choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to change their intake and monitor their effects on the body, which will help determine the most appropriate drug.

Development of thinking ability and memory in children

Medications and drugs are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, it is not recommended to take most of them under the age of 18 due to possible side effects. It is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist before deciding on a prescription.

This is because a decrease in attention and memory in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor can decide how to improve the child's brain function after examination: medications, vitamins or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, prescription food and stimulating brain cellsuse of foods that help.

Folk recipes to improve memory

Traditional medicine has collected many recipes over the years that have a positive effect on a person's ability to improve memory and concentration:

Infusion of clover flowers - 2 tablespoons. l. Dried herbs for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then filtered and drunk 100 g half an hour before a meal, the duration of the course - 3 months;
Decoction of chopped red rhubarb bark: 1 tbsp. l. Mass for 250 g of water, boil and insist 6 hours, drink 1 tablespoon three times a day. l, course - 30 days, then a break, in - at least 3 periods;
Eat 2-3 young pine buds. twice a day before meals.

Result

If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first consult a doctor to determine the source and cause of these adverse processes and undergo a thorough examination. It will be possible to start treatment with the results and recommendations of a specialist and take medications that improve brain function and memory.