The modern world makes high demands on a person living in it related to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several things simultaneously in various fields of knowledge.
Without additional "feeding" of brain cells, proper lifestyle, maintaining the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, recommendations on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.
Brain cells and memory
Over the years, as age increases, not only the human body, but also his brain ages, thinking abilities, neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, there is a decrease in his cognitive abilities (thinking, understanding, susceptibility to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions). Impaired attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a decrease in a person's thinking abilities, which often appear with age.
Causes of deterioration of memory and brain function:
- injuries and lesions after operations, past diseases (stroke, concussion, etc.);
- some internal diseases: infectious, kidney disease, etc.;
- age-related changes in the body;
- use of alcohol, narcotic drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
- wrong way of life: stress, lack of sleep, overload at work.
Methods of improving intellectual abilities and memory
To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to maintain the health of the body and brain with the help of the following rules:
- maintenance of good physical activity, regular sports;
- compliance with diet and normal weight, the use of products that improve brain function;
- control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
- quitting smoking and other bad habits;
- maintaining normal blood pressure levels;
- if necessary, you can learn how to improve brain function in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary drug.
Nootropic substances
Nootropics are substances and means that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its performance, improve memory, help and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces on their basis drugs and tablets that improve brain function.
10 substances that improve memory and intellectual performance:
- Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphin in the body, adding a feeling of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vivacity and activity. Such substances contain dark chocolate.
- Lecithin is one of the components of the body's cells, a phospholipid involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; together with vitamin B5, it turns into acetylcholine, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); contained in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
- Caffeine - contained in coffee and green tea, its reception helps to concentrate, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while there is a decline in brain activity.
- L-theanine is an amino acid (in green tea), which helps to prolong brain activity and increase productivity without further reduction.
- Creatine is an organic nitrogen-containing acid produced naturally during active physical exertion, helps to increase muscle growth and cellular reactions, save energy reserves of the brain, improves analytical thinking.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oceanic fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect from aging.
- L-tyrosine is an amino acid that helps produce adrenaline and the neurotransmitter dopamine, increases the threshold of fatigue, 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 processes, maintains balance and carbohydrate metabolism, and affects sexual abilities.
- "Ginkgo Biloba" is the most powerful nootropic drug, named after the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which in combination stimulate brain activity, improve memory and emotional stability.
Products that regulate the activity of brain cells
Lifestyle and nutrition are the main active factors affecting the mental activity of a person. Scientific studies have shown that there are a number of products that improve memory and brain function.
These include:
- Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc.) has a positive effect on mental abilities, due to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids; by consuming fatty acids, a person supplies them to reproduce the nerve cells of the brain (which itself consists of 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the occurrence 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 a positive perception of reality), stimulates the production of serotonin to improve mood and helps to increase concentration to perform mental work.
- Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) includes useful substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants that improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cells, improve mood.
- Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, the daily intake is up to 100 g.
- Blueberries are berries that not only have a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on brain function, and also relieve depression, due to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between brain cells and memory.
- Oranges and lemons are a source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from the action of free radicals.
- Broccoli cabbage – contains fat-soluble vitamin K (necessary for the formation of fats in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants that help overcome diseases associated with brain damage.
- Pumpkin seeds as a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect the nervous system, learning and memory of a person.
- Chicken eggs are a source of many useful substances (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).
The Effect of Physical Activity on the Brain
Even a normal 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. This helps at any age to improve intellectual abilities, and in the elderly - to cope with small cognitive impairments.
Scientists recommend aerobic gymnastics, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve the blood supply to the brain and maintain the body in good physical condition.
Mediterranean diet
According to many scientists, it is the Mediterranean diet that contains an optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and whole grains, as well as nuts and vegetable olive oil, which has a positive effect and gives long-term protection for the brain.
The diet also includes a small amount of dairy products, sea fish and various wines. The restriction is imposed on the use of red meats, poultry and finished processed foods.
Training of thinking abilities
One of the effective means to improve memory and brain function is the daily training of thinking abilities. Such methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in the elderly, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributing to its elasticity.
The more a person knows foreign languages, the faster the reaction in the neural network of the brain to the accumulation of new information occurs. Therefore, both children and adults are encouraged to learn new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.
Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the age of the student, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. The reproduction of sounds has a protective effect, changing brain waves and improving hearing.
Nootropic medications
The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people feel that they need treatment and turn to specialists with a request to tell which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and tablets can be taken only as prescribed by a doctor.
However, in emergency cases (diploma defense, session, exams, etc.), taking such drugs independently helps to concentrate attention and improve brain activity in a short time.
What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription:
- "Glycine" is a popular inexpensive remedy, "vitamins for the head", regulating sleep, mental activity and improving mood, it must be taken in a course of at least 30 days.
- "Bilobil" - helps patients overcome anxiety, normalize sleep, activate mental abilities by improving microcirculation and providing brain cells with oxygen (not prescribed to children under 18 years of age).
- "Vitrum memory" - contains plant components that contribute to the saturation of the brain with oxygen, improve blood circulation of cells.
- "Undevit" - dragee with vitamins A, B, C, E and P, which have a synergistic effect, is recommended for elderly patients.
- "Aminalon is prescribed in the treatment of head injuries, helps to remove toxins and normalize nervous processes.
- "Ginkgo Biloba" is a drug from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, deterioration of memory and attention, normalizes metabolism in cells and tissues of the brain (up to 18 years is not prescribed).
- "Intellan" - capsules containing plant extracts, improve intellectual abilities, memory, reduce depressive states.
Prescription drugs
Pills that improve memory and brain function, which are taken by prescription:
- "Piracetam", "Nootropil" - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for deterioration of memory and attention, elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- "Cavinton" - is prescribed to improve brain metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the consequences of stroke, etc.
- "Encephabol" - is used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissues, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, pediatric encephalopathy.
- "Cerebrolysin" - sold in ampoules and prescribed in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.
- "Fezam" is a drug that helps to improve metabolic processes and blood circulation in the brain, which contributes to the activation of intellectual functions.
You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, because most have negative side effects and contraindications.
Rules for taking nootropic drugs
Before taking funds that improve memory and brain function, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor, as well as take into account important rules:
- the dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are selected according to the age of the patient, the characteristics of his health and body, the presence of some concomitant diseases;
- herbal preparations or dietary supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects are possible;
- to find out a positive or negative shift in the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly conduct testing, record your observations and perform a set of special exercises;
- to choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate their reception and observe the result of the effect on the body, this will help to identify the most suitable drug.
Development of thinking abilities and memory in children
Medications and drugs are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to be taken before the age of 18 because of possible negative consequences. Before deciding on prescribing medications, it is better to consult a pediatrician and neurologist.
This is due to the fact that a decrease in concentration and memory in children is a consequence of any diseases, and only a doctor after an examination can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of medical means, vitamins or lifestyle changes and hobbies, the appointment of dietary nutrition and the use of products that help stimulate the work of brain cells.
