How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

The modern world makes great demands on the person living in it in relation to mental activity, and sometimes it is necessary to perform several tasks simultaneously in different areas of knowledge.

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

Brain cells and memory

Over the years, with age, not only the human body ages, but also his brain, his thinking skills and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, his abilitiescognitive decline (thinking, comprehension, acceptability to learn, reasoning, and logical conclusions). Attention impairment and memory impairment are the first signs of a decline in a person’s thinking skills, which often appear with age.

Causes of memory and brain damage

injuries and injuries after surgeries, previous illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc . ;
age-related changes in the body;
use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
Wrong lifestyle: stress, lack of sleep, overwork.

To slow down these negative processes, scientists recommend that you try to keep your body and brain healthy by using the following rules:

maintaining good physical activity by exercising regularly;
adherence to a diet and a normal weight, use of foods 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 find out how to improve brain function in consultation with a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medicine.

Nootropic substances:

Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, aid and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic ingredients. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills on their basis 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, increasing energy 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, is converted to acetylcholine, which accelerates the flow of nerve processes and reactions (neurotransmitters); found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
L-Theanine - An amino acid (found in green tea) that helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further degradation.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging.
B vitamins - help restore nerve cells and improve brain function.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is the most powerful nootropic drug that bears the name of the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improve memory and stabilityemotional.

Products that regulate the activity of brain cells:

Lifestyle and nutrition are the main factors influencing human mental activity. Scientific research has shown 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 supplies them for the reproduction of nerve cells in the brain (which in itself is 60% fat), and also slows down the aging process and even prevents the onset 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 increaseconcentration for mental work.
Dark chocolate (containing at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cellsand improving mood.
Oranges and lemons are a source of vitamin C, 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).

Effects of physical activity on the brain

Even a simple evening walk in the fresh air has a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, doing exercises with a certain load, sports game is one of the ways to improve brain function. Helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in older people - to cope with minor cognitive impairments.

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

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, seafood and a variety of wines. The restriction is placed 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 your thinking skills every day. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive skills in older people, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributing to its elasticity.

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 encouraged to practice new languages to prevent cognitive decline as the body ages.

Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of student age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect, altering brain waves and improving hearing.

Nootropic drugs:

The work of the human brain and memory is often influenced by the external environment, so many people think they need treatment and turn to specialists with a request to indicate which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medicines and tablets can only be taken as directed by your doctor.

However, in emergencies (diploma defense, session, exams, etc. ), taking such medications helps to focus attention and improve brain activity in a short time.

Which drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription

Glycine is a free "scalp vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, it should be taken in at least 30 days.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalize nerve processes.
Dry Ginkgo biloba leaf extract - a preparation made from the leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention deficit disorder, normalizes metabolism in cells and brain tissues (not prescribed until 18 years old)).

Prescription tablets for memory and brain function:

Piracetam, and its analogues - drugs that help students get through the session, are prescribed for memory and attention deficit, for elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Vinpocetina - prescribed to improve cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the consequences of stroke, etc.
Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental performance, helps normalize metabolic processes in nerve tissue, is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and described in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.

You should read the instructions for all medicines carefully, 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 specialist doctor and also consider the important rules:

the dose of the drug and the duration of the course of treatment are chosen 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 may occur;
to find a positive or negative change in brain and memory function, it is necessary to test regularly, write down your observations, and perform a series of specific exercises;
in order to choose the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, this will help identify the most appropriate medicine.

Development of thinking and memory skills in children

Medicines and medicines are not always suitable for children; on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to be taken under the age of 18 due to the possible negative consequences. Before deciding on a prescription medication, it is best to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist.

This is due to the fact that a decrease in the concentration of attention and memory in children is a consequence of some disease, and only a doctor after examination can decide how to improve the functioning of the child's brain: with the help of medication, vitamins or lifestyle changes and hobbies, dietary recipes and the use of foods that help stimulate the work of brain cells.

Popular recipes for improving memory

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

infusion of clover flowers - prepared from 2 tbsp. lbime dried for 2 tbsp. hot water, everything is poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then drained and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, course duration - 3 months;
decoction of chopped red peel: 1 tbsp. lmasa for 250 g of water, boil and insist for 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then a break, per year - at least 3 cycles;
Eat 2-3 young pine buds. twice daily before meals.

Conclusion

If you have memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first clarify the source and cause of these negative processes by visiting a doctor and undergoing a comprehensive examination. Once you have received the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.