How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

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

Without "feeding" extra brain cells, proper lifestyle, keeping the body in normal physical condition and good nutrition, this is impossible. Therefore, suggestions on how to improve brain function and memory in various ways will interest all readers.

Brain cells and memory

Over the years, with increasing age, not only the human body gets older, but also its brain, thinking ability and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in number, its cognitive ability decreases (thinking, understanding), acceptance of learning, reasoning and logical inference). Attention and memory impairment are the first signs of decreased thinking ability in a person, which often appears with age.

Causes of memory and brain disorders

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

To slow down this negative process, scientists recommend keeping your body and brain healthy by using the following rules:

maintain good physical activity, exercise regularly;
adheres to a normal diet and weight, eats foods that improve brain function;
controls cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
quitting smoking and other bad habits;
maintain normal blood pressure levels;
If necessary, you can find out how to improve brain function by consulting a specialist who will prescribe the necessary medication.

Nootropic substances:

Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate positive effects on human brain tissue, improve efficiency, improve memory, aid and facilitate the process of memorization and learning, and stimulate cognitive function. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in extreme situations, even. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on their basics that improve brain function.

10 materials that improve memory and intellectual performance:

Flavonols - activate the production of endorphin hormones in the body, increase happiness and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, increasing vitality and activity. Such materials contain dark chocolate.
Lecithin - one of the components of the body's cells, phospholipids involved in the production of enzymes and hormones; together with vitamin B5, it is converted to acetylcholine, which speeds up the process and neurotransmitter reactions; found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Caffeine - found in green coffee and tea, its intake helps to focus, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after some time brain activity decreases.
L-Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, helps prolong brain activity and improve performance without further decline.
Creatine, an acid containing organic nitrogen, is produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cell response, saves brain energy storage, and improves analytical thinking.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in sea fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, protect against aging.
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that aids in the production of the neurotransmitter adrenaline and dopamine, increases fatigue, concentration, and has a positive effect on the endocrine system.
Vitamin B - 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.
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is the most potent nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate brain activity, improve memory and emotional stability.

Products that regulate brain cell activity:

Lifestyle and nutrition are major factors influencing human mental activity. Scientific research shows that there are a number of foods that can improve memory and brain function.

This includes:

Fatty fish (sardines, salmon, trout, etc. ) have a positive effect on mental ability due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids; By consuming fatty acids, a person supplies it 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 occurrence of Alzheimer's disease.
Black coffee adds essential nutrients to the human body: caffeine and antioxidants that block the work of adenosine (which prevents drowsiness and increases a positive perception of reality), stimulates serotonin production to improve mood and helps increase concentration for mental work.
Dark chocolate (contains at least 80% cocoa) contains beneficial substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down cell-related changes in brain age, and improve mood.
Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts and almonds) - contain useful vitamins B and E, trace elements (magnesium) and antioxidants, daily intake up to 100 g.
Blueberries are berries that not only have a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on the brain, and also relieve depression, because of their anthocyanin content - an antioxidant that strengthens blood vessels and reduces their fragility, improving communication between brain cells and memory.
Oranges and lemons are good sources of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects the brain from free radicals.
Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (essential for fat formation in brain cells and improves memory) and antioxidants to help combat diseases associated with brain damage.
Pumpkin seeds are a source of magnesium, zinc, iron and copper, which affect a person's nervous system, learning and memory.
Chicken eggs are a great source of nutrients (folic acid, choline, vitamins B6 and B12).

Effects of physical activity on the brain

Even modest night walks in the fresh air have a beneficial effect on brain health. Maintaining high physical activity, exercising with a certain load, playing sports is one way to improve brain function. It helps improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in the elderly - to overcome minor cognitive impairments.

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

Mediterranean diet

According to many scientists, the Mediterranean diet contains optimal diet rich in healthy vegetables and fruits, legumes and grains, as well as nuts and olive oil, which have a positive effect and provide long-term protection for the brain.

This diet also includes a small amount of dairy products, seafood and a variety of wines. The restrictions apply to the use of red meat, poultry and processed products.

Mind Training

One of the most effective methods to improve memory and brain function is to train your thinking skills on a daily basis. These methods include: solving crossword puzzles and Sudoku, learning a new foreign language. The latter, according to the conclusions of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps improve cognitive ability even in older people, gives "sharpness" of the mind and contributes to its elasticity

The more a person learns a foreign language, the faster the reaction in the brain's neural network to the collection of new information. Therefore, children and adults are encouraged to practice a new language to prevent cognitive decline as they age.

Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the age of the student, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Voice 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 feel that they need treatment and turn to a specialist with a request to tell what drugs improve brain memory and function. All such drugs and tablets can only be taken as directed by the doctor.

However, in case of an emergency (diploma defense, sessions, exams, etc. ), taking such a drug itself can concentrate and increase brain activity in a short time.

What drugs improve brain function and are sold without a prescription

Glycine is a popular cheap "head vitamin" that regulates sleep, mental activity and improves mood, it must be taken at least 30 days.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid - prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalizes nerve processes.
Ginkgo biloba leaf dry extract - an ingredient made from leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention disorders, normalizes metabolism in cells and brain tissue (not prescribed under 18 years).

Prescription pills for memory and brain function:

Piracetam, and its analogues - drugs that help students pass sessions, are prescribed for memory and attention disorders, for the elderly - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Vinpocetine - is prescribed to increase cerebral metabolism, blood circulation in the scalp in the treatment 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, pediatric encephalopathy.
Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.

You should carefully read the instructions for all medications, as most of them have negative side effects and contraindications.

Rules for taking nootropic drugs:

Before you start taking medications that improve memory and brain function, it is important to see a specialist, as well as take into account important rules:

dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are selected according to the age of the patient, his health and body characteristics, the presence of several concomitant diseases;
Herbal preparations or supplements are not always harmful and harmless to humans, allergic reactions may occur, the presence of contraindications and unexpected side effects;
to find out the positive or negative changes in brain work and memory, need to do tests, write down your observations periodically and do a special set of exercises;
to choose the optimal pill that can improve brain function, better replace its intake and observe its effects on the body, this will help identify the most appropriate medication.

Development of thinking and memory skills in children

Medications and medications are not always suitable for children, on the contrary, most of these drugs are not recommended to be taken under the age of 18 due to possible negative consequences. Before deciding on a prescription, it is best to consult a pediatrician and neurologist.

This is due to the fact that the decrease in concentration of attention and memory in children is the result of any disease, and only a doctor, after examination, can decide how to improve the child's brain function: with the help of drugs, vitamins or style changeslife and hobbies, diet recipes and food consumption that help stimulate the work of brain cells.

Folk recipes to improve memory

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

clover flower inclusion - prepared from 2 tbsp. l. dried plants for 2 tbsp. 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;
chopped red rowan skin decoction: 1 tbsp. l. mass for 250 g of water, boil and press for 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, then rest, a year - at least 3 cycles;
Eat 2-3 young pine nuts. twice a day before meals.

Conclusion

If you experience memory problems, dizziness, insomnia, depression or other symptoms, you should first explain the source and cause of this negative process by seeing a doctor and undergoing a thorough examination. After getting the results and recommendations of experts, it is possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.