How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

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

Without additional "nutrition" of brain cells, proper lifestyle, keeping the body in normal physical shape and good nutrition, this is impossible. 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 the brain, its mental abilities and neural connections in the cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivity to learning, reasoning and logical conclusions). Impaired attention and memory impairment are the first signs of a person's reduced mental abilities, which often appear with age.

Causes of memory and brain damage

injuries and injuries after operations, past illnesses (stroke, concussions, 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, work overload.

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

maintaining good physical activity, exercise regularly;
adherence to diet and normal weight, eating 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 medication.

Nootropic substances:

Nootropics are substances and agents that stimulate a positive effect on human brain tissue, increase its efficiency, improve memory, help and facilitate the process of memorization and learning and stimulate cognitive functions. They also increase the "clarity" of the mind in all, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and pills based on them, which improve brain function.

10 substances that improve memory and intellectual work:

Flavonols - activate the production of the hormone endorphins in the body, adding a sense of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding vitality 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, which accelerates the course of nervous processes and reactions (neurotransmitter); contained in eggs, beef and chicken liver, oily fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Caffeine - found in coffee and green tea, its intake 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) that helps prolong brain activity and increase productivity without further breakdown.
Creatine - an organic acid containing nitrogen, produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular responses, preserves the energy reserves of the brain and improves analytical thinking.
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in ocean fish, nuts, seeds) - improve memory, relieve depression and stress, prevent 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 carbohydrate balance and metabolism, and affects sexual activity.
The dry extract of ginkgo biloba leaves is the strongest 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 the main factors influencing a person's mental activity. Research shows 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 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 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 beneficial substances to improve brain function: flavonoids, caffeine and antioxidants, which improve memory and help slow down age-related changes in brain cells and 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 fruits that have not only a positive effect on visual acuity, but also on the brain, and also relieve depression, thanks to the content of anthocyanins - antioxidant substances that strengthen blood vessels and reduce their fragility, improve communication between braincells and memory.
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 fat 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.
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, performing exercises with a certain load, sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. Helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age and in the elderly, to deal with mild cognitive impairment.

Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep 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 olive oil, which have a positive effect and provide long-term protection to the brain.

The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. The restriction is imposed on the use of red meat, poultry and processed finished products.

Training of the mind

One of the most effective ways 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 Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributes 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. 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 the student's age, also has a positive effect on memory and brain cells. Sound reproduction has a protective effect, changing 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 specialists to say what drugs improve memory and brain function. All such drugs and tablets can be taken only as directed by a doctor.

However, in emergencies (defense of a diploma, session, exams, etc. ), taking such drugs alone helps to concentrate and improve 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, should be taken for at least 30 days.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid - is prescribed to treat head injuries, helps eliminate toxins and normalize nervous processes.
Dry ginkgo biloba leaf extract is a preparation made from leaf extract prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention impairment, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed under 18)

Prescription pills for memory and brain function:

Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention impairment, in elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Vinpocetine - is prescribed to improve brain metabolism, blood circulation in the vessels of the head in the treatment of the effects of stroke and others.
Pyritinol dihydrochloride monohydrate - used to reduce mental activity, helps to normalize metabolic processes in nervous tissues, used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
Pork brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke and others.

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 drugs that improve memory and brain function, it is mandatory to consult a specialist and also 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 certain concomitant diseases;
herbal preparations or supplements are not always harmless and harmless to humans, allergic reactions, contraindications and unexpected side effects may occur;
, in order to establish a positive or negative change in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to regularly test, 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 intake and monitor the effect on the body, this will help identify the most appropriate drug.

Development of mental skills and memory 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 possible negative consequences. Before deciding to prescribe medication, it is better to consult a pediatrician and neurologist.

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: with the help of drugs, vitamins or changes inlifestyle and hobbies, prescription diet and the use of foods that help stimulate brain cell function.

Folk recipes for improving memory

Traditional medicine over the years 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 tablespoons dried plants to 2 tablespoons hot water, pour everything into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink100 g half an hour before meals, course duration - 3 months;
decoction of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tbsp. table for 250 g of water, boil and leave for 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, course - 30 days, afterthis break, annually - 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 thorough examination. Once you receive the results and recommendations of a specialist, it will be possible to start treatment and take drugs that improve brain function and memory.