How to improve brain function and memory

25 December 2020

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

Without additional "feeding" 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 various ways will interest all readers.

Brain cells and memory

Over the years, as age increases, not only does the human body age, but also its brain, its thinking abilities and neural connections in cells deteriorate, and gray matter gradually decreases in volume, its cognitive abilities decrease (thinking, understanding, receptivitylearning, reasoning and logical reasoning). Impaired attention and memory impairment are the first signs of decreased mental ability in a person, which often occur with age.

Causes of memory and brain damage

injuries and injuries after surgery, past illnesses (stroke, concussion, etc. );
some internal diseases: infectious, kidney diseases, etc. ;
age changes in the body;
use of alcohol, drugs, antidepressants, smoking;
wrong way of life: stress, lack of sleep, overwork.

To slow these negative processes, scientists recommend trying to maintain body and brain health using the following rules:

maintaining good physical activity, regular exercise;
adherence to diet and normal weight, use of food that improves brain function;
control of cholesterol and blood glucose levels;
smoking cessation 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 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 any, even extreme conditions. They are based on organic components. The modern pharmaceutical industry produces drugs and tablets based on them 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 sense of joy and happiness. They stimulate the transmission of nerve impulses in brain cells, adding strength and activity. Such substances contain dark chocolate.
Lecithin - one of the components of body 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); found in eggs, beef and chicken liver, fatty fish, legumes, nuts and seeds.
Caffeine - found in coffee and green tea, and its intake helps focus, increase productivity and stimulate the brain, but after a while brain activity declines.
L-theanine - an amino acid (found in green tea) helps prolong brain activity and increase performance without further deterioration.
Creatine - an organic acid that contains nitrogen, and is produced naturally during active physical activity, helps increase muscle growth and cellular reactions, stores energy reserves in the brain and improves analytical thinking.
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.
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.
Dry Ginkgo biloba leaf extract is the most powerful nootropic drug named after the tree of the same name, and its leaves contain glycosides, flavonoids and terpenes, which together stimulate the brain, improve memory and emotional stability.

Products that regulate brain cell activity:

Lifestyle and diet are the main factors influencing a person's 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 themselves make up 60% of 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, 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, as well as alleviate 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 free radicals.
Broccoli - Contains fat-soluble vitamin K (necessary to create 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 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, exercising with a certain load, playing sports is one of the ways to improve brain function. It helps to improve intellectual abilities at any age, and in older people - in coping with minor cognitive impairments.

Scientists recommend aerobic exercise, short workouts, yoga and meditation to improve blood flow to the brain and keep the body in good physical shape.

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 brain protection.

The diet also includes small amounts of dairy products, sea fish and a variety of wines. The restriction was imposed 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 practice 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 conclusion of Finnish scientists from the University of Helsinki, helps to improve cognitive abilities even in older people, giving "sharpness" to the mind and contributing to its elasticity.

The more people know 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 a decline in cognitive abilities as the body ages.

Learning to play a musical instrument, regardless of the age of the students, 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 affected by the external environment, so many people feel they need treatment and turn to experts to say which drugs improve memory and brain function. All such medications and tablets can only be taken as directed by a doctor.

However, in emergencies (defense of diplomas, sessions, exams, etc. ), taking such medications on their own helps to concentrate and improve brain activity in a short time.

Which 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, and must be taken for at least 30 days.
Gamma-amino-butyric acid - is prescribed for the treatment of head injuries, helps to remove toxins and normalize nervous processes.
Dry ginkgo biloba leaf extract - a preparation of leaf extract, prescribed for sleep disorders, dizziness, memory and attention impairment, normalizes metabolism in brain cells and tissues (not prescribed until the age of 18).

Prescription tablets for memory and brain function:

Piracetam and analogues - drugs that help students pass the session, are prescribed for memory and attention impairment, for elderly patients - in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Vinpocetine - is 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 nervous tissues, used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, childhood encephalopathy.
Pig brain peptide complex - sold in ampoules and prescribed in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, stroke, etc.

The instructions for all medications should be read carefully, 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 necessary to consult a specialist and consider important rules:

The dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are chosen according to the patient's age, 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;
in order to detect a positive or negative shift in the work of the brain and memory, it is necessary to test regularly, write down your observations and perform a series of special exercises;
In order to select the optimal pills that improve brain function, it is better to alternate their intake and observe the effect on the body, which will help identify the most appropriate drug.

Development of thinking skills and memory in children

Medications and medications are not always suitable for children; on the contrary, many of them are not recommended to take under the age of 18 because of the possible negative consequences. It is better to consult a pediatrician and a neurologist before deciding to prescribe medication.

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 medication, vitamins or changes in lifestyle and hobbies, on prescription foodsand 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 positively affect a person's ability to remember and improve concentration:

infusion of clover flowers - prepared from 2 tbsp. l. dried herbs for 2 tbsp. hot water, all poured into a thermos for 2 hours, then strain and drink 100 g half an hour before meals, the duration of the course - 3 months;
decoction of chopped red rowan bark: 1 tbsp. l. mass for 250 g of water, cook and insist 6 hours, drink three times a day for 1 tbsp. l, of course - 30 days, then a break a 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 undergo a comprehensive examination. Having received the results and recommendations of experts, it will be possible to start treatment and take medications that improve brain function and memory.