Necessity is said to sharpen the mind. But in the long run, this rule does not work. During tests with exams, schoolchildren and students usually begin to look for funds that will help them keep their brains in good shape, and take energy drinks, dietary supplements, and even nootropics.
What means really work, and what are undesirable and useless?
Aif.ru told Pediatrician Elena Igrineva.
It must be said right away that the uncontrolled use of energy drinks, dietary supplements with unproven effectiveness and medicines from the nootropic group often leads to the exact opposite result.
Nootropics
The most dangerous self-administration of nootropic drugs. Contrary to popular belief, they do not improve memory, attention, do not facilitate the process of remembering, etc. These drugs have a complex mechanism of action, their own side effects and are prescribed strictly for medical reasons. In particular, such indications include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, the recovery period after traumatic brain injury and stroke.
Energy
Energy drinks are also undesirable. The components that make up their composition have an active stimulating effect on many body systems that are already stressed.
The high doses of caffeine found in energy drinks will give a short-term feeling of alertness, but overexciting the nervous system for a growing body will do more harm than good. As a result, increased anxiety, arrhythmia, and sleep problems may occur. All this, coupled with psychological stress, can deplete a growing body in preparation for exams.
Because of this, young people may experience the opposite effect – reduced performance and problems with attention.
Also keep in mind that energy drinks can be addictive.
Since energy drinks are based on very sweet carbonated drinks, they interrupt the appetite, and against the background of their intake, a person can imperceptibly replace full meals with them. As a result, the body does not receive the nutrients it needs, the energy level drops, and with it the readiness for exams.
Also because of this, exacerbations of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are possible.
Enough surplus
Energy drinks are also dangerous because you can quietly get an overdose. Symptoms of this are palpitations, pressure drops, shortness of breath, trembling of the limbs, emotional overexcitation, headaches.
If you notice such manifestations, you need to urgently call an ambulance, and before it – drink clean water and provide fresh air.
How to properly support the body during the exams?
- Follow the daily routine. Even on the most stressful days, try to go for walks and do light physical exercises – exercising, running, cycling, etc.
- Sitting over textbooks at night instead of sleeping is not a good idea. Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
- Eat at least 4-5 times a day. The diet requires products containing animal protein (white meat, cottage cheese, dairy products), Omega-3 acids (they are rich in fatty fish – trout, herring, mackerel), vitamins and minerals (fresh vegetables and fruits).
- Exams are the period when chocolate is recommended – it favorably affects the speed of thought processes and the memorization of information.
- Relaxation techniques such as outdoor meditation, breathing exercises, and soothing massage help to reduce overall stress levels and increase performance without harm to health.
- Psychological support from relatives and a friendly atmosphere in the family will also help you get through the difficult time of exams.
Source: aif.ru
