The majority of individuals would love to optimize their brains for even greater efficiency. Even if their work or academic achievement is already excellent.
Nootropics, commonly referred to as brain supplements, provide a number of advantages to improve cognitive function and sharpen the mind. You can stay focused longer, remember more information, and work more effectively overall with their assistance.
However, there are numerous unanswered mysteries regarding nootropics. This includes on how safe they are and whether what they truly do to your brain.
This article will address various frequently asked questions surrounding nootropics. We will give you all the information you need surrounding these brain supplements.
Nootropics: What Are They?
Nootropics, sometimes known as “smart pills” or “cognitive enhancers,” improve memory and cognition. In addition to that, they are said to aid in motivation, learning, and creativity. The word “nootropic,” which has Greek roots, means “mind-bending.”
Natural cognitive enhancers which will improve your brain function have been available for thousands of years. The natural brain boosters can be dated back thousands of years ago, with roots in ancient India and China.
Compared to synthetic nootropics, which are man-made, they may have only been available for the past 50 years.
Purpose Of Taking Nootropics
Today, a lot of people use nootropics to improve their productivity at work. Nootropics offer a variety of advantages. Whether you’re actually experiencing cognitive decline, have ADHD or ADD, or simply wish to improve your workflow.
There are a lot of benefits to ting nootropics. Although, some of the most popular reason that people take these supplements is for the following benefits:
Improving memory.
Increasing clarity and attention.
Fostering creativity (i.e. thinking outside the box)
Improving mental capacity and endurance. Thus, you will be able to work for much longer than normal.
Motivation improves.
How Do Nootropics Actually Work?
Any chemical that improves cognitive function is referred to as a nootropic, under the general term. Therefore, not all nootropics have the same underlying mechanisms
Having said that, there are a few common pathways in your brain that these smart medications act upon. Nootropics aid your brain in a number of ways, including:
Encourage neuroplasticity. This is the ability for your brain networks and cells to change and grow.
Increase in blood flow.
Promoting neuroprotection.
Increasing resistance to stress.
We have gone into further detail on the ways that nootropics aid your brain below.
Encourage Neuroplasticity
The term “neuroplasticity” refers to your brain’s capacity to develop and alter throughout time. It’s a frequent misconception that your brain stops changing and remains the same as you get older.
Yet, thanks to the discovery of neuroplasticity, we now recognize that our brains are constantly changing and growing.
Nootropics increase a substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This facilitates your brain’s ability to adapt and grow. It is known as BDNF. BDNF is a chemical that naturally decreases with aging and plays a key role in the evolution of the brain’s memory and learning centers.
The appropriate nootropics for your biology may increase BDNF expression. While also preparing your brain to absorb and digest new knowledge.
Studies on animals demonstrate that some nootropics can increase BDNF in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. These are two regions of the brain that play important roles in learning and memory.
Increase In Blood Flow
Your brain can absorb much more nutrients and oxygen, the greater blood flow it receives. You can feel it when your brain’s circulation isn’t as effective as it could be.
In order to absorb information, build new connections, and encode long-lasting memories, your brain requires oxygen to produce energy. By increasing vasodilation, which increases the amount of blood your vessels can carry. Some nootropics can increase the amount of blood flow that your brain receives.
Promoting Neuroprotection
Numerous physiological and environmental variables can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation in your brain. Nootropics’ neuroprotective properties help ward off possible damage. In addition to maintaining the health and functionality of your brain cells.
Several nootropics can safeguard your brain in the following ways:
Limiting the production of inflammatory chemicals that can harm your neurons.
Preventing harm to your mitochondria (the brain’s energy centers).
The prevention of oxidative stress (cells that can become damaged due to unbound oxygen atoms).
The electrical nature of your brain means that even the simplest transfer of information between brain cells results in the generation of free radicals. These are also referred to as unbound oxygen atoms.
Increasing Resistance To Stress
It is hard to completely avoid stress. However, developing coping mechanisms can significantly enhance the quality of your life.
Chronic stress can negatively affect your brain, raising oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition to the terrible feelings, it causes. Additionally, evidence indicates that ongoing stress might damage memory over time. Which could then impede brain function.
Some nootropics function by reducing oxidation and inflammation in the brain and body. This is to counteract the physiological and emotional impacts of stress.
The use of these medications will improve your resilience and capacity to handle and manage the stress in your life. Although, it is important to keep in mind that they won’t make your stressors disappear.
Types Of Natural Nootropics That Can Be Found
As mentioned above, there are both synthetics (man made) and natural nootropics. There are, in fact, a number of prescription-free, over-the-counter, and online all-natural nootropics available.
Some of these natural nootropics includes:
Ashwagandha,
Caffeine,
Panax ginseng,
Ginkgo biloba.
We have gone into slightly more detail about all these common natural nootropics below. Each one has different effects, but they are all natural and simple to get a hold of.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been utilized as an adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
These herbs promote adaptation to stress and can aid your mind and body. You may be able to avoid some of the memory and cognitive problems that come with persistent stress.
Caffeine
Caffeine is possibly the most popular nootropic. Caffeine can be found naturally in coffee and tea, but supplement producers have also taken advantage of the stimulant’s ability to enhance cognition. Therefore, it has been included in nootropic products.
The main nootropic impact of caffeine is its capacity to raise alertness and attention. However, you should always be careful of how much caffeine you are taking every day.
As there are limits you should follow. Too much caffeine can have negative aspects on other parts of your life and body.
Ginkgo Biloba
One of the most thoroughly studied natural nootropic herbs is ginkgo biloba. It is even on the list of anti-dementia medications. Ginkgo’s neuroprotective function, which may help fight oxidative stress and is able to shield off amyloid plaques, a characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease.
Panax Ginseng
An essential herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine is Panax Ginseng. This is sometimes referred to as Asian Ginseng. There are two main processes by which ginseng performs its nootropic effects.
By taking panax ginseng, this causes brain circulation to be improved. This is due to nitric oxide having been increased, to support this increased brain circulation. Alongside that, the other main effect of this herb, is the neurons in our brain are given extra protection from oxidative stress
According to studies, ingesting Panax ginseng may enhance memory, concentration, and focus. Thus, there are a lot of benefits from taking this natural nootropic.
Types Of Synthetic Nootropics That Can Be Found
Now that we have gone through, some of the most common natural nootropics that you can find. It is only right that we go through some of the synthetic/man made nootropics that you may come to access. Once again, there are a lot on the market, and all have slightly different functions or areas of focus.
Adderall/Amphetamines
The prescription drug Adderall works by making more dopamine and noradrenaline available in the prefrontal cortex of your brain. It is usually prescribed to individuals with ADHD and ADD. Since these compounds improve your capacity for paying attention and memory.
The amphetamines in Adderall make it very stimulating and possibly harmful for some people. Additionally, Adderall is addictive, so those who have been using it for a while could find it difficult to stop.
Thus, it is important that you are taking the right dosage, and only take Adderall when you really need to.
Modafinil/Provigil
A prescription medication called modafinil, often marketed as Provigil. It is used primarily to treat narcolepsy.
Modafinil is seen as being less addictive. Even though it is virtually as stimulating as amphetamines. Research demonstrates that modafinil, especially for people who suffer from sleep loss, can improve executive functioning and minimize drowsiness.
Noopept
Noopept is a synthetic nootropic that increases NGF and BDNF production. This is referring to the nerve growth factor.
Research into this synthetic nootropic has suggested that by taking Noopept, it could shield your brain from the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and moderate cognitive impairment. However, this isn’t a guarantee.
Nootropic Stack: What Is It?
A stack of nootropics is any combination of two or even more nootropics. Combining multiple nootropics together can have a synergistic impact that improves the effectiveness of the total dosage. A common strategy for getting the maximum mental boost is to use nootropic stacks.
This allows you to get the most out of your brain and these supplements. Although, you should always be careful when combining two or more nootropics together.
How Safe Are Nootropics?
It is important you are aware of the possible side effects that the tropics you are consuming might have on you. Some nootropics have more side effects than others. Yet, you should always do your research before taking anything. Not everyone receives any negative side effects.
Man-made nootropics may have adverse effects that are potentially harmful. This includes elevated blood pressure, an accelerated heart rate, sleeplessness, and addiction.
In contrast, natural nootropics are typically safe for users because of how subtly they affect your body compared to pharmaceutical-grade medicines.
Possible Side Effects Of Taking Nootropics
Some nootropics might not work for you because of your unique biology. In this case, you might get headaches or have an upset stomach as a side effect. When it comes to prescription nootropics, common side effects include insomnia, increased blood pressure and heart rate.
Call your doctor or pharmacist if you encounter any negative effects caused from your prescription nootropic to find out if they are normal.
Stop using over-the-counter nootropics if you experience any negative effects, and carefully study the package and inserts to determine whether what you’re feeling is normal. If you’re worried, talk to your doctor.
At the end of the day, if something is feeling wrong, you should stop taking the medication immediately.
How Often Should You Take Nootropics?
If you constantly use nootropics, you will gain the biggest benefit from them. In order to prevent developing a resistance to the ingredients in your nootropic prescription, some experts advise taking a break from using specific substances.
Before beginning any nootropics, always read the package directions and speak with your doctor.
Which Nootropics Are The Best Ones To Go For?
When it comes to the best nootropic, you should be taking this completely personal. Everyone is different, therefore there isn’t one answer that will help everyone.
The ideal nootropic for you at the time you need them will rely on your specific requirements. Whereas other people may benefit from drugs that boost blood flow to the brain. Someone else could discover that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of nootropics are exactly what they need.
It is all down to personal preference and the benefits you are seeking from the nootropics. This will affect which ones you should be taking.
Which Nootropics Are The Most Popular?
The most extensively used all-natural nootropics, supported by research, are caffeine and ginkgo biloba. While the most widely used synthetic nootropics are noopept and modafinil.
In addition to that, MCT oil, Panax ginseng, ashwagandha, Bacopa monnieri, Rhodiola Rosea, and choline, l-theanine are additional nootropics that are frequently used.
As mentioned above, the best nootropics that are taken are completely personal. It is all down to what kind of effects you want from the nootropics. Do you want them to improve our concentration or reduce our stress?
Can You Buy Nootropics Over The Counter?
Due to safety concerns, nootropics made by pharmaceutical companies to treat particular disorders, such as Adderall, Vyvanse, and Provigil, are only offered by prescription. However, the majority of nootropic formulations and nootropics are available without a prescription over the counter and online.
For example, all natural nootropics can be bought over the counter. It is only, when we come to synthetic nootropics, that not all of them can be bought over the counter. Hence, you will need to seek medical assistance and receive a prescription for them.
Buying Nootropics Overseas
You can get nootropics over the counter, with a prescription, or online. The majority of scientifically supported nootropics that have undergone safety evaluations are easily accessible for purchase in the United States.
Although, there are some nootropics that are banned in America. This is because there is a lack of safety research, which is needed for them to be allowed to be sold in the US.
Hence, you could purchase nootropics from overseas. Yet, there is a reason why these nootropics are prohibited in the US. If there is a lack of research, then you should be cautious about taking these supplements. As they may have possible harmful side effects that haven’t been discussed or noted yet.
Do You Need To Make Your Own Pills By Mixing Powders?
It is not necessary to blend your own powders or build your own pills. Unless you want to make your own formulation and are willing to put in countless hours of research.
Hence, even if you want to take multiple nootropics, you don’t have to blend the medication together. You can either take multiple pills a day or purchase a nootropic stack.
It could be dangerous to mix your own powders to create your own pills together. This is because you can’t be certain how much you should be adding. Therefore, the result could be quite dangerous for you to consume.
Starting Out On Your Nootropic Journey
Identifying your desires in terms of cognitive health is the best method to start using nootropics. Your personal nootropic blend should only contain components that currently aid your neurological health for the greatest outcomes.
It might not be the same for you as it is for your sister. What was successful for you a few years ago might not be so successful for you today. A little trial and error is necessary.
Thus, it could take you time to find the right balance that works best for you. In addition, a doctor may suggest nootropics for you, and help you find that blend of nootropics for you to take as well.
Does Taking Nootropics Improve Your IQ?
Your focus, attention, learning capacity, cognitive function, memory retention, creativity, and motivation will all be improved by nootropics.
As a result, if you find the appropriate combination for you, they might be able to open up more capacities for intrinsic intelligence and learning.
With all that being said, it is still unknown if nootropics can raise innate IQ. More research is needed to find a conclusive answer to this question.
Could Nootropics Show Up On A Drug Test?
The majority of nootropics are not illegal drugs and do not test positive for narcotics. You will test positive for amphetamines if you take prescription nootropics such as Vyvanse or Adderall.
In order to avoid a drug test, it is advisable to let your employer know that you are taking certain prescription medications. This way, if something comes up, they will already be aware and there won’t be a surprise once the test results come in.
Conclusion
Nootropics are a common medical supplement that helps with brain stimulation. They help you to focus more and reduce stress at the same time.
There are natural and synthetic nootropics that can be bought over the counter or with a prescription. It is important to always do your research.
We hope this article has been insightful. We have given you all the information that you should know about nootropics. If you have any concerns, then it’s best to speak to a medical professional.
Supplements are becoming ever more popular as people turn away from always using western medicine and research more into holistic approaches. But is that wise?
Hi, my name is Arlo Reiner and I have been in the supplementary business for almost seven years.
Before that, I trained as a doctor of general medicine and worked in many hospitals. I have cared for and treated many patients, and I was always intrigued by the world of supplements.
