What's a 'nootropic'? Is the question a lot of people have been asking and we're here to answer everything about these brain-boosters.
Also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers, nootropics are supplements in the form of natural (plants) or synthetic (chemical) supplements. They enhance cognitive functions like memory, attention, motivation, focus, mood, alertness and relaxation.
Nootropics are proven in boosting the brain function, as well as making the brain healthier by increasing the blood circulation with nutrients and oxygen to the brain. They've been gaining popularity among students, entrepreneurs and artists or anyone looking to get sh*t done.
So how do nootropics work?
Nootropics work by altering the levels of various neurotransmitters, enzymes, and hormones in the brain that are responsible for regulating cognitive function. Some nootropics increase the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which are involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation. Others enhance blood flow and oxygen to the brain or reduce inflammation, supplying the brain with fuel.
The benefits
1. Improved Memory and Learning
One of the primary benefits of nootropics is that they can improve memory and learning. Synthetics like Piracetam, herbs like Bacopa Monnieri and Rhodiola, and amino acids like L-Tyrosine have been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function.
2. Increased Motivation and Productivity
Nootropics can also increase motivation and productivity. Modafinil, caffeine and L-Theanine have been shown to improve alertness and focus and also reduce stress and anxiety, which improves productivity.
3. Enhanced Creativity
Nootropics are also substances like Psilocybin and LSD because they increase diverse thinking, which is a key component of creativity, but obviously not something you'll be taking on the daily. But amino acid L-Phenylalanine has also been shown to improve creativity by increasing the brain's ability to form new connections and associations.
4. Better Communication
Nootropics can also improve communication and language learning and retention. Citicoline is a brain chemical that aids in this, but you can also get it in supplement form for an extra boost when needed.
5. Improved Mood
Many nootropics have been shown to improve mood by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Supplements like SAM-e, NAC, Pine Bark Extract and Saffron can help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being and happiness.
6. Slowing aging
There's an epidemic of dementia, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, which need to be treated from a holistic approach and part of that approach can include nootropics like Piracetam, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), CoQ10, Ginkgo Biloba and Resveratrol.
