Everyone is always looking for ways to improve their energy, their mood, and their overall “feeling.” There are tons of things on the market like energy drinks, over the counter drugs, and “natural” methods of energy boosting. One thing that many people are considering in recent years are nootropic supplements.
What are nootropic supplements? It is not a phrase that we hear often. If you would like an example of a nootropic supplement, check out this NeuroHacks article.
However, if you just want to know more about what exactly nootropics are and what they do, then read on!
What Are They?
Nootropics are referred to by many names aside from their actual name, like “cognitive enhancers,” memory enhancers,” or simply “smart drugs.” Their intended purpose is to enhance and improve mental performance in individuals. Some nootropics are part of drugs used to treat mental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or Alzheimer’s and dementia.
One family of nootropics, called “racetam” – including drugs like aniracetam, piracetam, pramiracetam, and oxiracetam – are also used as dietary supplements for improving mood and cognitive ability in healthy humans. Other nootropics do this as well.
However, according to the FDA, nootropics containing any of the “racetam” family are not legally considered dietary supplements, though many people use them. Again, though, not all nootropics actually contain racetam.
How Do Nootropics Work?
According to companies who market nootropic supplements, they work by strengthening the neuroplasticity (which is the response to sensory stimulus) of your brain, and by protecting the neurons from damage. With protected neurons, your brain should an improved attention span, capacity for learning, memory, and overall general cognitive health.
The reality, though, is the science behind nootropics has yielded mixed results. Many people have had wonderful experiences with various nootropics, citing improved cognitive function and better moods. Others have felt no effects at all, and some have even complained of headaches or nausea, though this is somewhat rare. The actual research on nootropics is of the individual ingredients in rodent lab tests, rather than human trials of the full drug. So, while nootropics are typically safe and at least somewhat successful, there is no clear research on them.
Like any drug, your body can also develop a tolerance for nootropics, meaning you may need more over time to function properly, otherwise you may experience anxiety, insomnia, or irritability. However, if you do not use nootropics for extended periods of time, and only use them when necessary, you can avoid these long-term effects.
How Many Kinds Are There?
There are a number of nootropics out there that are synthetically formed to enhance brain power, but there are also a number of naturally derived nootropics. There are a number of herbs and even fungi that have the benefits of nootropics, like the Lion’s Mane Mushroom or other roots that you can steep like a tea.
Phospholipids are also a commonly occurring and regularly used nootropic. This refers to a particular substance that is derived from soy, sunflower, fish, and other organisms. Phospholipids specifically help with brain repair and prevention of deterioration.
Choline is another important nootropic that our bodies naturally make, and it helps the brain form acetylcholine which an essential part of our brain’s chemical functions. They can help boost mood, mental energy, and memory.
Antioxidants and amino acids are also considered nootropics, and they are probably the one we hear about most often. Our bodies need both of these substances to function normally, as they help protect our brain from free radicals in the body as well as alleviating “brain burnout.” They help keep our brains high-functioning without overloading it, and can help lower stress and promote relaxation in highly anxious individuals.
Final Thoughts
The science behind nootropics may be foggy in some places, but for the natural types and types that are legal in the United States, many people have experienced positive effects. If you think you would benefit from nootropics, do some research today to find the one right for you.
