Briefer on What Nootropics Do For You
This is a contributed post and may contain affiliate links. The thoughts and ideas expressed may not be exactly what the ghostwriter and copywriter Scott Sery believes. But he did read it, and signed off on it, so it’s at least pretty close.
Nootropics, also known as ‘smart drugs’, are a category of substances that have been carefully designed to improve brain function – whether that be areas such as memory, focus, or just general day-to-day performance.
While the term was coined decades ago, it’s only recently that many consumer products have hit the market with this sort of targeted goal. Read on to learn about what the different types of nootropics are, what they do, and how we can explore them safely.
So, What Exactly Are Nootropics?
The aforementioned ability to enhance cognitive function comes in many different forms – from prescription drugs to over-the-counter supplements (you can even make your own Limitless Pill). Here are the main categories and a few examples:
Natural Nootropics
Those derived from plants are deemed ‘natural nootropics’, and in this category, you’ll find substances that have been used for millennia by many different cultures. Some examples are:
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom: A fungus that has been linked to the growth of new brain cells (otherwise known as neurogenesis).
- Bacopa Monnieri: A type of herb that is thought to both have the effect of reducing anxiety and improving memory.
- Ginkgo Biloba: A natural substance that comes from the maidenhair tree – it is used to enhance blood flow to the brain and improve focus and mental clarity.
Synthetic Nootropics
Synthetics are lab-made nootropics targeted towards specific cognitive effects:
- Modafinil: Offered on prescription, Modafinil is most commonly used to enhance wakefulness with the goal of treating narcolepsy.
- Racetams: Another class of Nootropics thought to improve memory and focus.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
Many types of Nootropics are available to buy as supplements, with two of the most popular being:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Known to have wide-ranging positive health benefits for the brain and the rest of the body.
- L-Theanine and Caffeine: A combination of two ingredients considered to be effective for both reducing stress and improving focus.
Should I Take Nootropics?
Whether or not you should take nootropics is a nuanced, complicated question. While many are widely researched and have scientifically confirmed positive effects (as is the case with Caffeine and Omega-3 fatty acids), others haven’t gone through the same rigorous testing to verify their efficacy, which has led some people to be skeptical.
In order to stay safe, it’s crucial to first be very clear on why you’re considering nootropics; it could be that the lack of focus you feel, for example, could be down to something else going on in your life, which should be addressed first, with a doctor, before considering alternative methods.
If you do decide to give nootropics a try, be diligent with your research of what’s out there (follow this link for a list of what are considered the top nootropics available), and always consult with a qualified medical professional before you take anything.
Without a doubt, nootropics represent a very interesting area of science: the prospect of being able to tap into and unlock your brain’s power is an enticing one, and as research continues to advance, who knows what may be on the horizon ten or twenty years from now?