What Are Nootropics? 5 Things You Should Know
If you've been looking into the science of mind-boosting supplements, reducing mental degradation as you get older, or just want to increase your memory recall abilities, you've probably heard of nootropics.
While these once referred to a very specific type of drug, now “nootropics” means any kind of synthetic or natural substance that might positively boost your mental skills. There are several different types of nootropics available today, but they all have one thing in common: they can theoretically provide direct boosts to your brainpower, memory recall, and more.
Also called smart drugs, nootropics are stimulants that may counteract the symptoms of mental degradation and bad memory.
Today, we’re going to break down what nootropics in more detail, how they work, and explain some key things you should know as you look for the ideal nootropics for your needs.
How Do Nootropics Work?
It depends on the type of nootropic you choose to take. Nootropics have been around in one fashion or another in holistic herbal remedies and similar supplements. In fact, many of the same herbs used to improve gut health or boost the immune system have also been used to improve cognitive function for centuries. However, the science surrounding different nootropics and their efficacy are still in its infancy.
However, we do know that nootropic compounds and supplements primarily work by stimulating the mind. They can do this in a few different ways, including:
- Increasing blood flow to the brain. Your brain uses tons of oxygen already, but increasing oxygen flow could increase its learning capacity, boost memory recall, and more.
- Boosting the body’s adrenaline levels. This may result in an effect similar to what you would experience if you drank a big cup of coffee. Many people already know the mind-boosting effects of caffeine, and boosting your adrenaline levels can have a similar alerting effect.
- Increasing the concentration of various chemicals like neurotransmitters in the brain. Some nootropics specifically target dopamine: a feel-good chemical associated with energy and interest.
Regardless, nootropics may be effective supplements so long as you know what to expect from them. Nootropics cannot increase your intelligence, nor can they alleviate the symptoms of major mental disorders.
But nootropics may be able to increase mental energy, alertness, and even focus when taken properly.
Nootropic Types
As mentioned above, nootropics come in a few different types. These types are:
- Eugeroics. Drugs that may promote alertness or wakefulness.
- Nootropic supplements. They are available for everyone and use herbal or vitamin ingredients to enhance cognitive performance or speed.
Supplementary nootropics don’t usually come with the potential for side effects and do not require prescriptions to take advantage of. For example, Hope Health now has a healthy nootropic supplement available right now for anyone wanting to give nootropics a try!
Do Nootropics Really Work?
That depends on what you’re trying to get out of them. Can nootropics boost your mental clarity and make you a genius? No.
But can nootropics help to improve memory recall, boost your focus, and help you pass a hard test coming up with your college class? Possibly!
Remember, nootropics at their core are simply beneficial ingredients or compounds known to provide beneficial effects to the brain. They may do this by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain, boosting your adrenaline or energy levels, and so on.
All of these provide measurable but minor improvements to brainpower and cognition. They don't dramatically increase your ability to solve complex problems.
This all being said, nootropics’ effects depend on individual brain chemistry, diet, age, and many other factors. Nootropics are not a one-size-fits-all solution for decreased brain functionality, poor memory recall, or anything else.
In short: it’s best to consider using nootropics with an open mind. You might find that you experience benefits or noticeable changes in your cognitive abilities after trying a nootropic supplement. But you might also find that the benefits, if any, are minimal.
For the best results, combine nootropic supplements with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Doing so will increase your overall energy and focus and ensure that your brain is as healthy as can be without supplementary ingredients.
What To Expect From Nootropics
When you take a nootropic supplement, you may expect different effects or benefits depending on the strength of the ingredients, such as the following:
- Minor boosts for your memory recall ability. You might find it easier to remember complex sequences of numbers or events.
- Improvements to your ability to focus, which may be paired with increased energy.
- Greater ability to multitask or seemingly swap from subject to subject.
- Increased levels of energy.
What To Look For in Nootropics
There are dozens of different nootropic supplements available today, which can make it difficult to know what to look for in an ideal nootropic solution for your needs. Fortunately, we’ve broken down what you should look for in holistic, healthy nootropic supplements. These are the key ingredients to check out:
- Caffeine, which you probably consume either in coffee or tea. This minor stimulant can increase brain power by relieving you of fatigue and increasing mental focus. However, note that too much caffeine can make you jittery and have the opposite effect by making it difficult to concentrate. You'll find caffeine in green tea and coffee.
- L-glutamine, which may be able to support brainpower and help your mind focus when consumed as part of a nootropic supplement.
- L-theanine, which may be able to increase alpha waves in the brain. Alpha waves are the types of waves your brain creates when it is in a relaxed and alert mental state: ideal for focusing during a classroom test, for example.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which can increase brain health and help to build membranes around neurons: the key cells inside your brain
- Ginkgo Biloba and Panax Ginseng are ancient herbs and roots used in traditional Chinese medicine and may help to improve brain function.
- Bacopa Monnieri, which may help to improve your focus by calming your impulses and boosting your self-control.
Fortunately, each of these nootropic ingredients and more can be found in Hope Health’s Mind Supplement: a well-rounded, healthy nootropic solution without the risk of side effects or chemicals found in many other brain boosters.
Summary
In the end, over-the-counter nootropics can’t dramatically increase your IQ, completely change your brain structure, or reverse the effects of major mental conditions. However, nootropics may be effective mental stimulants and important supplements that regular folks can take advantage of to improve memory recall, brain agility, and more.
That’s why you should consider Hope Health’s Mind Supplement. It’s packed with beneficial ingredients like L glutamine, Ginkgo Biloba, and St. John’s Wort. Combined, this holistic supplement can boost your memory, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress. Give this supplement to try today, or check out our other supplement solutions on our site!
Sources:
Nootropics and Smart Drugs: Do They Work? - Health News | University of Miami Hospitals and Clinics
Cognitive enhancers | Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Establishing Natural Nootropics: Recent Molecular Enhancement Influenced by Natural Nootropic | NCBI