What a fun-looking word: nootropics. It refers to any type of compound or food that has the ability to improve your mental abilities, including your memory, ability to focus, motivation, or even mood. While the general category most definitely includes smart drugs, neuro-enhancing supplements fit the bill as well. Daily, neuroscientists are acquiring a more nuanced understanding of the brain, the result being many new pharmaceutical drugs which target exact regions of the brain are in the works. The very same knowledge, though, might reveal how particular supplements might do an equally good job of improving brain function over the long haul.
Why go for prescription-strength when you can get the same by shopping the vitamin aisle?
In that spirit, heres a list of dietary supplements you could investigate for their potential use as a nootropic. Remember: Do your research and ask a doctors advice before popping any pill, natural or not. More importantly, not all dietary supplements are created equal, with some brands including additives you may not want (or are allergic to), so its important to vet any unfamiliar manufacturers.
Creatine is an old favorite among gym rats, who use it to enhance their sports performance, but over the past decade or so, the supplements neuro-enhancing abilities have been demonstrated as well. In one placebo-controlled study, researchers tested the hypothesis that 5 grams a day for a six-week period would enhance intelligence test scores while also improving memory. They enlisted the help of 45 young adult, vegetarian subjects and found the supplement had a significant positive effect on both working memory and intelligence, particularly with regard to tasks that require speed of processing. Though they tested vegetarians, the researchers would expect to see a beneficial effect of creatine supplementation on brain performance in most omnivores apart from those who consume very high amounts of meat.
Theanine (or more commonly L-theanine) is found in green tea and mushrooms and also sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration has granted it GRAS status (generally recognized as safe). According to various scientific studies, theanine has been found to affect the levels of some neurotransmitters, to prevent beta-amyloid-induced brain dysfunction, and to protect against stroke. L-theanine is even said to improve sleep quality in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In terms of potential nootropic uses, several small studies indicate a combination of L-theanine and caffeine can improve cognitive performance, particular in the areas of focus and alertness. Apparently, though, the effects may not be long-lasting.
Passionflower is derived from the above ground parts of the plant. Primarily, people take it for its anti-anxiety effects, which have been proven in smaller scientific studies though not yet confirmed in large scale studies. Some other people use it to treat insomnia as well as neuralgia and withdrawal symptoms while coming off opiates or benzodiazepines. In patients undergoing surgery as well as those about to be treated by a dentist, passionflower has been effectively used to reduce apprehension.
DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and seaweed, can improve your memory while protecting against certain psychiatric disorders. Various surveys of people with major depression indicate they have depleted levels of omega-3 fatty acids and one large study found depressive symptoms were significantly higher among infrequent fish consumers. However, no study has ever proven omega-3 fatty acid supplementation effective in relieving major, moderate, or even mild depression. That said, some data suggest it is a safe preventive measure and may reduce the risk of progression of certain psychiatric disorders. While one review of scientific studies found that DHA supplements significantly improves cognitive development in infants though does not improve cognitive performance in children, adults, or the elderly another review shows it can protect against mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and the risk and progression of Alzheimer's disease in the elderly.
Continued here:
Best Supplements For Your Brain: 4 Nootropics That Work Like ...
- Brain Center - Research News and brain Supplement Reviews - December 12th, 2016 [December 12th, 2016]
- Buy Noopept Powder | View Noopept Reviews and Benefits - December 14th, 2016 [December 14th, 2016]
- Racetam - Wikipedia - December 15th, 2016 [December 15th, 2016]
- Nootropics from Nature - niume.com - December 17th, 2016 [December 17th, 2016]
- Nootrobox - Official Site - December 18th, 2016 [December 18th, 2016]
- What Are Nootropics? A Guide to Nootropic Supplements - December 26th, 2016 [December 26th, 2016]
- Nootropic Supplements [Smart Drugs] Simple Nootropics Guide - December 27th, 2016 [December 27th, 2016]
- 13 Nootropics to Unlock Your True Brain - blog.bulletproof.com - January 3rd, 2017 [January 3rd, 2017]
- Nootropics | The Biohacker Guide by Nootrobox - January 3rd, 2017 [January 3rd, 2017]
- About Us - Nootropics.com - January 17th, 2017 [January 17th, 2017]
- Silicon Valley's 'nootropic' smart drugs a big business - Daily Sabah - February 7th, 2017 [February 7th, 2017]
- How to target a niche market at a small business - Telegraph.co.uk - February 8th, 2017 [February 8th, 2017]
- Global Nootropics Market has been expected to grow at CAGR 17.9% CAGR during 2016-2024- Credence Research - PDF Devices - February 14th, 2017 [February 14th, 2017]
- Onnit Earth Grown Nutrients All-In-One Daily Greens Mix Review - BarBend (blog) - February 15th, 2017 [February 15th, 2017]
- Need Some Energy Or Some Better Sleep? The Mad Scientists at Nootrobox Can Help - Magnetic Magazine (blog) - February 16th, 2017 [February 16th, 2017]
- Elevacity Introduces Smart Coffee: "Elevate" - Press Release ... - Digital Journal - February 18th, 2017 [February 18th, 2017]
- Elevacity Introduces Smart Coffee: Elevate - Satellite PR News (press release) - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- The Nootropics Guy | Testing and Reviewing Nootropics - February 20th, 2017 [February 20th, 2017]
- NEU Brings Nootropics to Energy Shots - BevNET.com - February 21st, 2017 [February 21st, 2017]
- Nootropedia Launches Flagship Brain Conference | Benzinga - Benzinga - March 3rd, 2017 [March 3rd, 2017]
- Le-Vel's new premium nootropic capsule designed to support, optimize mental capabilities - Yahoo Finance - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Hacking the Human Body with the CEO of Nootrobox - Paste Magazine - March 7th, 2017 [March 7th, 2017]
- Why Would People Without Diabetes Monitor Their Blood Sugar? - A Sweet Life - March 8th, 2017 [March 8th, 2017]
- Sharp & Energized! IMPRESS! Dietary Supplement for Men Unleashes Nootropic Power of Cereboost from Naturex - Digital Journal - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Take a Chill Pill (How to Relax in the Modern Age) - Huffington Post - April 8th, 2017 [April 8th, 2017]
- Brief Guide To Nootropic Supplements - Serie A Weekly - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Best Nootropics Smart Pills - Serie A Weekly - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- How Do Various Nootropics Work? - Serie A Weekly - June 6th, 2017 [June 6th, 2017]
- Information On Nootropics - Serie A Weekly - June 12th, 2017 [June 12th, 2017]
- Best Nootropics for Sale in 2017 | Reviews and Comparison - June 20th, 2017 [June 20th, 2017]
- Nootropics Market Is Predicted To Hit USD 6059.4 Mn By 2024, Expanding At A CAGR Of 17.9% From 2016 To 2024. - Technorati - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- The Ultimate Guide To Nootropics | Supplement Critique - June 23rd, 2017 [June 23rd, 2017]
- Medical Q&A: So-called smart drugs can turn out to be a dumb idea - Sarasota Herald-Tribune - June 27th, 2017 [June 27th, 2017]
- Duke Neuroscientist: Brain Augmentation Will Allow Us to Make a New Kind of Human - Futurism - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- Nootrobox is now HVMN and will sell biohacking products beyond nootropics - TechCrunch - July 3rd, 2017 [July 3rd, 2017]
- The Top 5 Nootropic Supplements of 2017 Health Ranks - July 4th, 2017 [July 4th, 2017]
- NITROvit 2017 - Brain Enhancement Memory and Focus Pills - July 5th, 2017 [July 5th, 2017]
- Buying a boost: Smart drugs on campus - Emerald Media - Oregon Daily Emerald - July 15th, 2017 [July 15th, 2017]
- NETCENTS Integrates Top Tier Merchants Within the Nutraceutical Sector - Canada NewsWire (press release) - July 20th, 2017 [July 20th, 2017]
- Every Entrepreneur Needs Flow. Nootropics Can Get You There. - Entrepreneur - July 20th, 2017 [July 20th, 2017]
- Nootropics | Our Favorite Nootropics Supplements - July 20th, 2017 [July 20th, 2017]
- True Focus Review (UPDATED 2017): Don't Buy Before You Read This! - Diets In Review (blog) - July 26th, 2017 [July 26th, 2017]
- Nootropics: How Smart Can You Get on Smart Drugs? - Brain Blogger (blog) - July 26th, 2017 [July 26th, 2017]
- Is Qualia Revolutionary or Just Another Nootropic? - HuffPost - August 1st, 2017 [August 1st, 2017]
- New study into 'smart drugs' in the finance industry - Investment Magazine - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Pimp my Brain: The Quest for Intelligence - TG Daily (blog) - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Nootropic Effects of Psychedelic and Addictive Substances - Brain Blogger (blog) - August 4th, 2017 [August 4th, 2017]
- Smart drugs in financial services: A growing trend? - Professional Planner - August 7th, 2017 [August 7th, 2017]
- Labdoor Special Report: We Tested the Infowars Supplements - Markets Insider - August 11th, 2017 [August 11th, 2017]
- Could new dietary supplements boost brain power? - WNDU-TV - August 12th, 2017 [August 12th, 2017]
- NootroNerd Website Offers Comprehensive Articles About Nootropics and Cognitive Enhancement Methods - Digital Journal - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- 4 Biohacking Facts You Should Know About in 2017 - Techzone360 - August 25th, 2017 [August 25th, 2017]
- Best Supplements For Your Brain: 4 Nootropics That Work ... - February 23rd, 2018 [February 23rd, 2018]
- nootropics / smart drugs - March 26th, 2018 [March 26th, 2018]
- NootropicsDepot - Official Site - April 3rd, 2018 [April 3rd, 2018]
- Modafy Brain Stack | Accelerated Nootropics Formula - April 29th, 2018 [April 29th, 2018]
- Noopept | Smarter Nootropics - July 6th, 2018 [July 6th, 2018]
- About - Pure Nootropics - August 19th, 2018 [August 19th, 2018]
- Buy Bulk Nootropics Online at SmartPowders.com - August 19th, 2018 [August 19th, 2018]
- Nootropics Supply | Smart Drugs & Racetams - September 6th, 2018 [September 6th, 2018]
- Ranking the best nootropics of 2018 - BodyNutrition - September 16th, 2018 [September 16th, 2018]
- What are Nootropics? - Smart Drug Smarts | Fuel Your ... - September 17th, 2018 [September 17th, 2018]
- Lithium Orotate Nootropics Expert - October 9th, 2018 [October 9th, 2018]
- Thrive Naturals Super Brain Renew Review | Brain Supplement ... - October 12th, 2018 [October 12th, 2018]
- Pure Nootropics Review - Are They Reliable? - November 3rd, 2018 [November 3rd, 2018]
- Buy the Best Nootropics in Europe - Mind Nutrition Research - November 3rd, 2018 [November 3rd, 2018]
- Nootropics: Cognitive Brain Enhancers to get Focused - November 3rd, 2018 [November 3rd, 2018]
- Top Nootropics 2018 (200% Increased Productivity) - November 3rd, 2018 [November 3rd, 2018]
- Nootropics & Smart Drug Reviews - November 3rd, 2018 [November 3rd, 2018]
- Nootroo - The Gold Standard In Nootropics - November 8th, 2018 [November 8th, 2018]
- The Complete Introduction To Nootropics, From Beginner To ... - December 11th, 2018 [December 11th, 2018]
- Best Nootropics 2018 (Updated) Nootropics Expert - January 16th, 2019 [January 16th, 2019]
- The Big List of Nootropics | Braintropic - April 6th, 2019 [April 6th, 2019]
- The Complete Introduction To Nootropics, From Beginner To Expert - April 6th, 2019 [April 6th, 2019]
- Nootropics r/Nootropics - reddit - April 6th, 2019 [April 6th, 2019]
- What are "Nootropics"? - Smart Drug Smarts - April 20th, 2019 [April 20th, 2019]
- Best Nootropics 2019 (Updated from 2018) Nootropics Expert - April 29th, 2019 [April 29th, 2019]
- What are Nootropics? | Braintropic - June 3rd, 2019 [June 3rd, 2019]
- Best Nootropics (Smart Drugs) to Unlock Your True Brain - June 3rd, 2019 [June 3rd, 2019]
- Biohacking: The Art and Science of Upgrading the Human Being - Interesting Engineering - September 21st, 2019 [September 21st, 2019]