What You Need to Know About Nootropic Supplements

Today, the natural dietary supplements market is experiencing phenomenal growth across the world. People are now more inclined to step away from standard prescription drugs and try out different substances to improve their body shape or even treat medical conditions. For those interested in enhancing their cognitive functions, nootropic supplements may hold some promise.

Just like most dietary supplements, their efficacy hasn’t been scientifically proven yet. However, small-scale research has already shown promising results in many patients. If you need some extra brain power, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve put together a useful guide with everything there is to know about nootropic supplements, so let’s dive right in.

What Are Nootropics?

Also referred to as “smart drugs”, nootropics are a class of stimulants that work on the brain’s chemistry to optimize cognitive abilities and improve brainpower. They target cerebral structures and intraneuronal connections to increase cognitive performance and productivity.

Typically, nootropics come in the form of prescription drugs, synthetic compounds, or most commonly, as dietary supplements. The active substance in them is believed to have a positive impact on cognitive skills and mental acuity, helping those struggling with chronic stress, mild depression, ADHD, dementia, and a host of other ailments.

Potential Benefits

Consuming nootropic supplements may have beneficial outcomes, provided that you abide by the recommended dosage. These supplements can boost your memory, motivation, and creativity, as well as promote alertness, extend your attention span, and enhance thinking abilities and task switching. That is why they’re also known as “cognitive enhancers”.

It is also worth noting that certain types of nootropic supplements may help slow down the age-related decline in general brain function. While you won’t magically triple your IQ overnight, an adequate regimen will allow you to reap appreciable benefits down the line. Needless to say, nootropics work best when paired with a healthy and active lifestyle.

Types of Nootropic Supplements

In truth, we’ve all consumed at least one type of nootropic, perhaps without even realizing it. Whether it’s caffeine, fish oil capsules, some kind of mushroom, or a traditional herbal remedy, even unsuspected substances can have a positive effect on our mental functions. In any case, throughout your research, you’re bound to come across a useful article that will teach you about the virtues of lesser-known yet very effective nootropics, how to consume them, and where to acquire them. Meanwhile, here’s a quick breakdown of the most commonly consumed nootropic supplements:

• Caffeine — Found in coffee and dark chocolate, caffeine stimulates the nervous system by making you feel more energized and alert and reducing fatigue. It can also improve memory and reflexes. You can purchase caffeine supplements if you’re not an avid coffee drinker, but do not consume more than 400mg a day.
• L-theanine — This is an amino acid found in green and black teas, and it is also available as supplements. L-theanine boosts mental alertness and cognitive performance by increasing alpha waves in the brain. Experts recommended consuming between 100-400mg per day.
• Omega-3 — These polyunsaturated fats are important for brain health and development and can be found in fish oil supplements. Omega-3 are perhaps the most appreciated cognitive enhancers, as they facilitate cell renewing. Look for high-quality fish oil capsules with adequate AHA and BHA concentrations for optimal results.
• Resveratrol — Blueberries, raspberries, and grapes get their purple skin from resveratrol, a powerful natural antioxidant that can prevent the shrinking of the hippocampus, the region of the brain that regulates memory. Consuming 200mg of resveratrol daily can improve general brain health and performance.
• Creatine — Creatine is an amino acid that can enhance both mental and athletic abilities. Naturally present in the body of meat and dairy products consumers, this molecule has been shown to enhance focus, memory, and thinking skills by up to 50% according to studies.

This list could have gone on to include several over natural substances used in supplements, such as acetyl-L-Carnitine, phosphatidylserine, or lion’s mane mushroom.

Are Nootropic Supplements Safe?

Naturally, dietary nootropics aren’t free of side effects for those who use them. Since they’re largely unregulated and are not technically classified as medications, the greatest risk is the interaction with prescription drugs. It’s advised to always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first. Furthermore, always purchase nootropic supplements from trusted manufacturers.

With well over $1 billion USD in global sales, the nootropic supplements industry still has great days ahead. Even with a balanced diet and plenty of exercises, people will most certainly benefit from using a supplement that improves their focus, attention, memory, and more. Keep in mind, though, that their effectiveness is yet to be determined, and that nootropics are in no way a full-on replacement for a healthy lifestyle.