You're reading 8 Nootropics to Stimulate Your Brain This Fall, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you're enjoying this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.
Nootropics is a term coined by Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea
to describe a class of drugs, supplements, and other synthetic and naturally
occurring compounds that improve cognitive function in our brains. They’re
often called “smart drugs,” as they can help us think faster and more
efficiently.
Although used by pretty much everyone, these nootropic supplements are especially
popular among younger and older
generations. Students use nootropics as performance-enhancing drugs to enhance
the benefits of a late-night study session or improve their alertness during
test season. Young professionals use nootropics to get started early in the
morning and burn the candle at both ends late into the night.
Senior citizens and the elderly are
especially interested in nootropics. The U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of
Health found older hospitalized
patients are especially susceptible to decreased lower cognitive function,
which reduced muscle strength. This makes our brains one of the most important
organs to keep healthy.
Check out one of these 8 highly recognized
nootropics to keep your brain functioning at its best today.
1. CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining popularity since the passage of
the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hit throughout the United States. HaraFlow is at the forefront of this industry,
ensuring strict ethical standards in sourcing our CBD with their Hemp Gems CBD Nootropic.
While non-psychoactive, there are distinct
differences in the dosage and safety of the extracted and infused products you
buy on the shelf or online. Haraflow’s
CBD is extracted using CO2 in a scientific, closed-loop system. This provides a
full-spectrum CBD extract that includes all the phytocannabinoids, terpenes,
and flavonoids left out of lower-level products. It’s also tested by a
reputable third-party lab for contaminants like mold, pesticides, and heavy
metals. This ensures their CBD products are top notch and of the highest
standards.
CBD is one of the most effective nootropics
on the market and has been scientifically proven to help treat childhood epilepsy. Medical
research is continuing on its effects on pain, sleep, anxiety, and other uses.
It works by attaching to receptors in your body’s endocannabinoid system,
making CBD a great natural remedy.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine is recognized by the U.S. NLIMNIH as the most widely used psychoactive drug in
the world. It’s found naturally occuring in a variety
of seeds, nuts, and leaves we
use to make teas, coffee, chocolate, and more.
A healthy adult can consume up
to 400mg per day of
caffeine without too much concern, but people with diabetes, ulcers, high blood
pressure, or even pregnant women and children should really limit caffeine
intake. This is difficult with the sheer number of energy drinks on the market,
much less the amount of caffeine in everyday products.
Caffeine makes you feel less tired by
blocking adenosine receptors in your brain. This increases alertness, therefore
decreasing reaction times. It should be noted that caffeine withdrawals may
cause negative side effects.
3.
Nicotine
Nicotine is another widely used nootropic, and it’s the drug most often cited as the reason people smoke. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention found we spend $170 billion each year to treat smoking-related diseases in adults. Although naturally occurring in many plants, nicotine is known to be extremely addictive. It’s also lethal in high doses, something cloud-chasing vapers should be aware of.
Still, it does its job - nicotine causes an
increase in blood sugar by increasing adrenaline and heart rate. It also
encourages the pancreas to produce less insulin. This causes your body to
experience nootropic effects, such as improved motor function and attention
span. Just exercise caution when using.
4.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba leaf extract gained popularity at the turn of the century. This supplement has been extensively studied over the years and found to increase blood circulation (especially blood flow to the brain) and act as an antioxidant. Anywhere from 80-400mg per day can help treat Alzheimer’s, dementia, anxiety, diabetes, limb pain, vertigo, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), glaucoma, and schizophrenia.
Gingko supplements are also regularly taken
by adults looking to improve memory and reduce stress (by lowering cortisol
levels). The increased blood circulation oxygenates your body faster, making it
much more efficient. It’s similar to the reset your body feels after a
meditation session.
5. Creatine
Creatine is an amino acid found in your body’s muscles and brain. It’s
created by our lier, pancreas, and kidneys, and we also consume it through
seafood and red meat. Creatine supplements also became popular as a
bodybuilding supplement in the 2000s. This makes creatine easy to find in any
GNC or health food store.
Creatine binds with phosphate in your body to
create a molecule that’s essential for fueling your muscles. Because your brain
is your strongest muscle, it experiences improved short-term memory, faster
thought processing, and better reasoning skills. Creatine is generally
recognized as safe, although high doses (especially when combined with
caffeine) can be a toxic combination.
6. Noopept
Noopept is fast-acting supplement that was
first synthesized in Russian in 1996. There was a clinical trial in 2014 showing this smart drug may actually be effective in
combating the negative effects of traumatic brain injury. And unlike many
natural nootropics, the effects of Noopept are felt almost immediately.
Noopept is often compared to modafinil, the
fictional superhero drug used in the movie and TV show “Limitless.” While it
does help with recovery, it’s not yet known how far this wonder drug goes in
reaching the full potential of our brain (nor how safe that is).
7. Amphetamines/Methylphenidate
Adderall, Ritalin, and the street drug meth
are all part of a certain class of nootropics that act as brain stimulants.
These drugs increase the availability of dopamine and noradrenaline in the
prefrontal cortex area of your brain. This has the effect of speeding people’s
thinking up (or, if one has ADHD or other such hyperactivity disorders, it
actually slows them down).
While these uppers have documented effects on
cognitive thinking, they’re very dangerous and therefore only available by
prescription. Use extreme caution when taking such medications.
8. Panax Ginseng
Ginseng root came to prominence alongside
ginkgo biloba as a miracle supplement at the turn of the 21st century. There
are several varieties grown in different regions around the world, and the most
prominent of the active ingredients found in it are ginsenosides (aka
panaxosides).
Like cannabinoids, they’re used to treat a wide variety of symptoms across our bodies, with dosages as high as 9
grams per day. Also, like CBD, ginseng can be consumed orally or applied
externally for benefits to the skin. It’s an antioxidant and protects our brains from damage while increasing mood, memory,
and behavior. There’s even evidence to suggest it can boost immunity, help
erectile dysfunction, and even help in the fight against cancer.
Whether synthetic or natural, there’s no
shortage of nootropics available on the market. While the term may be new to
you, we’ve been using these medicines for generations. It’s only now that we’re
starting to fully understand their benefits and uses.
You've read 8 Nootropics to Stimulate Your Brain This Fall, originally posted on Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self Improvement. If you've enjoyed this, please visit our site for more inspirational articles.