Nootropics have received considerable attention in recent years, which makes good sense. After all, who wouldn’t want to enhance mental performance? However, there are still many misconceptions about nootropics and how they work. This article will address this problem head-on by explaining how consumers can use nootropics to improve cognitive performance.
What Are Nootropics?
Let’s start at the beginning with a brief description of what nootropics are and what they’re not. Some people refer to them as “smart drugs,” but that’s not entirely accurate. There is no one substance that can make people smarter across the board.
Nootropics are natural supplements or pharmaceuticals that boost cognitive performance, often in specific areas of mental functioning. There are nootropics for verbal fluency that work differently from those designed to increase focus, for example.
Mechanisms of Action Behind Nootropics
The reason that nootropics typically have targeted effects is that they work in different ways. The most common mechanisms of action include:
- Neurotransmitter Modulation
Some nootropics increase levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine. These changes can lead to subsequent alterations in cognitive processes, memory, and mood regulation.
- Neuroprotection
Nootropics can also protect brain cells, known scientifically as neurons, from cognitive decline. Reducing the impact of oxidative stress, inflammation, and other harmful processes can keep people’s minds working better for longer.
- Neurogenesis
While true adult neurogenesis is rare and only occurs in certain parts of the brain, nootropics can promote the growth and development of new synapses. This process increases brain plasticity.
- Improved Cerebral Blood Flow
Some nootropics work by enhancing blood flow to the brain or specific areas of the brain. Increased blood flow means increased oxygen and nutrient delivery, which support optimal cognitive performance.
Natural vs. Synthetic Nootropics
A second misconception surrounding nootropics involves where they come from. Many people assume, because of the recent interest in these substances, that they are all modern pharmaceutical drugs. In fact, herbal nootropics have been popular in some cultures for centuries.
Natural nootropics include:
- L-Theanine, found in green tea, is known to promote alpha brainwave activity associated with relaxed alertness.
Bacopa Monnieri, an Ayurvedic herb rich in antioxidants, is used to enhance memory and learning.
Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogenic herb that can combat stress, fatigue, and cognitive decline.
Caffeine, found in coffee and many types of tea, has a mentally stimulating effect.
These are just a few of the many natural substances used to promote optimal cognitive function.
How to Choose the Right Nootropics
Because there aren’t any nootropics that provide cognitive enhancements across the board, consumers who want to take advantage of these remarkable natural and man-made substances must first decide what results they want. From there, they can create combinations of substances that target their goals.
If memory enhancement is a priority, Bacopa monnieri and Ginkgo biloba are potentially helpful substances to try. L-theanine and caffeine are good choices for focus and attention. For mental resilience, a combination of Bacopa monnieri and Rhodiola rosea might provide optimal results.
The Importance of Quality
While it’s encouraging to see so many people who want to harness the full power of their minds, some companies take advantage of the growing popularity of nootropics and the public’s lack of full understanding. They’re not hard to avoid, though. Instead of buying just any product, find a company that performs laboratory testing to ensure the purity and potency of its products and choose targeted supplements and nootropic stacks.
