Ultimate Guide to Nootropic Supplements
Nootropic Supplements refer to supplements that enhance mental cognition. Although they are a relatively new concept, they have become widely used and loved by many. They are relatively unknown in comparison to supplements such as protein powders and many people are skeptical about them. For example people question whether they actually work effectively and whether they can have dramatic side effects. This guide will explain what a Nootropic is and how they can alter your perception and focus using examples of some of the nootropic supplements that are available today.
What are Nootropics?
Nootropics are typically known as any supplement that enhances neuro functions (brain functions). According to the first definition they are natural and have hardly any noticeable side effects. However, there is some variation regarding what exactly a nootropic supplement is, making the definition a loose concept.
The first real definition came from the invention of Piracetam by pharmacologists S.Giurgea and V. Skondia [1963]. They defined a nootropic as a cognitive boosting substance that had low toxicity and therefore is suitable for long-term use.
Piracetam is an example of a nootropic that is a synthetic creation from a laboratory. However, there are many that are naturally occurring. Having said that, both categories should be totally safe if they meet the nootropic definition above. However this isn't always true as the actual definition has fluctuated since then, so be sure to do the research before buying a nootropic.
How do Nootropics Work?
Because Nootropics are relatively new to the supplement world, many are skeptical of how they work and if they actually do. However, extensive research has gone into analyzing neurotransmitters (messengers in the brain) and their associations with different aspects such as moods and emotions.
This research is what nootropics are based on. Many misconceptions are that these drugs make you immediately intelligent after the first dosage. This is not the case. Your brain is full of neurons that interact through neurotransmitters, which then helps your brain to understand exactly what it needs to do. So if nootropics can make neural communication easier, you should be able to focus and complete tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Long term studies have been shown to contribute towards the longevity of neurons. This is because over time your brain will stop using particular neurons and often and as a result, they will become weaker. Similarly it will use certain neurons regularly, which will then strengthen them (synaptic plasticity). This is essential for your brain to decide what it needs and when. Nootropics are associated with strengthening your brains ability to do this effectively.
For example your brain needs oxygen, glucose and all types of nutrients to maintain focus. Some nootropics have been shown to increase blood flow in the brain. Meaning they help provide the brain with more substances that they need to focus. This blood flow increase contributes to more effective energy usage, because taking in information about the surrounding environment and thinking about the decisions we make gets tiring. Therefore, some people may need the extra blood flow to carry out these tasks and still have the energy to go on.
The supplements that give your brain energy include ingredients such as caffeine, creatine, Acetyl and more. They tend to be favored among those who need to feel effects quickly, such as students.
Some supplements can even increase levels of brain chemicals that are associated with the ageing process. Meaning that they can stimulate the growth of neurons, helping keep brains healthier for longer and possibly even counteracting mental diseases associated with age such as Alzheimer's. So this means nootropics can have a direct effect on memory and health.
What are the different Types of Nootropics?
Nootropics are not all the same and many different groups have evolved since the first nootropic's creation. Here are some examples of the categories of nootropics.
- Racetams - The most common group of Nootropics and the oldest. It is home to the first nootropic created called Piracetam. These mainly stimulate Acetylcholine receptors which helps assist with memory, learning, focus and other areas of cognitive function. Acetylcholine improves communication throughout your entire body and is the only chemical messenger that some of your cells can understand. Therefore by stimulating receptors, your neurons are better at communicating.
- Ampakines - These are fairly new and revolve around stimulating glutamate receptor activity which improves communication in the brain which could lead to better focus. Racetams do this also but not near the extent that ampakines do. Note that these aren't proven completely safe yet and more studies are needed before they are. Links between Ampakines and excitotoxicity (killing of neurons through an attempt of stimulation) have been found so treat these with caution.
- Choline & Acetylcholine Intermediates - The main purpose of these nootropics is to increase your levels of acetylcholine in your brain. Cheaper choline intermediates are less likely to cause any changes on their own, but when taken with racetams, they can intensify the effects of the racetam. Acetylcholine intermediates may cause changes on their own but they too are most effective when paired with racetams.
- Synthetic B Vitamin Nootropics - These revolve around B vitamins such as vitamins B1 and B6. For example Pyritinol is created from Vitamin B6 which gives you more energy and can help promote a positive mood.
- Natural Nootropics - These refer to nootropics that weren't made in laboratories. They are typically thought to be safer, but often they are less effective. This is because they can't be tailor made to the individual needs.
- Peptide Nootropics - These are the most evolving group of nootropics which revolve around peptides (chain of amino acids). They often are ingested quickly which make them a favorite to take before mentally demanding tasks. Some peptide nootropics like Noopept can be taken orally but others need to be taken nasally or even injected. Which will turn many people off of them.
- Smart Drugs - A category of nootropics that aren't fully tested and are powerful. Adderall is the most famous of these. They aim to stimulate the body and mind and they are not proven safe yet. The side effects are a massive risk and they should probably not be considered as your nootropic supplement.
So, nootropics are always evolving, but for now, racetams seem like the obvious safest choice. You can intensify them through the use of choline & acetylcholine intermediates, but we would recommend that if you are new to nootropic supplements, you stick solely to racetam in small doses. You may feel you can increase your dosage after prolonged use, buy you must always check with a health care professional.
Drawbacks and Side Effects of Nootropics
No matter how safe a supplement is, there is no telling how it may react with your unique body. Like anything, you can be allergic to some of the ingredients. For that reasons it is always important to check all of the ingredients before purchase, that way you can be sure your safe. If you are not entirely sure what is safe for your body, you should always check with your doctor first. They will be able test what ingredients you may be allergic to.
Although, there are allergies that are unique to some people, they're some commonalities between some of the side effects people experience when taking nootropics. Because nootropics enhance your energy, taking too much can result in sleepless nights and hyperactivity. Your body needs rest. Make sure you take the right amount of the supplement so you can give your body the rest it needs.
Also, when you take too much of a nootropic, they can become much less effective. This is ebcause your body can build up a tolerance to the ingredients. Not only is this a waste of money and effectiveness but it could potentially have an impact on your health. Some studies have shown that blood pressure and heart rate can climb.
The moral of the story is that you should conduct plenty of research on the product first. This way you know it's pros and cons and also how much to take. You can browse our Top 10 Nootropic Reviews of products on this site, but we can't be held accountable for any health issues you may experience. If in doubt, see a health care specialist.
So what is the Correct Dosage?
In short, it depends on the product you use. Some products are stronger than others because they will contain different ingredients. Also, the bio availability (the extent the supplement can be absorbed and used by the body) is different for every product, which can have a direct effect on how much you should be taking.
Optimind recommend that you take 2 capsules a day for the full effect. Having said that, some individuals will start on only 1 capsule per day. This is what we recommend. This is because if you feel the effects on only one capsule a day, then you don't need to take any more. Thus, there is no risk that you will take too much.