Nootropics is a term that refers to an assortment of natural and artificial compounds that are believed to enhance or improve cognitive function.
How Nootropics Work
Nootropics are believed to work in the way of modulating cerebral oxygenation, neuronal metabolism, neurotransmitter availability, and increasing the neurotrophic factors in the way of having an effect on other types of cellular processes. When it comes to the exact mechanisms of the action it is dependent on what compound was used.
Considerations
The human body is unique and complex, and for this reason, we cannot predict with absolute certainty that there won’t be adverse reactions to certain compounds. Many of the exotic and new compounds are either not well-tolerated or safe.
These uncertainties are increased when multiple compounds are stacked together. Each of these stacks comes with a certain risk level. While the risks linked with average stacks are often not significant, risks associated with the regular practice of experimenting on yourself with the latest stacks could prove to be great.
Long-term risks linked with the use of cognitive-enhancing drugs happen to be mostly unknown. Certain drugs come with longer histories when it comes to use when compared to others. While certain drugs can result in being health-promoting or protective.
How To Decide On The Right Nootropic
To begin with, you need to decide what you would like to improve. From here it is a suggested to review relevant research to find out which of the best nootropics are suggested to improve on these areas and the ones that are backed by a history associated with safe use. Below is a summary of the common goals:
• L-theanine with caffeine that improves attention and focus
• Creatine to improve reasoning
• Bacopa Monnieri to improve memory
• Ashwagandha for anxiety mitigation
L-Theanine
This is a primary psychoactive compound that is featured in tea. This compound is safe and has been proven to mitigate negative aspects associated with caffeine such an increase in blood pressure, anxiety and diminished quality of sleep. At the same time, it improves on positive aspects. The ability of this compound to enhance and improve attention has been verified repeatedly.
Creatine
Creatine is a compound that acts in the form of a type of energy-buffer inside the brain. This compound converts to high-energy phosphocreatine inside the body that assists in creating ATP.
Bacopa Monnieri
This herb has been in use in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. This happens to be a nootropic that has been well tested. A review conducted in 2012 in regard to 6 trials conducted on Bacopa Monnieri discovered statistically significant memory-enhancing effects in association with older adults.
Ashwagandha
This is one of the herbs from India that has been in use for more than 3,000 years. This herb is believed to be an anxiolytic that is reliable and is also believed to increase certain aspects associated with attention. It is said that Ashwagandha has GABA-mimetic activity which is believed to account for the anxiolytic (anxiety reducer) effects that it offers.