The human brain is said to be capable of holding up to 2.5 million gigabytes of memory.
Impressive, right?
But if you’re a college student trying to prepare for finals week or a professional with a mentally demanding job working long hours, you’ll find that this feels impossible more often than not.
It’s not a surprise though. For our brain to work at its optimum levels, it requires more than just the fuel it gets from glucose.
You need to get proper sleep, maintain a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and engage in intellectually stimulating activities. But let’s admit it, the average person doesn’t have the luxury of time for all these.
For a quick boost, more people are now turning to nootropics, also known as smart drugs or cognitive enhancers.
How effective are these nootropics, though?
Are they safe enough to be taken as supplements?
Let’s explore all that and more in this blog.
The Science Behind Smart Drugs
Piracetam, which was first known by the brand name Nootropyl, was the first known artificial nootropic in the market developed around the 1960s. Originally used for motion sickness, subsequent studies revealed promising neuroprotective effects. Soon after, it became a drug of choice for treating dementia.
This discovery spawned the development of similar drugs marketed as brain boosters.
Today, nootropics is used as a collective term for brain supplements but is also loosely used to refer to any compound or natural substance with brain-stimulating properties.
Mechanism of Action
Although formulated differently, nootropics work through any of the following mechanisms of action:
- Increasing blood circulation to the brain by dilating blood vessels
- Increasing energy and oxygen flow to the brain
- Delivering specific nutrients to the brain
- Protecting the brain against toxins to slow down or minimize the effects of aging
- Stimulating neurotransmitter activity
- Stimulating the release and uptake of brain-boosting hormones and improving receptor function
- Improving synaptic transmission
But while these all sound grand, remember that neurons are mostly irreplaceable. Their regeneration is quite limited and they do not reproduce like most cells. This means nootropics can only enhance what you have. It will simply boost your brain’s potential. Taking brain supplements will not give you something you don’t have — it won’t replace already dead or damaged brain cells.
Nootropic Supplements’ Benefits and Uses
Nootropic supplements are typically prescribed to patients with cognitive dysfunction but are also commonly taken by individuals who simply need a temporary brain boost. While some nootropics are more potent and target more specific results, in general, users may experience improvement in any of the following mental functions:
- Mental clarity
- Alertness
- Memory
- Concentration and focus
- Verbal and problem-solving skills
- Creativity
- Attention span
Different Nootropics and Their Potential Side Effects
Nootropics are available as an over-the-counter supplement, prescription, or research chemical. However, they are best classified according to the nature of their content.
Major Classifications
Whether used for prescription, research, or dietary supplements, understanding the nature of nootropic compounds helps determine their true mechanism of action and actual effects.
Natural Nootropics
Before artificial nootropic drugs were developed, brain stimulants, which are natural nootropics, could already be found in nature. Here are the most common natural nootropics you’ll probably also see as ingredients in nootropic dietary supplements:
- Caffeine
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Gingko Biloba
- Ginseng
- Ashwagandha
- Water hyssop
- Maca
- Bacopa Monnieri
- L-theanine
The human body also produces or synthesizes substances with nootropic properties like creatine and choline. However, endogenous production is usually insufficient, and supplementation is sometimes recommended. On the other hand, natural nootropics from plants and herbs can also be made more potent in laboratories and combined with other compounds to achieve prescription strength.
Synthetic Nootropics
Most synthetic nootropics were developed to treat cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, narcolepsy, ADHD, and more.
- Racetam group of drugs (piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam)
- Modafinil
- Amphetamines
- Memantine
- Methylphenidate
These synthetic nootropics are available by prescription only for medical use in most countries.
Nootropic Research Chemicals
Some nootropic compounds are still in the research stage and are only approved as study drugs. Approvals vary, however. For example, Cerebrolysin is not approved in the USA but is clinically approved as a prescription medication in most parts of the EU and Asia.
In the US, these research chemicals can only be legally used by professional researchers. So although they’re available online, ideally from trusted sellers like Modern Aminos, they should only be used in controlled research environments for safety.
Potential Side Effects
Negative side effects, especially serious ones, mostly occur with prescription-strength nootropics. Mild ones, however, can be common in the long-term use of OTC nootropics.
- Headaches
- Vertigo
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Jitters
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Dry mouth
- Behavioral problems
- Increased feelings of agitation
- Impaired spatial memory
- Impaired motor function
To avoid these potential side effects, always follow the recommended dosage. Speak to your doctor if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications and supplements.
Finding the Best Nootropic Supplements
Nootropics are a popular health supplement so you’ll likely be overwhelmed with the number of choices you’ll find in the market today. Here are the factors you must consider to find the most suitable nootropic supplement for your needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Nootropics
It’s not a good idea to buy a product just because it’s popular or it’s simply cheap. We all have unique needs and our bodies will respond differently to the same product so the idea of the “best” nootropic supplement will always depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Consider these factors before you make a purchase to find what’s truly best for you:
Purpose and Intended Effects
Nootropic effects vary depending on the active ingredients. Some are formulated to enhance memory while others are designed to just make you more alert. Do your research to narrow down the main ingredients you need for the results you want.
Product Type and Form
Brain supplements are usually available in liquid, powder, tablet, and capsule forms. Choose one that will make it easier for you to take the recommended dosage. If you have allergies to synthetic compounds, look for natural nootropics instead.
Product Quality
Take time to read reviews from actual consumers. Find reviews from users with the same needs as yours to find the best product matches. More importantly, look for product quality certifications to make sure they’re authentic and have passed standards and regulations.
Value for Money
Expensive price tags don’t always equate to good quality. True value for money is when the product is truly worth its price based on its ingredients, quality, efficiency, and if it matches your needs. This also means the price has to be reasonable at the very least.
Vendor Reputation
Is their customer service responsive and reliable? This is a must to make sure your questions and concerns will be addressed before and after your purchase. If they offer returns and refunds, this is all the more important.
Your Lifestyle and Current Health
Think about other issues that may be contributing to your problems that can be remedied by brain supplements. For example, your lack of focus may have stemmed from anxiety or lack of sleep. In such cases, you’ll benefit more from a supplement that can also help relieve anxiety and improve quality of sleep.
But if you feel you need something stronger, it’s best to speak to a doctor first, especially if you want to use it to help improve your overall health.
Maximizing The Benefits of Nootropic Supplements
Taking nootropics will not instantly improve brain power. To help your chosen supplement work better, here are a few tips:
- Manage stress. Take breaks when working long hours.
- Work on sleep quality to help your brain recharge better.
- Maintain a balanced diet with brain-boosting foods.
- Engage in brain-stimulating activities to maintain neuroplasticity.
Safety Precautions
As with all other supplements and drugs, caution must be practiced during use to ensure safety.
- Never experiment with dosages or multiple nootropic products.
- Consult a doctor before taking any nootropic supplement if you have medical issues.
- OTC supplements may still interact with any medications or other supplements you’re taking. Check with your primary physician first.
- Avoid long-term use unless directed by a medical professional.
- Purchase products from trustworthy sources only.
Concluding Thoughts on Nootropic Supplements
Our brain is already powerful as it is. However, a little boost from science won’t hurt if you simply want to improve productivity and be better at what you do. Nootropics are safe and effective when they match your needs and are used with caution.
Just keep in mind that brain supplements have limits too and overusing them will only do more harm. Take time to choose the right nootropics for your personal needs and do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional when you’re in doubt.
