Nootropics: What’s the Deal? Here is Your Definitive Guide.

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With a market share estimated at over 2 billion dollars and estimated to be closer to 30 billion by 2028, nootropics are a product that people want more of. But what exactly are nootropics and do they actually benefit you? Read on for the definitive guide to nootropics.

What exactly is a Nootropic?  

Nootropics is a term that was first coined in 1972 by two Romanian doctors, Corneliu E. Giurgea and Dr. Dumitru Amaretti. The term is derived from the Greek word “nous” meaning mind and “trepein” meaning to bend or turn. Ever watched the movie Limitless with Bradley Cooper? Well that’s essentially what we’re talking about, though obviously in a less extreme sense!

You may have heard nootropics referred to as ‘brain boosters’, ‘cognitive enhancers’ or ‘smart drugs’. The definition is essentially any substance that can help to positively improve your mental health and cognition, hence why they are sometimes referred to as ‘smart drugs’. If you’re a coffee drinker, then it turns out you’re already a nootropics consumer! Caffeine and L Theanine, found in green tea are two of the most common nootropics for improving cognition.

Nootropics have been on the rise in recent years, being very popular among students looking to ace exams, busy professionals striving for career progression, and older adults concerned about developing dementia and other age-related diseases.

There are three types of nootropics: prescription drugs, synthetic compounds, and dietary supplements. Each of them is used for different purposes. For example, ADHD or narcolepsy can be managed with prescription drugs like Ritalin; natural substances like L-theanine (an amino acid) can reduce levels of stress; and stimulants like caffeine can boost performance.

Nootropics are specifically designed to work on the brain, delivering many benefits such as sharper focus, better mental clarity, and increased mental energy. Though some nootropics don’t just offer an immediate effect on cognition, some also offer neuroprotective benefits, promoting long-term brain health.

How do Nootropic’s work?      

The research in this area is still inconclusive, but there are two main schools of thought. One is that they essentially act as a vasodilator for your blood vessels. This means that they make your arteries and veins expand to allow more blood and oxygen delivery around the body by improving circulation. Because your brain relies on the nutrients that come with blood and oxygen to perform its regular functions, more circulation means this process is more efficient. The other benefit is better removal of waste products like carbon dioxide.

The second part of the research looks at how nootropics might help stimulate chemical processes in the brain such as the release of dopamine and the uptake of choline. Most people know dopamine as the feel good chemical, so its easy to understand why people be interested in increasing that. Choline is essential for helping the neurons in the brain to communicate. Hence having better uptake of choline is more likely to have you firing on all cylinders.

However not everyone agrees that it is possible to simply take a supplement to improve cognitive performance. Some suggest more research is needed and that the placebo effect could well be playing a role in the perception improved performance.

Are Nootropics legal?

This is where it can get a little bit tricky. Some nootropics are actually prescription medications designed to assist with conditions such as narcolepsy and ADHD, like Modafinil and Ritalin. These are heavily regulated by departments such as the FDA and are only legal with a prescription. However, natural nootropics that are marketed as supplements in the forms of tablets, drinks and powders are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. These include herbs such as Gingko Bilboa and Ginseng.

In an industry where marketing is everything, it is important to be clear about what you are buying. I recommend looking for a product that is certified by the FDA or similar organisation in your country. Look at the ingredients too and take note of the dose included of each nootropic. Is it mostly vitamins and sugars for instance? Ensure the ingredient that you want is near the top of the list and investigate the dosage that you need for the results that you want. Engaging the assistance of a qualified Naturopath or Functional Medicine doctor is a great place to start.

What are the most Popular Nootropics on the Market?

There are a range of different nootropics being marketed by companies targeting cosumers with different needs. If you’re keen to give them a try and see if they work for you, here are the most popular types according to benefit. It’s worth noting that many of these substances can be found naturally in a well balanced diet also. Its best to speak to your doctor about getting a blood test to see if you could benefit form a supplement.

Best Sleep Nootropics

When we talk about sleep improvement we are discussing both the ability to fall asleep quickly and then remain asleep. We want that sleep to be restorative and of a high quality. Nootropics that improve sleep target lowering stress levels and supporting melatonin production, which helps promote sleepiness. The following supplements have all been associated with improving sleep to varying degrees.

• Ashwaganda – a herbal supplement for anxiety and stress reduction
• Tulsi (often referred to as Holy Basil)
• Lion’s Mane
• Lemon Balm
• Tryptophan– An amino acid that supports relaxation, restful sleep, and feeling better. It plays a part in the synthesis of both melatonin and serotonin, 
• Magnesium – decreased insomnia and anxiety

Nootropics for Memory and Focus Improvement

Improving focus and memory with nootropics is sought after for a variety of reasons. From students wanting to ace their exams to professionals who want to excel in their careers, there is a market for this type of enhancer. The most commonly talked about nootropics for memory enhancement are:

• Ginkgo Biloba – enhances memory and reduces anxiety
• Bacopa Monnieri – enhances memory
• Piracetam – enhances memory and learning (note: often requires prescription depending on country)
• Rhodiola
• L Theanine – reduces negative effects of caffeine and enhances attention

Nootropics for Motivation

• Tyrosine– known as the amino acid pre-cursor to dopamine.
• Caffeine – enhances alertness and focus
• Creatine – enhances cognitive performance

Nootropic Stacks

Nootropic stacks are when several nootropics are used together to create optimal cognitive improvements. If you’re not sure what you should use together and it what dosage, the easiest place to start is with a pre-made stack. Here are some of the top rated products for all round lifestyle improvement:

Final Thoughts

The health and wellness space is forever growing. As someone that is always looking to get the most out of my days, I am definitely interested in products that have the potential to improve how well I feel the day. Because ultimately, that’s what I want to do – feel the most in every day. That might mean the joy of my morning beach walk, adrenaline when I’m in the zone at work and crushing goals or contentment when I’m curled up with a cup of tea and a great read.

But while I am curious and open-minded about these types of products, I am also aware that there is a lot of money to be made in this space and that there is no magic pill fix for anything. Harvard health certainly question the evidence behind nootropics and suggest that diet and exercise would achieve the same if not better outcomes. And I am all for evidence-based approaches. But I also want to acknowledge that a lack of evidence can mean that not enough high-quality studies have been conducted, not that something has been proven not to work.

So I approach this with a grain of salt. I’ll give it a try but I’ll make sure I’m logging my data as I go – that means sleep tracking with my Fitbit, journaling for mindset and using a tool like Quantified Mind to track brain heath improvement. I’ll ultimately come to my own conclusion about whether this is working for me. And at worst, a placebo effect still offers benefit- even if only in your mind. I say -tread your own path!