Life today a lot, but no way to magically add hours to a day or clear a to-do list. That’s where nootropics boost come into play in improving brain function mental clarity and knowledge. Some of these have been used for centuries. But it remains popular today because it makes compelling modern claims.
Read on to find out what nootropics are, if they’re safe (yes, but there’s more!) and if they really work.
What are Nootropics?
Paul Falcone, chief scientist at Beach Body, explains that nootropics are intended to improve mental stamina or concentration. The name nootropic comes from two Greek words, ao and tropos, meaning mind and change. Helps support focus, logic and mental clarity.
Certain nootropics have been shown to help with cognitive functions such as reaction time, concentration and alertness, Falcon said. But nootropic supplements are not “smart drugs.”
“There are lean herbs that have been proven to help the body function in general,” says Dr. Allison, a naturopath at NMD Wellness in Scottsdale, Arizona. Not all nootropics work the same. The drug is supposed to affect brain health and cognition.
“Things have different effects. Most nootropics act on different neurotransmitters, which are brain chemicals,” says Falcon.
Are Nootropics Safe?
The same goes for any product or supplement. Quality is important when choosing a nootropic supplement. Safety depends on the product. At Beachbody we test our materials and materials for quality.
You should do your research and talk to your health care provider before taking any supplements. Herbs can interact with certain medications. And it’s not off limits for people with certain medical conditions. It is also dangerous to use medicines that are not prescribed for a specific treatment. I’m not talking about the law.
Over-the-counter (OTC) nootropics
You can buy many nootropics at the pharmacy. Morning coffee contains the oldest, most popular, and most widely used drug used at the time of the study: caffeine or other forms of coffee. Caffeine stimulates the brain.
Caffeine helps support mental clarity, alertness and focus. That’s why Beachbody’s First and Last Supplements are among the best nervous system supplements to support brain function and health. Minimum large product portions as.
“For starters, green tea contains very little caffeine, as part of an energy blend, green tea supports energy and healthy energy.” According to Falcon, the primary nootropic ingredients are coffee cherry extract, sage extract, bacopa moneri, eleuthero root, bear fur extract, and… phosphatidylserine
And in combination, it can help improve brain function and brain health,” he explains. Here is a summary of other nootropic herbs that can be prescribed without a doctor.
L-theanine for calm focus
Many green teas contain L-Theanine, a plant compound that has been shown in human studies to increase “relaxation, stress relief, and calmness.”
Ginkgo for brain health
Ginkgo is a popular herbal remedy for brain health. Smaller studies with mixed results – for short-term use or to lower cortisol levels – have used potent commercially available extracts.
Lemon balm for relaxation and concentration
Lemon juice helps. According to Zenhauser, it increases levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA in the brain to help reduce the effects of stress.
Gotu kola for overall brain health
Gotu Kola is popular in Ayurvedic and Asian practices. And it has been used since ancient times to aid working memory and support brain health. However, a 2016 study found that more research is still needed to confirm its benefits.
Cat’s claw for brain surgery
Zenhausern explains that plants from the Amazon “Uncaria tomentosa have been used for centuries to support brain function.”
Racetams
This is a drug class that includes Piracetam, Aniracetam, Levetiracetam, and Oxiracetam. However, Racetams are typically used to treat insomnia and mental retardation, without increasing brain and mental strength.
Will nootropics make you smarter?
Drinking gotu kola or drinking caffeine before exams is no substitute for studying. This is not how nootropic supplements work, says Falcon.
“There is a misconception that nootropics increase your IQ, they make you smarter,” says Falcon. “They don’t give you superhuman abilities. You feel comfortable,” he explains. Nootropics are thought to have the ability to clear your mind and help you focus on the task at hand.
They won’t write you a great sale. (And can’t help you get through the previous night.) But nootropic supplements can support positive thinking and clarity to help you do that with your awesome brainpower.
