You should know about Nootropics
Nootropics (/noʊ.əˈtrɒpɪks/ noh-ə-TROP-iks) (colloquial: smart drugs and cognitive enhancers) are drugs, supplements, and other substances that may improve cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation, in healthy individuals.
I’ve played around with a few of these so called “smart drugs” over the last several years. I thought I would list some of them out as well as share my experience with them. Also, please consult with a health professional before using any of these if you currently have any health concerns.
L-TYROSINE
This amino acid is a precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine and adrenaline. Precursor means that you need it to make dopamine. No L-Tyrosine, no dopamine. Keep in mind that consume this amino acids in many of the protein rich foods you are already eating. Your body can also make it on its own. So why did I use it as a supplement? I tried it because I was in a place in my life where I was exhausted and over-stressed, and it was very likely that I was burning through my body’s dopamine and adrenaline supplies. I thought it would help replace what stress was depleting in my body. I believe it helped. My mood improved and I was a little more “stress resistant.” One important note, don’t take if you have a hypothyroid issue, which is statistically many of you reading this. The dosage I took was 500mg a day.
L-THEANINE
I’ve been using this compound periodically for over a year now. It’s naturally found in green tea, but I don’t get the same effect from drinking green tea as I do when I take this. I use it as a brain booster when I need serious focus for an extended period of time. When combined with a cup of coffee. 200mg of L-Theanine gives me a calm alertness. It provides an increased mental stamina. Others have told me it helps remove the negative side effects of caffeine like jitteriness and anxiety.
THEACRINE
This compound comes from a chinese tea plant. I used it as a coffee replacement when I briefly tried to stop drinking coffee. It works a lot like caffeine. I just happen to like coffee too much to stick with it.
ASHWAGANDHA
Also, known as Withania, I used this for a period of time as a sort of “chill pill.” Gave me an increased feeling of overall well-being. Some people think it gives them more energy and motivation, which makes sense, since feelings of stress rob you of your energy and motivation.
BACOPA
This is an herb that is supposed to increase your memory. I’m not sure that I noticed any difference while taking it. I have a pretty good memory already. I would maybe try it again if I started noticing any dips in my memory. I typically only ever had memory recall issues when I’m run down.
GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo comes from a tree in China. I take this pretty regularly. It improves overall brain function and does so by improving blood flow to the brain. Better blood supply leads to better function. Pretty simple. Dr. Amen, one of my favorite brain researchers, has plenty of supporting evidence to support taking this. That was good enough for me.
CREATINE
This is a type or organic acid that humans make on their own. I took this almost all last year 30 minutes before my workout along with CoEnzyme Q10. These combine to help produce more ATP, your body’s only fuel source. I definitely noticed improved workouts, but it also seemed to improve my cognitive endurance as well as my physical endurance.
RHODIOLA
Rhodiola comes from a plant. It is known to reduce the negative effects of stress on your life. I’ve taken it several times when I needed a little help. Definitely improved mood and energy when I took it. I consider this a valuable tool for anyone under heavy mental/emotional stress.
There are plenty more Nootropics out there, but these are just the ones I’ve had experience with. Please let me know about your experiences if you’ve tried any of these or any others I haven’t written about.