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Nootropics are a classification of cognitive enhancement supplements reported to have a wide range of beneficial effects from accelerating mental processes to promoting brain health.
These supplements also have very few unwanted side effects and are well-tolerated by healthy adults. Taking Nootropics is said to improve memory, learning capacity, motivation, attention, focus, concentration, and more.
But do nootropics actually work? Certainly there are many who remain skeptical of these claims.
However, most Nootropics are derived from known neurochemicals and have undergone decades of testing and research. Neuropharmacologists continue to investigate the effects of these compounds, but there are several identified mechanisms of action by which nootropics are able to boost brainpower.
Below is a guide to some of the effects of nootropic supplements, how they work and their potential uses.
Mental Function
Mental Function
Brain Health- Promotes brain health & communication
- Supports memory, reasoning & cognition
- oosts focus, mental clarity & attention
Nootropics As Cognitive Enhancers:
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There are a number of different ways in which Nootropic supplements actually cause their effects, but most work by modulating neurotransmitters and their receptors.
The paradigm example of such nootropics is the Racetam family which includes Piracetam, Aniracetam, Oxiracetam, Pramiracetam, Phenylpiracetam and the closely related Noopept.
Racetams are known for being positive modulators of acetylcholine but their effects are also felt on other neurotransmitters as well.
These changes will lead to a number of cognitive enhancements, essentially increasing brain activity and making communication between your neurons more efficient. The most notable of these results is an increase in memory formation and recall both in the domain of long-term and short-term or working memory.
Many nootropics also work by boosting synaptic plasticity which can actually increase your learning capacity and help your brain to become more adaptable.
Of course, the magnitude of these effects will vary from person to person. Some people see very subtle effects while other can hardly believe how powerful the results are.
Blood flow, oxygen uptake, and glucose metabolism within the brain are also all improved by a number of nootropic supplement.
This can lead to an increase in mental energy as the brain is better supplied with nutrients to promote alertness and wakefulness. Increased blood circulation also leads an increased ability to focus and concentrate and better attention span and mental stamina.
Other nootropics can provide even more potent boosts to your energy, motivation and drive by stimulating the adrenergic system and catecholamines.
Nootropic smart drugs like Modafinil and Adrafinil are known for being central nervous stimulants of this sort. These drugs basically enhance cognitive by raising energy levels, thereby indirectly increasing mental performance.
- Focus longer, clear brain fog & feel more motivated
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- Contains 12 safe and natural nootropic ingredients
What are some of the specific neurotransmitters which Nootropics are able to influence?
The brain is an intricate network of billions of neurons that communicate with each other using a series of different neurochemicals.
Many Nootropics are able to modulate a number of these chemicals and/or their precursors and co-factors. We broadly describe three of the types of neurotransmitters affected below:
Cholinergics refer to those compounds and substances that influence the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. This is believed to be a key player in a number of cognitive and mental processes, especially memory formation and the stage of long-term consolidation.
It also is able to exert its effects on focus, calculated thoughts and decision making, and even arousal. Interestingly, if your body produces too much of this substance it can often lead to the exact opposite effects.
Acetylcholine supplements like the Racetams or Choline sources such as Alpha GPC and Citicoline are favored among Cholinergics.
Dopaminergics are supplements that influence the neurotransmitter dopamine and its systems and pathways. Some of the effects of dopamine include controlling mood and movement. In other words, Dopamine is responsible for improved alertness, feelings of well-being, muscular control and movements, and even anti-oxidant activity.
It is one of the key players that helps to affect your level of motivation and counteracts symptoms of depression, which is one of the main reasons why some Nootropics can actually make you feel better and more productive.
Serotonergics are supplements that effect your levels of serotonin, another powerful neurotransmitter. This also helps with memory and cognition, although not to the same degree as Acetylcholine. It is also very useful in regulating mood, sleep and appetite.
Individuals who experience panic attacks, social anxiety or general anxiety disorder may find this class of nootropics particularly beneficial.
Nootropics and Brain Health:
Nootropics can also act as anti-oxidants for your neurons and other brain cells.
This means that they are able to remove toxins that tend to accumulate within the brain.
This includes things like excess potassium (too much of this and your neurons will begin to die), lipofuscin (which are age spots, an accumulation of waste material), and a number of other unwanted materials.
There are even some Nootropics that can help to rebuild neurons and brain cells by increasing levels of important chemicals like Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factror. Particularly the cell membranes.
This also helps to keep your brain ‘young’ since one of the signs of age-related cognitive decline is that the brain cells are becoming worn out and no longer effectively communicate with each other.
Nootropics are able to rejuvenate these cells, improve communications with each other, and increase their efficient functioning.
Clinical Uses for Nootropics:
Research also continues into the use of Nootropics for treating a number of diseases. This include Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, ADHD, and a number of other issues.
Some nootropics are even regarded for being able to prevent strokes while others are used simply to stave off cognitive decline with aging. There have been a number of very promising research results in all of these areas.
The bottom line is that not only do Nootropics work, but they may have even further reaching effects than first imagined.
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Article last updated on: February 21st, 2018 by Nootriment