Nootropics are supplements that boost your brain’s health and cognitive power. The word nootropic roughly translates to “bend or shape the mind” in Greek.
If you’re new or into biohacking, here’s a list of smart drugs you can try out to get your brain into its best shape.
A quick tip: you can stack, or mix, supplements to achieve your desired effect. Mix and match complementary or synergistic supplements to amplify their benefits.
As with any supplement, remember to read each product’s benefits as well as its side effects, if any. Look into the optimal dosage to get the best results. More isn’t necessarily better; safe dosage is key.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
What is it: a lab-produced form of L-Carnitine, derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine
1) Helps: boost physical and mental energy
How: facilitates the delivery of fatty acids to the mitochondria, the cell’s power source
2) Help: enhance memory and alertness
How: supports the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical in memory formation and concentration
3) Helps: protect brain cells from damage
How: contains antioxidants that support brain-derived neurotrophic factor, proteins that are essential for cell growth and survival
Alpha-GPC
What is it: a phospholipid naturally found in soy, eggs, and offal
1) Helps: battle cognitive decline
How: supplies the brain with choline and glycerophosphate, which are necessary for healthy cellular membrane structure and function
2) Help: enhance memory
How: supports the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter critical in memory formation and concentration
Ashwagandha
What is it: an herb used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine
1) Helps: reduce stress and enhance mood
How: lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels and influences chemical signaling in the nervous system
2) Helps: battle cognitive decline caused by injury or illness
How: exhibits antioxidant properties that defend nerve cells from damaging free radicals
Caffeine
What is it: a stimulant naturally found in tea, coffee, and cacao
1) Helps: increase alertness and reduce fatigue
How: inhibits the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that causes feelings of relaxation and exhaustion
2) Helps: improve athletic performance
How: promotes the burning of fat instead of glucose stored in muscles, delays the onset of muscle fatigue
CDP-Choline or Citicoline
What is it: a naturally occurring choline source found in all cells
1) Helps: improve learning and memory
How: supports the production of the neurotransmitters, acetylcholine and dopamine
2) Helps: mend damaged brain cell membranes
How: releases uridine into the body, which is involved in the production of neuron membranes
L-Theanine
What is it: an amino acid naturally found in green tea
1) Helps: achieve a relaxed yet alert state
How: boosts alpha brain waves
2) Helps: enhance memory and cognition
How: increases GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels in the brain
Rhodiola Rosea
What is it: also known as Golden Root, Roseroot, Arctic Root; an herb used in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine
1) Helps: reduce stress and fatigue
How: stimulates the nervous system and encourages neuron regeneration
2) Helps: enhance mood
How: promotes the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine, and natural opioids
Some Types of Vitamin B
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Helps: boost your brain’s energy levels
How: converts nutrients from food into adenosine triphosphate, a molecule that transports energy into cells
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)
Helps: enhance mood and reduce anxiety
How: supports the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, GABA, norepinephrine, and serotonin
Vitamin B12 (Methylcobalamin)
Helps: enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression
How: supports the production of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin
Your Brain, Your Personal Cognitive Enhancement Journey
This is by no means a comprehensive list of nootropics, but it’s a good place to start! Your journey to achieving peak mental performance begins with arming yourself with the right knowledge.
Our brains are unique and have different needs. When seeking the right supplements, be mindful of the following:
- Set your intent. Ask yourself what aspects of your brain you are trying to improve. You may be a student, and you want to improve your memory retention. You may be advanced in age, and you want to protect your brain from cognitive decline. Your cognitive enhancement journey will be defined by what you are trying to achieve.
- Pay attention to your body. When trying out new supplements, observe your body’s reaction. Notice changes happening to your cognitive performance. It might be helpful to keep track of your progress with a daily journal. It goes without saying that you have to discontinue use if you notice adverse effects.
- Start with the basics. You don’t have to go big right away and test complex formulas. Begin with what’s proven and tested, and when you feel your body is capable of more experimental supplements, go ahead and explore. Add one supplement to your stack at a time to see if it works for you.
Whatever form your cognitive enhancement journey takes, we’d like to be a part of it. Reach out to us if you have questions, or maybe you have personal findings to share. We’d be happy to help you find your ideal stack!
References:
https://monq.com/eo/nootropics/best-studied-nootropics/
https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics/#acetyl-l-carnitine
https://monq.com/eo/nootropics/how-alpha-gpc-help-your-physical-mental-performance/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-caffeine#section1