ADHD diagnoses have increased by over 42% in the past 8 years. The average age of a diagnosis is 7 years old.
Whether you’re suffering from Alzheimer’s, ADHD, or another condition, you might be curious about nootropics. While these conditions can be overwhelming, there’s hope.
This article will answer the question, what are nootropics? Read on to explore what they are, and how they can help you or your loved one.
What Are Nootropics?
They’re cognitive technology to enhance or support healthy brain functions. They can include numerous drugs, supplements, and foods.
Many use them in order to improve their processing, concentration, learning, focus, mood, and attention span. You can find them online such as on this page.
Some use them to increase mental clarity and decrease brain fog. They can also be used by the older population for healthy cognitive aging.
The Different Kinds of Nootropics
The different types of nootropics include racetams, Ritalin, Adderall, acetyl-L-carnitine, and Rhodiola Rosea. Many who don’t have a prescription try to use drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin but wind up abusing it. Without a prescription, you might wind up experiencing side effects.
Ritalin is a stimulant, and Adderall is an amphetamine. Side effects can include the loss of appetite, headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. High doses can lead to heart arrhythmias, heart attacks, seizures, hallucinations, and high blood pressure.
Creatine
Your body uses creatine to make protein. Many who are bodybuilding use it to encourage muscle growth.
When it first enters your body, it binds with phosphate that creates a molecule. This molecule is then used by your brain.
Bacopa Monnieri
This is an ancient herb that many use to enhance brain functions. Many claim that it can help to improve your memory, and reduce reaction times.
This herb contains bacosides. These protect your brain from oxidative stress.
It also improves the signaling of your hippocampus. The hippocampus is where your memories are processed.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a popular choice for improving your mental processing and memory. Many take it for stress-relief as well.
Some believe that its benefits are due to the increase of blood flow to your brain. There need to be more studies done to determine whether the benefits are valid or not.
Noopept
You can buy noopept as a supplement. You can feel the effects of this within minutes instead of hours.
This drug can help you recover faster from brain injuries. More studies need to be done to see how it impacts healthy adults.
Prescription-Free Nootropics
L-theanine can be found in green and black teas. It works well when you pair it with caffeine. There aren’t dosage guidelines for L-theanine though.
Omega-3
Omega-3 are mental enhancers that can be found in fish, vegetables, and supplements. They help build membranes around your body’s cells.
Supplements have a low risk of side effects when they’re taken as recommended. They can interact with certain medications such as those that impact blood clotting.
Panax Ginseng
This is a perennial shrub that you can find in Siberia and China. It shouldn’t be confused with other forms of ginseng.
Many take this in order to prevent Huntington’s, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. It can interact with different medications, so it’s vital that you speak with your doctor first.
Rhodiola
Another name for Rhodiola Rosea L. is roseroot or just Rhodiola. Many believe it can help with your cognitive ability.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This is an amino acid carnitine. It creates acetylcholine which is a primary neurotransmitter for memory and learning. Many take it for mental clarity, focus, memory, and depression.
If you don’t eat much red meat, you might want to consider taking a supplement for it. It’s mostly only found in red meat.
Tryptophan
This nootropic can be found in turkey. It’s important for both melatonin and serotonin in your body.
Theanine
Another name for theanine is l-theanine. You can find it in oolong, black, white, and green tea. It helps you to be relaxed without worrying about drowsiness.
The effect of this is similar to meditating. If you’re not a tea drinker, you can find supplements for this.
Rosemary
It’s long touted for helping with concentration and memory. If you’re not looking to add rosemary to your cooking, consider smelling the essential oil of it.
Do They Work?
While some small studies show that nootropic supplements can impact your brain, there aren’t enough controlled and large studies done. Due to this, experts can’t say whether nootropics that are over-the-counter will help with your brain function, or thinking.
Buying Nootropics
You can find nootropics in liquids, pills, powders, and foods. If you’re thinking of trying creatine, you might be better off buying a powder since the dosage is more flexible. For smaller doses, pills will work when you’re looking to save on time.
Many combine multiple ingredients for a certain effect. You can combine one nootropic for relaxation, and caffeine for energy.
You can buy pre-made stacks, or stack them on your own. Make sure that you research before buying your nootropics since not all ingredients will be the same. If you buy stack ingredients, they tend to cost more than buying them separately.
Exploring the Answer To, What Are Nootropics?
Now that you’ve explored the answer to, what are nootropics, you should have a better idea of what to expect from this supplement. Would you like to read more about mental health therapy? For mental health topics, check out our other articles on our site today.
Author: Mandy Kloppers
Mandy is a qualified therapist who treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma, and many other types of mental health issues. She provides online therapy around the world for those needing support and also provides relationship counselling.
