You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re new to the world of nootropics (“smart medicines”). It’s no wonder that nootropics are swiftly becoming one of the most popular dietary supplement categories, thanks to their flexibility and multifunctional qualities. When it comes to navigating the nootropic arena, the issue is that there is a lot of disinformation and rubbish about how these so-called “smart medications” operate and which ones have solid data behind them. Many nootropic supplements promise to boost cognitive performance, attention, and stress resistance, which is absolutely possible with the correct mix. The problem is that many nootropic products are either sugar-coated caffeine tablets or include severe stimulants that are very addictive. The stimulant-free alternative is great for individuals who prefer to acquire their caffeine from other sources, such as coffee and pre-workout supplements, and who want a cognitive boost in the evening close to sleep. You’re probably still unsure what nootropics are and how they operate. This article will provide you with an overview of these so-called “smart medications,” as well as the latest studies on their impact on mental performance, mood, stress, and longevity.
What are nootropics, exactly?
We all consume nootropics on a regular basis via food and beverages, particularly vegetables/fruits, coffee, tea, and energy drinks. Caffeine is a typical example of a stimulant “smart drug” that is extensively taken across the globe. Despite the fact that caffeine is found naturally in plants, it is classified as a “drug.” Many medicines are derived from plants, such as morphine, cannabidiol (CBD), and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which are derived from Cannabis sativa, and cocaine, which is derived from the coca plant. In the sense that they have substantial effects in the brain and across the nervous system, they are all termed nootropics. And that, in a nutshell, is the definition of a nootropic: A chemical that has therapeutic effects on the brain and central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the areas of learning, memory, and stress resistance. Fortunately, nootropics found in supplements are often safer than narcotics like cocaine and morphine. Instead of using prescription medicines, more individuals are turning to nootropic pills to improve mental function and reduce anxiety.
Prescription meds vs. smart drugs
Smart pharmaceuticals – a creative phrase for nootropics – are different from prescription meds in that they are better for lifespan and enhancing neuron function from the ground up, according to nootropic proponents and “neurohackers” alike. Given that nootropics like NeuroFactorTM coffeeberry extract have been demonstrated to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) even in acute dosages, this is a legitimate position to take. Another widely held notion is that medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are harmful to the brain in the long term due to their synthetic origins, while natural nootropics are intrinsically excellent for life. However, the reasoning behind that line of thought is incorrect for various reasons, one of which is that the name “nootropic” was created in the mid-1900s when Romanian scientist Corneliu E. Giurgea produced a molecule called piracetam. Ironically, several synthetic racetams and similar nootropic substances are now available on the market, some of which are easily available over-the-counter in supplements that promise to “naturally increase cognitive performance.” The second factor is the widespread belief that all-natural substances are “good for us,” while manmade chemicals are inherently “bad for us.” Do you know what cyanide is? Or is it ricin? What’s more, guess what? They are derived from plants. Many fruit seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which produce cyanide when consumed. We’ve all unintentionally swallowed a couple of apple seeds now and then, and we’re still alive! Heck, ethanol (alcohol first )’s metabolite is acetaldehyde, which is a proven carcinogen. Similarly, many individuals have taken a few Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) pills throughout their lives and had no long-term effects.
What are nootropics, and how do they work?
The CNS seems to be the target of nootropics (brain and spinal cord). To put it another way, the CNS is the “command center” for all of the body’s inputs and outputs. The nervous system’s cells (neurons) depend on a variety of “chemical messengers” (neurotransmitters) to convey these inputs and outputs. The CNS controls everything we feel and perceive, whether it’s a casual discussion with a buddy or your brain informing you it’s supper time.
Without getting too scientific, nootropics function by altering the CNS at the cellular or molecular level (e.g., neuroregeneration) (e.g., neurotransmitter regulation). If that seems too “scientific,” think of nootropics as chemicals that work across the central nervous system to improve higher-order cognitive functions, including learning, memory, perception, and stress adaptability. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), for example, is a “calming” neurotransmitter that inhibits action potentials in practically all CNS neurons. As a result, nootropics that control GABA activity, such as L-theanine, are prized for their antistress and anti-anxiety properties. On the other hand, excitatory neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine trigger action potentials and “awaken” neurons that govern things like motivation, memory, and focus.
Caffeine is a well-known nootropic stimulant because of its “mood-boosting” effects, which are mostly attributable to an increase in excitatory neurotransmission. Caffeine and L-theanine have a synergistic effect in that they “balance each other out,” resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting mood and focus boost. However, a good nootropic mix contains much more than caffeine and L-theanine.
Cognizin® citicoline is a potential nootropic for mental performance and cognitive function. This unique version of CDP-choline is a better supply of choline, a vital B vitamin required for the body’s acetylcholine synthesis. Decreases in acetylcholine transmission are linked to a variety of cognitive disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. The loss of neurons that transmit acetylcholine is one of the main reasons why persons with Alzheimer’s experience significant memory loss and learning problems. Cognizin® citicoline, a nootropic, may have a long-term therapeutic promise by avoiding this loss as we become older. A recent clinical trial found that a single 500 mg dosage of citicoline dramatically increased plasma uridine and choline levels for up to six hours. Because choline and uridine are required for the formation of membrane phospholipids, these findings are beneficial not just to cognitive function but also to neuronal integrity. Phosphatidylserine (SerinAid®) is another well-studied nootropic that acts as both a signaling molecule and a membrane phospholipid to protect neurons and glial cells in the brain. SerinAid is unique in that it is a plant-based source of phosphatidylserine that has been demonstrated to lower stress and increase mood in placebo-controlled human studies.
There are various different ways that nootropics help to remodel and rewire the brain for the better. As previously stated, NeuroFactorTM is a standardized coffeeberry extract that boosts the synthesis of BDNF, a peptide that aids in neuroregeneration. As you can see, nootropics aren’t for the faint of heart. To say the least, they’re both intriguing and promising. There is a substantial body of evidence supporting the usefulness and safety of different nootropic substances, and studies will continue to unearth the potential advantages of these “smart medications” as time goes on.
What You Should (And Shouldn’t) Expect From Nootropics
It’s critical to have realistic expectations regarding the advantages of nootropics; if you’ve used prescription stimulants or benzodiazepines in the past, you should be aware that nootropic tablets are unlikely to have the same results. Don’t take this to imply that nootropics are “less effective” since it all comes down to establishing a balance between effectiveness and adverse effects (i.e., the therapeutic index). There are several anecdotal stories from individuals claiming that nootropics may boost mental performance and cognitive function to new heights. That’s a ridiculous analogy, in all seriousness. There is no such thing as a “limitless pill,” and if there were, it wouldn’t be found in a nutritional supplement. Consider that stimulants like amphetamine and alprazolam are restricted substances in many countries for a variety of reasons, one of which is that they are highly addictive (i.e., they have a high potential for misuse) and come with a slew of negative effects. A hypothetical “limitless drug” that transformed you into a cybernetic genius for a few hours would almost definitely have severe negative effects and an excruciating withdrawal period.
The chemicals in Transparent Labs MindSeries Nootropic are non-habit forming, so you won’t experience the rollercoaster of ups and downs that come with severe stimulant usage. Rather, the mix contains a combination of professionally tested, trademarked nootropic substances that improve long-term mental function, stress resistance, and mood on a molecular and cellular level. If you’re searching for an evidence-based nootropic, you can’t go wrong with these selections, which include both stimulant and stimulant-free solutions.
