Nootropics are drugs or supplements used to improve cognitive functions. These drugs are used to treat different conditions such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s disease but they are also used to boost memory, creativity and other functions by students, entrepreneurs and other individuals.
Can Drugs Or Supplements Boost Cognitive Functions?
Dopamine is one of the substances that affects mood and performance. Low dopamine levels are linked with depression, fatigue and sluggishness and restoring dopamine levels can be difficult. Most nootropics act by targeting the dopamine receptors in the prefrontal cortex. Once these receptors are stimulated, the person feels more alert and finds it easier to remember things, focus on tasks and think creatively.
Are These Supplements Safe?
Some nootropic substances such as caffeine or nicotine are addictive. However, the drugs and supplements designed to boost cognitive functions contain other brain boosting substances such as L-Theanine, Atomoxetine, Panax Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba among others. These substances help with cognitive functions without causing addiction or other negative side effects. It is always best to go over the list of ingredients used in a supplement and to research each ingredient to better understand how it will affect brain chemistry. Some of these supplements contain stimulants, which can cause some people to feel jittery.
Results
The results vary a lot from one person to another. The supplement you use and your brain chemistry prior to taking the supplement are factors that will influence the results. Typically, taking a cognitive enhancing supplement could help you learn new information, recall this information, be more creative, more motivated and remember things more clearly. You will probably find it easier to stay focused for long periods of time, to perform tasks that would otherwise by tedious and will probably work more efficiently. Some people experience a boost in creativity and are able to find new solutions to problems after taking this type of supplement.
There are many different products marketed as nootropic supplements. They make similar claims to boost your ability to focus, think creatively, remember and learn new things. You can choose the best supplements by learning more about the manufacturers and by doing research on the ingredients. Stay away from manufacturers who do not disclose a complete list of ingredients or who make unrealistic claims. Avoid supplements that contain stimulants if you want to avoid side effects and try finding a supplement that will boost the right cognitive functions. Some supplements have a blend of ingredients that will act on your creative skills while others have more ingredients that will help you focus and remember things.
Using a supplement can be a good way to boost your productivity, find creative solutions and learn new information more efficiently. There are many benefits to using these supplements but it is important to choose the right product and not to become dependent on using these supplements for work or for academic performance.