Are you looking for a safe way to boost your brainpower and sharpen your focus? Nootropic supplements may be the answer. These are a type of supplement that is taken to boost memory and improve concentration. Supporters claim the supplements can improve focus, increase attention spans and even help with studying.
While most of us would love to take a pill that will speed up and clarify our thought processes and make us more productive, medical researchers are still divided on if these supplements are the answer. Initial research indicates that nootropics do have certain benefits which are promising, but more research needs to be done.
While early findings do indicate improvement in memory, energy, and focus, some researchers are concerned about the effects of long-term use. Even so, entrepreneurs are swiftly taking advantage of this new phenomenon. Retailers of nootropics realized more than one billion dollars in sales last year. People are looking for a way to boost their mental abilities.
So what’s in these magic pills? Mostly L-theanine and caffeine. These ingredients, which are both found in green tea and coffee, are available in much larger amounts in these supplements. While caffeine can provide an energy boost and help improve focus and motivation, these effects can lessen with continued use. L-theanine improves neuronal health and strengthens the immune system. Research indicates that combining these two ingredients helps improve brain health and cognition.
Nootropics help enhance neuron communication and balance neurotransmitter levels. This results in improved brain cell health and increased energy. They also stimulate new growth of synapses and neurons and support neuroplasticity. All of these contribute to healthier cognitive function.
One ingredient popular in over-the-counter nootropics is a synthetic stimulant called Racetams. This stimulant is designed to increase brain function. Even though this stimulant has been offered for sale for a while, how it works is still somewhat of a mystery. The prevailing theory is that Racetams which contains Piracetam helps increase membrane fluidity within the brain which in turn improves neuronal function.
Piracetam also seems to provide benefits for older individuals. A study in the British Journal of Pharmacology noted that elderly subjects noted improved brain function after regularly taking Piracetam. Adult volunteers in another study from Psychopharmacology also reported improved memory function. This substance also appears to help dyslexic students by improving their reading ability and comprehension.
One of the most popular nootropics is Modafinil. This substance is known for boosting alertness and enhancing cognitive function without any serious side effects. Unfortunately for those who just want to improve their cognitive function, Modafinil is available only by prescription. It is currently used to treat obstructive sleep apnea, shift work sleep disorder, and narcolepsy. This substance seems to work by increasing dopamine levels and enhancing brain function. The primary disadvantage of this substance is that is it potentially addictive. There are no long term studies yet, so more research is needed to determine the long-term impacts of taking this medication.
Nootropic supplements can be used to improve cognitive function. They can provide a temporary boost in brain function, but anyone considering using these substances should be aware the long-term effects of use are still unknown.
