Nootropics: An Analysis

What Are Nootropics?

Often referred to as “smart drugs”, nootropics are supplements, drugs, and even functional foods used to amplify the brain’s mental elements, assisting with information retention and concentration. Although not all cognitive augmenters are the same, most of them share similar benefits and few side effects.

In the year 1972, the word nootropics was originated by Romanian Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, stemming from the Latin words ‘nous’ for mind and ‘trepein’ for bend. Dr. Giurgea spent years researching nootropics, delving into the way they work and how safe they really were. He also was able to fully synthesize piracetam, a nootropic supplement.

Dr. Giurgea made extensive lists of criteria that would specify nootropics from other chemicals. In order to specifically be considered a “nootropic”, the chemical or drug would have to identify with the following specific set of standards:

They must enrich the cerebral capabilities of the brain while preventing them from being interrupted by various health situations
They must prevent the brain from physical or chemical injury
They affect the higher levels of the brain only
They enhance education, awareness, muscle control and retention
They must improve the control mechanisms within the brain, both cortical and sub-cortical

As years have passed since the original research of nootropics, now data supports the use of these supplements to help treat neurological conditions such as ADHD, Alzheimer’s, Parkinsonism, and Huntington’s disease. They are considered legal, help mental behavior, and can be acquired over the counter without a medical professional’s supervision. They have yet to be approved by the FDA, but teams of scientists and medical professionals are investigating them for more information.

How Do They Work?

Nootropics have several ways they attribute to the brain, causing increased benefits. They add chemicals including neurotransmitters, hormones, and enzymes to the neurochemicals already existing in the brain. This assists with cognitive functions, attention span, individual self-confidence and motivation.

These supplements have also been linked to expanding oxygen levels in the brain, which in turn increases the blood flow in the central nervous system. They boost neural activity in the brain, effecting the memory and thinking capabilities. Certain nootropics can deliver specific organic matter throughout the body and develop the flexibility of cell membranes.

Overall, nootropics generally help the brain make positive and lasting changes. Whatever positive changes the user needs in their life, whether it be a stronger memory or better attention to detail, these supplements can aid them in achieving just that. The best part is, there is not the looming threat of negative side effects weighing over your head either.

Common Cognitive Enhancing Nootropics Ingredients?

Each type of nootropic, natural or artificial, is made up of a different type of mixture of ingredients. Determining a set ingredient list for each supplement is based on which one you decide to choose.

Ginkgo Biloba, for instance, acts as a pure antioxidant and contains the Ginkgo Biloba leaves from China. Choline is a vitamin that your liver produces naturally and is found is certain foods such as cauliflower and broccoli. Additional choline can assist the body with not only brain health, but liver health as well.

Some classified nootropics are modified nutrients or vitamins, such as B1 or B6. These help regulate dopamine and acetylcholine, your primary memory forming neurotransmitter, levels. There are also supplements that involve creatine, commonly used in sports, that significantly help augment cognitive function.

L-theanine, a supplement commonly extracted from green tea, has been used for many years as a health boosting aid. This amino acid helps drastically improve sleep, anxiety levels and the ability to fight bacteria.

What Are the Benefits VS Side Effects?

With the amount of people using nootropics and more scientific research being done increasing, the ability to see both the side effects and benefits are becoming more clear. Thankfully, these types of supplements actually have more benefits than side effects. Some of the many advantages include:

Enhanced sleeping patterns
Mood enrichment
Boost in productivity levels
Increased coherence and retention
Amplified coordination between the mind and body function
Improved practice in sports and exercise
Development in neuroplasticity
Aiding neurological and mental ailments such as Alzheimer’s, ADHD, anxiety, depression and more
Alleviates stress and stabilizes emotions
Sustained sexual performance

While not everyone who takes nootropics experience all of the benefits, they are shown to increase with added supplements like vitamin B and Omega 3s. Adding these supplements with a regular routine of nootropics can dramatically heighten the cognitive benefits.

There are very few negative side effects linked to nootropics due to the lack of toxins. The most common reported side effects have been headaches, minor addiction or nausea. If side effects do occur, it is recommended to seek assistance from a medical professional to determine if it could be an allergic reaction, which is one of the very rare side effects, or if you are at risk for a more severe health condition.

Most users of nootropics tend to see benefits within a few days to two weeks of use. The same is said for the negative side effects. Usually, any reactions, regardless of being positive or negative, are not instantaneous and do take a little time to reach the blood stream and oxygen levels in the brain.

Which to Choose?

With such a wide variety of nootropics on the market, many consumers have a hard time choosing which one to start out with or deciding if the one they are using is right for them. You can purchase them in powders, pills and even as food. The best approach is to start with the most popular nootropics on the market and research if it is the best for you. Due to such a lack of side effects, it is safe for experimentation.

One of the most popular nootropic supplements sold today are racetams, which assist with cognitive abilities and are commonly used in stacking. Aniracetam and piracetam are two of the common subcategories of racetams, with piracetam being synthesized by Dr. Giurgea in 1964.

There are nootropics that people may know about and not even realize the full extent of their capabilities. Every day vitamin supplements such as L-theanine, Omega 3s, choline and even ginseng are great examples of supplements that power your brain. Whether they are taken straight up or listed as an ingredient along in a synthesized blend, nootropics are made up of simple every day supplements you would recognize just like that.

Whether they are completely all natural or a mixture of synthetics, some of the most popular nootropics are:

• Piracetam is a synthesized blend that improves memory processes, enhances mood and facilitates concentration. This was one of the first nootropics ever synthesized.

• Phosphatidylserine is a synthesized mixture that helps treat learning disorders and is made with Omega 3s.

• L-theanine, which is completely all natural, promotes faster memory reaction time, sentence verification, lowered anxiety and sleep quality.

• Ginkgo biloba comes from a natural Chinese tree and aids post-stroke recovery, high blood pressure and even altitude sickness.

• Choline, a nutrient that originally comes from various food sources increases cognitive function, balances mood and develops memory.

• Aniracetam, a subset of racetams, reduces depression, increases concentration and improves memory. It has been known to calm down people before events or takes the edge off other medications such as Adderall or caffeine.

• Oxiracetam, another division of racetams, is specifically known for its energy properties, concentration and memory. This supplement was tested on those with ADHD and moderate dementia, with the effects to be proven.

• Pramiracetam focuses on the memory operations, ingenuity, vitality levels, and overall brain. It is recommended to take Choline supplements along with this for added benefits and to prevent fatigue.

If you are having a hard time choosing which nootropic to decide on, consider stacking. This option, discussed below, allows the user to combine multiple supplements for a wide range of effects without having to worry about negative side effects. Deciding on a single nootropic can be confusing and hard, so why decide on just one?

Buying Real Nootropics For Sale Online?

You can find a wide variety of nootropics available on websites, which is most likely the easiest way for the majority of consumers. They are available in different forms including pills, powders and every day foods. Whether you decide to go with all natural ingredients or supplements that are chemically created, your options are completely limitless.

Most of the original nootropics, such as piracetam and aniracetam, are only available through the primary online retailer. Originally made available through wholesalers online, they were recently take off the market in the USA and now residents can only purchase them through the original websites.

Online vendors like Powder City and Pure Nootropics allow you to browse an online directory of their products online. Be sure to look into purchasing a digital scale, however, to ensure you are measuring out the perfect amount of supplement each day.

Some nootropics are available through health food stores and supermarkets, such as the regular B vitamin supplements and nutrients. The only downside to buying these at your local stores can be a limited selection and higher prices. Be sure to research thoroughly in order to make the best decision for you.

Are Nootropics Safe?

Some of the top concerns of those looking into nootropics for the first time is their safety and if these supplements are addictive. One of the main guidelines Dr. Giurgea focused on when narrowing down what exactly a nootropic was is that the toxicity level had to be virtually non-existent. They had to benefit the users rather than negatively impact them. Many users have been taking these supplements for years without any negative side effects.

With nootropics, addiction is not a worry. Regardless of how long you are looking to take them for, they do not exhibit addictive factors and do not become so. You will love the benefits they provide, however, but no withdrawals will happen if or once you stop taking the supplements.

What is Stacking?

A common practice for users of nootropics is “stacking”, or the act of taking two or more supplements together for optimal results. By thorough research of all of the nootropics on the market, the stacking options are limitless and can be tailored to whatever specific results you are looking to achieve. In some occasions, nootropics can be more dynamic when taken as part of a stack, increasing the benefits and optimizations.

There are websites that specifically list which nootropics to go with which stacking result you are looking for, or you can customize your own regiment based on the market. Due to these supplements having such limited side effects, they are able to be combined without a fear of adverse reactions.

An excellent example of stacking would be to use the piracetam and choline stack, which is usually for those just starting out with nootropics or stacking. Piracetam acts as a mood booster, memory enhancer and aids with concentration. Choline balances moods, improves overall memory and supports cognitive help. Stacking these two supplements together promotes a healthy experience for the brain and mind.

A very common and easy stack that is used by many students is L-theanine and caffeine. While there is debate on the matter of caffeine actually being a nootropic, using L-theanine along with caffeine can give the user benefits without the anxiety side effects. It also enhances attention and decreases irritability that may come with excessive caffeine consumption.

Here are some of the most common stacks and their benefits:
• Piracetam, Aniracetam and Oxiracetam – Increases memory, mood, and focus significantly

• Pramiracetam and Alpha GPC – Productivity with drive and extensive amounts of concentration

• Acetyl L-Carnitine and Choline, with or without racetams – Computation, education, and memory formation. Adding racetams to this mix can significantly boost the benefits

Optimizing Brain Function With Nootropics

Nootropics are fantastic by themselves, but they are made even better with additional optimization. There are ways you can make sure you are getting the most out of your experience with nootropics and cognitive power. Ensuring your body is running at its ultimate best is crucial to the success of your supplements.

Remember the importance of sleep. Getting enough sleep every night is imperative, especially when focusing on issues with the brain. Accurate levels of sleep can assist with lowering stress, anxiety and most health-related issues. Adults usually need around seven to eight hours of sleep a night to maintain a normal schedule.

In addition to sleep, sustaining a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising on a regular basis can make drastic improvements to cognitive function as well. Plenty of fluids increase circulation, but be sure to limit sugars and additives. Adding large amounts of fruits and vegetables to your diet will definitely impact your health immensely not just right away, but in the long term as well.

With a mixture of stacking and including a healthy lifestyle, you should see the results of nootropics sooner rather than later. Their spectacular benefits will be definitely welcomed and you will be thankful you chose to have them in your life.