Would you believe if someone tells you that there is a pill that can improve your intelligence? The proposition can look attractive but at the same time, a too far-fetched also. Plenty of research work is going around this as pharmacy companies endeavor to make nootropic pills, supplements, and other forms of drugs to help enhance your cognitive power. The origin of the word ‘nootropic’ is rooted in the Greek etymology. It means “to shape or bend the mind.” These drugs are over-the-counter products available both online and offline. People are opting for them, trusting these would increase their memory, productivity, intelligence, and decision-making.
So, are you also planning to join the masses? Whether you desire to curb aging-related cognitive impairment, to bolster your attention and creativity, or to deal with the daily stress of urban lifestyle, you can consider giving a try to nootropics. But before that, make sure to read different aspects of this drug so that you can take a smart decision for yourself.
Meaning of Nootropics
Having originated from the Greek words “noos” and “trepin,” which mean “mind” and “to bend,” respectively, nootropics are known for their ability to better cognitive powers, focus, learning skills, and memory of the human beings. The term came to use for the first time by Dr. Corneliu Giurgea (A Romanian doctor) in the era of 1970s. It was during this time a mind-shaping medicine called piracetam entered the market for its effectiveness in memory improvement.
Impact of nootropics on brain health
A slew of studies shows the effect of this substance in your body that eventually contributes to the improvement of your mental health. See how this drug works.
- Boosts your brain energy by producing cellular energy either through stimulation or energy metabolism.
- Helps in blood circulation in the brain by expanding tiny veins and arteries so that an adequate amount of oxygen, ketones, or glucose can reach there.
- Works on the nerve cell chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, and others in the brain.
- Controls the level of inflammation in the brain by curbing the growth of free radicals and removing toxins from it.
- Supports the growth of nervous tissue to maintain the count of neurons and other cells in the brain.
Nootropic medicine can impact one or a combination of these areas to shape your brain. There can be other mechanisms also on which this substance can have its effect, but these are still hidden or unknown.
Now, you may wonder how it can benefit you. Here is a brief on the advantages that you can expect to enjoy with its intake.
Advantages of nootropic drug
Improved learning and memory
Learning enables you to gain new knowledge or tweak already acquired knowledge. On the other hand, memory relates to that faculty of the brain, which helps you understand, store, and recover the information when required. Both these elements are necessary as far as the quality of life, future planning, and enjoyment are concerned. In earlier days, seniors took this neuroprotective medicine to deal with their aging-related memory issues. However, nowadays, people take the dose to increase their memory power to handle their everyday work.
A variety of products, such as Bacopa and Phosphatidylserine, came into the market to help people with these aspects. Some claims to enhance memory and cognitive abilities of the seniors and to lower the risk of dementia in them, while others show promising results in ensuring long-term memory storage in older people. There are other such products also that can help improve the performance of attention and memory-based tasks for a short period.
Better focus and attention span
You need to have focus and attention when it comes to performing a single task while avoiding any distractions. Attention is multidimensional and involves numerous cognitive functions. There are products for individuals who fail to focus on one thing due to higher anxiety levels and for healthy mid-aged women and young men who want to boost attention.
More brain energy
Medical studies reveal that the brain can exhaust about 20% of your overall strength, and brain energy has a direct connection with your brain health. When this energy goes down, the cognitive functions of your brain also take a hit. Manufacturing companies have produced some products to address problems related to this area. Some medicines create energy in the frontal cortex of the brain, some work on the central nervous system and energy metabolism, and others stimulate the stored energy in cells that can help in cognitive functions.
Mood enhancement
Depression and anxiety are nothing but a different state of mind that reflects through our moods. If the spirit is down, your energy levels, stress, and blood circulation get affected. Some supplements are there, which can again affect your mood. From controlling depressive tendencies to alleviating sleep disturbances and bringing down anxiety, these can help improve many aspects.
Stress control
Stress is dangerous for overall well-being and mental health as it also hampers cognitive functioning. But some nootropic smart drugs can prove useful in this case. From curbing mental fatigue to handling cognitive pressure, different supplements can play different roles.
Neuroprotection
It not only boosts your brain instantly but protects your nervous system too. According to medical experts, cognitive impairment can take place even in young adults who are in their 20s or 30s. So taking nootropics from a bit early age can be beneficial. Regular doses of the medicines can stop or reduce cognitive decline and help in cognitive recovery. Patients with schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s can also benefit from these supplements.
Ways to use nootropic medicines or supplements
Before taking smart drugs, it is essential to ask yourself a few questions. For example, how many doses a day you have to take? Is it okay to consume them at any time of the day? Can I drink all the supplements at a time? What is the duration of their effect?
Since you are taking this medicine to gain mental health, you must know which supplements you need and at what time. Here are a few things that you can consider for assistance.
How many times?
Caffeine is one of the most common forms of nootropic. It’s better not to drink coffee when you are going to sleep even if there is a gap of 15 minutes, and this same rule applies to nootropic drugs. Generally, you can take it when you feel the need. Some people use this drug 2 to 3 hours ahead of their work to enjoy its effect for six hours, while some products create an instant relief, albeit for a brief period. Just remember that each drug type has its way of working. Another thing is, these medicines are for daily use and a few of them you can consume many times a day.
However, in this context, it is critical to understand that overuse of the medicine can develop a tolerance for it in your body, which can lead to a slow response to its effects. The more you consume, the more your body will become habituated to it. For example, those who drink alcohol every day don’t feel anything until they guzzle a few glasses down. They need to take larger quantities to experience the same impact as before. The reason behind this is that the metabolic rate of the drug gets increased in your body.
It means you need to cycle it to avoid tolerance-related issues. Also, don’t take more than what your doctor has prescribed.
How much?
You need to take nootropics in recommended doses as it takes into account your average weight, metabolism rate, etc. Furthermore, it also matters who is consuming it – an older woman or a young man. Taking high doses may not be advisable, especially when you can get desired results from a few pills. If you indulge in that, you may attract its side-effects that can prove more harmful than its benefits. At the same time, don’t reduce your doses to an extent where it becomes almost useless. Maintain a balance, and for that, you need to follow the recommendation.
How to use?
One ideal way of consuming this smart drug is cycling. Take medicine for some time, then stop, and again begin. You can also alternate medicines to check tolerance or dependency.
It is true that nootropics can offer you many mental health benefits. But becoming dependant on it may not be a good idea. Don’t get so obsessed with it that you start missing it terribly when you don’t take a dose. For example, think about fitness freaks who follow a specific workout regime. How uncomfortable they feel when they don’t get to exercise just for one day. Additionally, buy only original nootropic items from well-known companies that ensure quality. Avoid purchasing any random product that you may come by on a reputable online store.
Health is a goldmine; you need to take care of it every day. Taking smart drugs is no doubt your one such attempt towards this direction, but don’t compromise on a healthy diet and lifestyle habits if you wish to enjoy the maximum health benefits.
So, what are you planning to do now? Do you want to learn more about nootropics? There is a plethora of information on this.
