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How Do Nootropics Work?
Nootropics, commonly called smart medications, are a group of auxiliary drugs that improve mental performance. They are often consumed by people who want to improve their brain’s performance.
These work in various ways to provide cognitive benefits across categories like memory, attention, focus, motivation, relaxation, mood, alertness, and stress management. Hence, they are also known as ‘brain boosters.
How Do Nootropics Work?
These supplements are made to target to open up one or more, if not all, brain pathways, as listed below:
- Brain Chemicals
The communication carried out between the neurons is facilitated by the neurotransmitters. They primarily regulate all cognitive and memory functions.
These drugs help scale their production, sharpen receptor sensitivity, and prevent brain chemical breakdowns.
2. Brain Energy
About 20% of the energy produced by the body is used up by the brain, making it the most demanding organ of the human body.
Nootropics can support the metabolism of this energy intake by positively affecting cell efficiency and the delivery of raw energy to the organ.
3. Brain Waves
Central Nervous System (CNS) sends brainwave frequencies throughout the body. These waves can be of many frequency ranges and are generally used to signal the different parts of the body.
By consuming nootropics, the individual enables the brain to raise specific frequencies and acquire the desired cognitive changes.
4. Brain Protection
Stress and anxiety can cause more radical damage to the brain than one might assume. The neuroprotective properties of nootropics aid the brain’s natural defenses against the related toxic compounds and conditions by going through numerous adaptive procedures.
5. Brain Regeneration
Neurogenesis is the brain’s process of producing and developing neurons, usually for brain cell repair, maintenance, and durability.
There are only a few external compounds that may benefit this function, and many of them are nootropic in nature. However, they help supply raw nutritional substances for building the base and signaling the growth factor synthesis of the same.
Best Natural Nootropics
Nootropic substances primarily derived from plants and other herbs are known as natural nootropics. A wide variety of compounds are produced in nature, and they can be in the form of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, or other components that influence brain activity for the greater good.
These all play a role in nourishing the brain in one way or another. Below are a few of the best naturally-extracted nootropics:
- Gingko Biloba
An antioxidant-rich herb, Gingko Biloba has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is one of the oldest living tree species in the world and has been consumed as tonics, energy supplements, and as a treatment for ailments like asthma, amongst numerous other infections.
Supplements of the plant are made either from its leaves or the seeds. As a nootropic, it can increase the blood flow to the brain. It makes the blood less ‘sticky’ so that it is not prone to clumping and the formation of blood clots. Additionally, it dilates the blood vessels—this further aids in boosting memory, relieving anxiety, elevating mood, and improving learning capabilities.
Another use of Gingko Biloba is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance. In this role, it keeps the brain safe from cell injury and slows down the aging effects. Because of this, it has been administered to manage Alzheimer’s and other memory-related disorders.
2. Panax Ginseng
It is a slow-growing and small plant with fleshy roots. The species of Ginseng which grows in Asian countries is known as Panax Ginseng and has tons of benefits. There are American counterparts of this plant, but they do not have the same benefits as the former.
It is frequently used in traditional Chinese and Korean cuisine and is also offered in the form of oils and dietary supplement pills. Asian Ginseng is used for a variety of ailments, including cognitive dysfunction.
The herb intake in the early years of life could improve cognitive function later.
It is popularly known for enhancing memory in healthy adults by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain through its acids, Panaxadiol and Panaxatriol. Ginseng has also been notable in the nursing of Alzheimer’s.
3. Bacopa Monnieri
Native to India, South Asia, and the southern region of the USA, Bacopa Monnieri is a perennial creeping herb with roots in ancient Ayurvedic medicine. It has many health benefits but is better known for its effectiveness as a natural nootropic.
The herb can stimulate nerve cells and create synapses more responsive to impulses by promoting the growth of the dendrite cells. In addition, it can positively affect the brain’s hippocampus, which is central to all the brain’s cognitive functions.
These outcomes of the herb improve neuronal communication, which boosts cognition abilities, memory retention, and learning. It has also been prescribed to individuals diagnosed with high levels of anxiety and depression because of its sedative-like relaxation effects.
4. Rhodiola Rosea
This herb, sometimes known as the “golden root,” is indigenous to the colder parts of Asia and Europe. Rhodiola Rosea has long been used as a natural tonic to promote good health, strength, endurance, and physical and mental well-being.
This natural nootropic prevents the enzymatic breakdown of neurotransmitters. These include dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. As a result, their concentration levels are increased, stabilizing mood, increasing motivation, and reducing mental exhaustion.
The supplement also medicates disorders like depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, and ADHD.
5. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s mane is a white, globe-like mushroom that has been used in cooking, as well as an alternative medicine to treat neurogenerative diseases.
The fungi are best known for their nootropic qualities, which include cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective benefits. Moreover, it has been demonstrated to boost the synthesis of the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), one of the proteins in charge of the expansion of nerve cells. The rise in the levels of NGF also prevents inflammation and encourages the growth of neurons while uplifting overall brain health.
6. L- Theanine
It is an amino acid commonly prevalent in tea leaves and some mushrooms. It is similar to glutamate, another amino acid naturally produced in the body. However, it has been seen to enhance the positive attributes of glutamate while cancelling out the negative ones.
Because of this, it promotes decreased stress and relaxes the brain without making the person feeling exhausted. A combination and caffeine and L-theanine can help with cognitive functioning and increasing focus. Individuals are generally rewarded with the ability to work for prolonged durations.
Over-the-counter supplements are available for this compound, but it is recommended to consume natural nootropics, preferably green tea or matcha.
Conclusion
Natural nootropics and alternative medicines may be the go-to solution for fast-paced individuals to boost their mental strength. Yet, it is crucial to administer only limited dosages, preferably with the advice of a doctor.
